Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Permanent Makeup?
A: Permanent Makeup, is also called Micropigmentation and/or Cosmetic
Tattooing. Natural, mineral pigments are instilled in the surface of the
skin with a small, sterile and disposable needle to produce the
appearance of cosmetic makeup and enhance natural beauty.
Q: What is the difference between Permanent
Makeup/Micropigmentation and Body Tattooing?
A: Permanent Makeup/ Micropigmentation procedure is to enhance and
correct features and eliminate the need for daily makeup routine.
Body Tattooing is to create an artwork that stands out.
Permanent Makeup is softer and more subtle. It is meant to be a natural
looking beauty enhancement.
Body Tattooing use ink.
Permanent Makeup/Micropigmentation procedures involve
iron-oxide based pigments designed to gently fade over time. They also
allow the technician to make changes to color and shape as client's
natural coloration and facial changes occur.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and
during your procedure. Pain tolerance in every person varies and
different parts of the body may be more sensitive than others. You may
feel some discomfort so every effort is made to ensure you remain
comfortable during the whole procedure.
Q: Is Permanent Makeup safe?
A: Each procedure is done under strict sanitation and sterilization
rules. Autoclave is used for cotton balls, gauze, Q-tips and tools used
during the procedure. Only well-trained, certified technician
administers each procedure using disposable needles and parts. All
pigments are iron-oxide based and contain approved ingredients for
cosmetic use.
Q: What are the pigments made of?
A: Pigments come in variety of colors specially formulated with iron
oxide, an ingredient safe for the skin. Pigments made from organic
ingredients, such as vegetables have a high risk of carrying bacteria
and causing allergic reactions.
Q: Will the Permanent Makeup Eyebrows look
natural?
A: We use soft natural tones on the brows that compliment each client
and re-create hair strokes that give illusion of the real hair applying
the revolutionary and popular feathering technique. In addition to color
and technique the ideal brow shape is also important to achieve a
natural looking eyebrows.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: Client is booked on a 1-2 hour basis. Time varies for each procedure
and the client's sensitivity and tolerance.
Q: How long does Permanent Makeup last?
A: The procedure is permanent and will not wash off. However, it will fade over time and may need a retouch every 1-5 years. Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), iron deficiency (your body absorbs iron-oxide as a supplement), and if any chemical peels or other skin resurfacing such as microdermabrasion or laser come into contact with treated areas.
Q: What should I do before my procedure?
A: Eyebrows: If you have an ideal shape and color in mind, bring reference photos and your favorite eyebrow pencil or brow powder.
Eyeliners: Wear your regular glasses instead of your contact lenses. Do not wear mascara (especially water-proof mascara, because this is more difficult to remove, and will cause the eyes to be more irritated and sensitive).
Lips: If you had cold sores/fever blisters/herpes on or around the lips, you MUST obtain a prescription from your doctor and inform him/her about your intention to have permanent makeup/micropigmentation. Failure to take this antiviral medication may well cause an outbreak, which will compromise the results of your procedure.
If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan this trip a minimum 10 days after the procedure if possible. We also request our clients to avoid prescription blood thinners (if possible) for 24 hours prior to their appointment. These also include Vitamin E, Aspirin and Alcohol.
Q: How will I look immediately after? What is the healing process?
A: Your permanent makeup will appear darker and bigger than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten over the course of a week.
Eyebrows: Your eyebrows will appear thicker and much darker for up to 5 days post procedure until any scab peels off. The area may also be reddish and tender, so be gentle with your skin during the healing process and keep applying the aftercare product provided.
Eyeliners: Expect that your eyes will be swollen for up to 3 days (like how you would look after crying). Some careful maintenance is required to make the swelling go down faster.
Lips: Your lips will look very intense as well as become swollen for 2-4 days, depending on the individual. Usually the scab will peel off after 4-6 days. During this time, the color will look quite pale, only the lip line will show a light color. Be patient at this time until the skin matures which will take about 1-2 months until you can see a more natural result.
Q: What should I do after the procedure?
A: Post-care instructions is provided after the procedure. It is
beneficial to follow these instructions to ensure a good healing process
and to achieve the best results. The most essential aftercare is to keep
the treated area moist, not to rub or pick as the color will peel off,
and avoid extreme heat (like in saunas, jacuzzis, steam rooms, places
with hot humidity). For the lips, keep using the aftercare product
provided to you ( as a regular lip balm) to make the color last longer.
A cool compress is helpful to take down some of the swelling.
Q: How will my permanent makeup look in the
future?
A: For majority of the clients, their Permanent Makeup stays in the
ideal and true color. There are some cases however, which make colors
fade to different tones according to the individual's response to the
pigments (like skin tone and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect
these changes, in your follow up/touch up appointment we analyze how
your body has responded to the initial color. Special formula alteration
to correct the color and to prevent further color change is made at this
time.
Q: Can you correct the Permanent Makeup that
has been done badly?
A: Yes, there are options available to correct undesired color and color changed. The shape can also be altered and improved to complement the client's features and complexion. Pigment lightening agent can also be used to lighten or correct original work.
Q: What other procedure can Permanent
Makeup/Micropigmentation be useful for?
A: The most common procedures performed are eyebrows, eyeliner and lips.
But Permanent Makeup/Micropigmentation provides finishing touch to
surgical procedures, camouflaging scars, skin disorders and burns. It
can also be used to correct and faded color, areola restoration and
nipple re-pigmentation.
Q: What should I know about long term care?
A: A good sunscreen applied daily on treated area(s) is needed to keep
the true color. Sun exposure will make the color fade faster.
The pigment is iron-oxide based. Your body absorbs it as mineral irons,
so the color will fade over time. You may need touch-up every 1-5 years.
The fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure,
pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency, and if any
chemical peels were done after Permanent Makeup.
If you are planning a chemical peel, MRI or other medical procedure,
please inform the technician that you have had an iron-oxide based
permanent makeup.
If you are planning to have laser treatments, tell your laser specialist
to avoid the pigmented area. Laser may cause pigment to turn black.