PMU FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Permanent Makeup?

  -Permanent makeup is a tattoo service that enhances the eyebrows or lips with pigments/inks. It is a two-session process (not including consultation). In the first session, we map out the brows or lips for symmetry and balance, select color based on preference and skin/hair tones, and complete the tattoo. The second session is a touch-up which allows us to tweak, define, add more depth of color or saturation to complete the look. It lasts 1-3 years or more before a return touch up (“annual” touch up) is needed. Permanent makeup does fade slightly with time which is why touch ups are required every few years, but it being a tattoo means it will never fully fade 100% without some form of laser removal. A free in-person consultation is required before booking.

• How do you determine the proper brow look and shape?

  -At your consultation, we discuss in-depth your brow history, personal preferences as well as what you'd like to improve about your eyebrows. I will use that, plus your natural hair growth and bone structure to determine brow placement, overall thickness and shape. I use a detailed mapping process to create balanced brows. Color, saturation, and techniques used will greatly depend on your eyebrow hair color, skin tone and type, as well as other factors.

• Is this Microblading?

  -Permanent makeup is an umbrella term that does include microblading, but the technique and equipment I use are all tattoo machine based and performed with tattoo needle cartridges. I do not do microblading, which is the manual technique of using a blade arranged with tiny needles to create a cut in the form of a hairstroke.

• Is it painful?

  -I provide numbing cream before beginning the procedure and use a secondary numbing throughout the procedure. However, pain is subjective and tattooing does come with some pain or discomfort. Overall, lip blushing is generally more painful than eyebrow tattooing. Vast majority of my clients for both services are comfortable from beginning to end.

• Who is not eligible for permanent makeup?

  -Anyone under the age of 18, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone with active chemotherapy or cancer treatment (pre or post is fine) anyone with active skin disorders or infections in the area to be tattooed, anyone on Accutane in the last 12 months. Other more specific contraindications may be possible. We will discuss this during the consultation.