FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Permanent Makeup (PMU) or Cosmetic Tattooing?
The process of cosmetic tattooing is similar to getting a regular ink tattoo: I use a brand-new needle to inject mineral-based pigments into the skin. Although the name refers to “permanent,” modern-day cosmetic tattoos use powder pigments that fade naturally as time passes, so eventually (usually between 4-7 years, but can be as early as 2 years) you will want what I call a Color Boost to keep your permanent makeup refreshed. Think of it more as semi-permanent more than permanent.
Am I a candidate for permanent makeup?
Unfortunately, you are not a candidate for PMU (at least for now!) if you are:
- Pregnant
- Nursing
- Currently uncontrolled diabetic
How does PMU differ from microblading?
A question I get all the time is, “How is permanent makeup different than microblading?” Microblading is a form of PMU in which the pigment is deposited manually into the outer layer of your skin with the use of a manual handtool used to create a light-depth tattoo. Because the techniques is so shallow, microblading only lasts from 9-18 months.
The permanent makeup techniques I use requires the use of a highly specialized digital rotary pen to deposit pigment into the deeper dermal layer of the skin producing a longer lasting brow, eyeliner or lip tattoo. My method will last anywhere from 4-7 years. My techniques also afford me the ability to achieve many different types of finishes, including a soft powdery finish, shading as well as the precision hair strokes that microblading offers, only it lasts so much longer!
What sets me apart from other PMU artists?
There are many PMU artists out there, so why choose me? I was trained by Christianne Morris of Permanent Makeup Utah, a leader in the industry here in Utah for nearly 20 years. I have been taught unique and highly specialized, time honored techniques that allow me to give you a more reliable, long-lasting result. I have the specialized training and experience to offer procedures that most PMU artists don’t, like the ability to connect your eyeliner in the outer corner. I also insist on doing a lash enhancement as part of every liner I do to give your lashes the full, youthful and finished look you want; a procedure most PMU artists offer as an additional, separate procedure. Not only do I have the technical skills and acute attention to detail to perform your procedures, but I have also been extensively trained on bone structure, facial shape recognition, skin tone and even how to honor your personality through the colors and shapes your face naturally expresses. My goal is to accentuate your features to bring out your unique beauty.
How long will my permanent makeup last?
Approximately 4-7 years. If you use sunscreen it will last longer. Avoid using retina-A, alpha hydroxy acids and other exfoliating agents on your tattoos as they may cause premature fading.
How long does the procedure take?
Around 2-3 hours for new procedures and 1.5-2 hours for touch ups or Color Boosts. Bring your favorite colored powder, pencil or liquid makeup. We will look at them and ensure it’s the proper color for your procedure. If you have a way you like to do your make up, come with your makeup already applied so I can see it.
Does it hurt?
While everyone has a different comfort level, many clients experiencing very little pain and minimal discomfort. Many people actually fall asleep during their procedures! That being said, even with topical anesthetic some clients may still experience slight pain. It is about as painful as having your eyebrows waxed or threaded. If you are menstruating, your sensitivity may increase. I do strategic numbing multiple times throughout the service to keep you as comfortable as possible. Caffeine will stimulate the nerves and should be avoided the day of your procedure. Though not usually required, if you generally have a hard time numbing at the dentist office, ask your doctor or dentist about options for a prescription muscle relaxer or a low dose pain controller.
Can I get the exact color I want?
Bring your favorite colored powder, pencil or liquid makeup. We will look at them and ensure it’s the proper color for your procedure and match it as close as possible. If you have a way you like to do your make up, come with your makeup already applied so I can see it.
Can I get the exact shape I want?
Each brow, eyeliner and lip shape is customized to each client to compliment your individual bone structure, face shapes, skin tone and even personality. If you have favorite reference photos, bring them with you! If you have a way you like to do your make up, come with your makeup already applied so I can see it. During consultation, I will pre-draw the agreed upon shapes with specialized pencils to show you exactly where your permanent makeup will be applied before we start the procedure.
How many appointments are necessary?
Clients usually require 2 appointments; the initial procedure and one touch up session. Most people only need one touch up. It is recommended to schedule your touch up between 4-6 weeks after your initial procedure. Touch ups are $50 and must be scheduled no later than 6 months after your initial procedure. One touch up is recommended, though more than one are available if needed to achieve desired result. Everyone’s skin is different, so there are some clients who require additional touch ups due to poor pigments retention or specifically to correct a previous artist’s work.
Why are touch ups recommended?
A touch up is necessary because everyone heals differently and therefore the outcomes vary. After the recovery period, brows or lips may appear lighter, uneven, or patchy in some areas. You can often expect to lose 30%-%50 of the initial pigment. This is a normal part of skin healing and regeneration that you can’t control and the reason we suggest a touch up 4-6 weeks later. Sometimes it is also necessary to adjust the color or shape by adding more strokes. In the touch up session, the final adjustments are made to assure the client’s satisfaction. The skin needs to be fully healed before your touch up can be done.
Will my permanent makeup turn strange colors?
No! I use only the best quality pigments in my procedures! Low quality, inexpensive pigments containing high levels of iron oxide are to blame for those strange colors. When implanted, pigments that contain high levels of iron oxides can sometimes disappear in a few days or worse, turn pink or purple in a few months. The body, performing its natural functions and processes, absorb that iron as it would any iron supplement. The remaining cosmetic color will disperse either leaving a pink, purple or blue discoloration or disappearing completely. I DO NOT USE THESE PIGMENTS! Your permanent makeup will gently fade over time, but when it does, it will fade into soft, natural colors because I use nothing but stable, high quality pigments.
Can my permanent makeup be removed?
I don’t anticipate you being anything less than thrilled with your permanent makeup, but if desired, I can lighten, darken or change the color. I also offer saline tattoo removal, a safe and highly effective method of removal. If your color fades, or have faded undesirable colors from a previous artist’s work, I can color correct that too!