Q-What is Permanent Makeup? A- Permanent Makeup is a cosmetic tattoo. It is implanting pigment into the Dermis Layer of the skin.
Q- How painful is the application? A- I use a Topical anesthetic for all procedures which eliminates most of the discomfort. Some clients experience discomfort due to varying pain tolerance and/or resistance to anesthetics. However it is also dependent on how careful your technician is. I am extremely gentle in my application. I commonly hear, “This is not bad.” “I thought this would hurt more.” Or my favorite, “Are you actually putting the color in right now?”
Q- How long does it take? A- The average Permanent Makeup Procedure takes an hour to two hours. Touchups can take anywhere from half the time to the full amount depending on what is left to accomplish. This is a process.
Q- How long does it last? A- On average, the Softap® method will last anywhere from 1-7 years. The Coil Machine method can last three times longer depending on skin type and care. Avoid tanning and using glycolic acids (fruit acids, which are commonly found in some toners, cleansers and moisturizers. Read the labels). This will help the durability of your Permanent Makeup.
Q- What is the recovery time? A- The swelling should disappear in about 3-5 days. You will be instructed to keep an occluding lubricant on your makeup for a week to two weeks depending on your procedure. You will be able to wear brand new makeup on your brows and eyeliner after 4 days and brand new makeup on your lips after 10 days. The time you will wait before receiving your Touchup will be, 4 weeks for brows and eyeliner, and 6 weeks for lips.
Q- Can I still wear regular makeup? A- Absolutely! This will just enhance any other cosmetics you use!
Q- What if I want to change my hair color? A- This is not really a concern when having your eyeliner or lips done. The colors I choose for brows are chosen according to the hues found in skin and hair, so that brows look natural with almost any coloring.
Q- Can I get cosmetic surgery if I have Permanent Makeup? A- Absolutely! Properly placed Permanent Makeup will not be affected. If you are planning on getting any lip injections, it is wise to get your Permanent Makeup done first as it will cut back on the discomfort.
Q- Am I safe? A- My clients’ health and safety are the most important parts of any and every procedure. I use pre-sterilized, one-time-use needles. All of my non-disposable equipment is barrier wrapped and cold-solution sterilized before and after each client.
Q- What should I expect afterwards? A- Dark makeup! DO NOT have your Permanent Makeup applied right before any major events. Wait 5 days for eyeliner and brows and 10 days for any lip procedures. The area will be tender and swollen for a few days. The color will oxidize immediately after the procedure and look “too dark”. This is good! It can mean less of a Touch-up. The area will peel leaving less intense color within days. You will book your follow up appointment 4-6 weeks out to perfect your makeup.
Q- How long are the procedures? A- It takes about 2 hrs for both Full Permanent Eyeliner and Brows; 3 hrs for Full Lips. Everything else takes less than an hour and a half. Thirty minutes to an hour of the procedure time we will review your medical history and thoroughly discuss your Permanent Makeup needs.
Q- How do I wisely choose a Permanent Makeup Artist? A- Always look at the Artists’ work. This will be displayed in Before and After photos. Make sure that their photos are their own. If their pictures are sloppy their work may be sloppy also. Ask them how they sanitize their work space and how frequently they do procedures. It is wise to ask them what brand of pigments they use. If you need help deciding on an Artist I would love to help. I am interested in your safety.
Q- What should I do to prepare? A- Please refer to the Pre-care instructions under the Info button on this website.
Q- What about changing styles? A- Thicker, fuller looking lashes, beautifully arched brows, evenly shaped, natural looking, luscious lips never go out of style. I help my clients figure out the most flattering, natural look for them. Maybe 10% of my clientele ask for something that is seasonal, like bright blue eyeliner or ruby red lips, but even these colors can be transformed into more natural colors later on.
Q- Should I worry about allergies? A- Yes and no. You should always be cautious, as it is possible to be allergic to the pigment or the topical anesthetic. You can have an allergy scratch test done by request if you are concerned. However I use only the brands of pigment that have never had any known allergic reactions (I’ve used these products on super sensitive clients and everyone has always turned out great!). Remember, Permanent Makeup is a wonderful alternative to cosmetics, if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Q- Will I still be able to have an MRI? A- I have read repeatedly that most people with tattoos, are fine, and have no symptoms when getting an MRI. However I have a close relative that could not receive an MRI because her skin burned due to her Permanent Makeup. Now this seems scary but there are other, possibly better, alternatives (such as CAT scans). I would not be concerned about this unless you are anticipating getting multiple MRIs and cannot use another alternative. Remember the experts say most people with tattoos will not have a problem.
