FAQ

What Is PMU or Cosmetic Tattooing?

Permanent Makeup or Cosmetic tattooing very simply put is the art tattooing (or implanting) pigment into the skin to create designs resembling makeup. There are different names for it...semi-permanent, dermapigmentation, micro-pigmentation...it's all the same thing. When properly done, the pigment is implanted through the epidermal layer of the skin into the upper dermal layer of the skin.

Is It Safe? 

Yes if your technician is following proper protocols and guidelines. Make sure to do your due diligence and research to ensure they have the proper licensure and certifications and are following all the strict guidelines for sanitation and sterilization. I am licensed in Colorado by a State approved school and have my 132 hour certification as well as several advanced permanent makeup certifications. Yearly I take a state approved bloodborne pathogen training to make sure I am fully compliant with my county health department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). I use new single use sterile needles which are properly disposed of after each client, all machine parts are either disposable or sterilized after each client, my gloves are new and clean for each client and changed during the procedure as needed, my bed is covered properly for each client and the plastic sheet is disposed of properly after each procedure, as well as many other precautions to insure my clients safety as well as my own. You can read my bio and check out all my training and certifications here.

Does It Hurt?

The answer is...No, Yes, Maybe...with the high quality topical anesthetics available to us today, discomfort is minimal and works for most. The topical anesthetic is applied prior to the procedure. However everyone is different and everyone has a different tolerance to pain. So the answer is different for everyone, but most of my clients say it does not hurt. Once the first pass is completed a secondary anesthetic which helps to control swelling and bleeding is applied and in most cases, most people become very comfortable. In my experience some have even fallen asleep. I have a very light touch so the first pass of opening up the skin tends to be tolerable for most clients.

How Long Does It Last?

All color will fade which is why we need to have our color refreshed, get root touch-ups for our hair, re-paint our vehicles and homes, etc. Color fades, it just does, nothing lasts forever. Permanent makeup will last years for some and for others it will need to be refreshed annually. All permanent makeup fades due to the exfoliation process, this is the process of the epidermis continually shedding and regenerating itself. Permanent makeup will last longer for some and not as long for others due most importantly to lifestyle, health, and skin type. Other contributing factors that will accelerate fading are: sun exposure, using products that promote cell regeneration (Retin-A, Renova, Glycolics and Alpha Hydroxy Acids), extra oily skin which regenerates more rapidly, unhealthy skin, medications, and smoking.

What Is A Touch-Up, Do I Need One?

A touch-up is needed to complete the procedure process. It is used to "fine tune" the procedure process. At this appointment we make adjustments to shape, color or fullness. In all cases you will need at least one touch-up. However, in some cases you may need a second touch-up. We often put a second coat of paint on our nails when we get a manicure so they last longer, it is the same idea. We want our new eyebrows or eyeliner to last so a touch-up is needed.

Is There A Fee For The Touch-Up?

There is a fee to cover the cost of your touch-up. The fee is to cover the cost of the additional products needed for the touch-up. Some technicians are raising the prices of their procedures and giving you a free touch-up included in that higher price, while others are keeping the procedure prices lower and charging a small setup fee for the touch-up appointment. I have chosen to do the latter. This small setup fee covers the cost of the materials being used to perform the touch-up.

What Is A Refresher?

If you have made the decision to invest in permanent makeup, then you will want to keep your investment looking the very best it can. This means you will need periodic maintenance appointments approximately 1-8 years after completing your initial procedure and touch-up process. You will do this with color refresher appointments. Color fades due to the exfoliation process, it simply does, which means your permanent makeup will fade over time. In order to keep your eyebrows or eyeliner looking fresh, natural looking and its best most clients choose an annual refresher appointment.

Is There A Fee For The Refresher Appointment?

Yes, there is a fee associated with the refresher appointment based on time lapsed since your completed initial procedure and touch-up process. However, it is a fraction of the initial procedure cost. 

Who Should Get Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup can help many people for many reasons. It is as simple as "waking up with makeup" and adding a few extra minutes to your morning OR it can assist people with more complicated issues like:

*People suffering from Trichotillomania

*Allergies to topical makeup or skin sensitivities

*Albinism

*Loss of hair due to thinning or scars

*People with an unsteady hand or poor motor skills due to Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis

*People with poor vision and are unable to see well enough to apply makeup

*People with busy lifestyles and hectic work schedules who want to look their best all the time

*People who enjoy working out at the gym, yoga, swimming, hiking, biking, cycling, running, pure barre, etc.