Preparing for Permanent Makeup

Preparing for Permanent Makeup

Here are some important things to consider that will make your permanent makeup appointment as successful as possible.

There are some important things to know about permanent makeup and how it compares to everyday makeup.  One of the main differences between the two, is that permanent makeup is placed into your skin, and everyday makeup is applied on top of your skin.  Getting pigment into your skin permanently involves a cosmetic tattoo process.  This can be done manually (ex: microblading) or with a machine (ex: digitally).  Here are some important things to consider that will make your permanent makeup appointment as successful as possible:

Your Skin is Our Canvas

Permanent Makeup can be done on most people, but healthy skin takes the pigment easily, heals quickly, and yields a beautiful result.  If your skin is extremely dry, cracked, or delicate, we suggest pretreating your skin with Aquaphor or a heavy moisturizer nightly.  Our professional skin treatments are also a great way to precondition your skin for permanent makeup.  A series of our facial treatments can be done several weeks or months before your permanent makeup and some of our facial treatments such as Hydrafacials, Dermaplaning, and Microdermabrasion are safe to have on the same day as your permanent makeup, as they provide a thorough cleansing and exfoliation of the skin.

The Color will look more Intense for up to 10 Days

Immediately after your permanent makeup procedure, the color will likely appear more intense.  This is because you are seeing color on top of your skin, as well as under your skin.  The top layer of your skin is made up of dead skin cells, therefore, you will shed 30-40% of your color over the first week.  Every client is different, but most people fade the most during the first 3-5 days and continue fading for up to 10 days. 

If you are using a Lash Growth Product or wearing Lash Extensions: Discontinue use before Permanent Eyeliner

If you are having eyeliner done and you are using a lash growth product such as Revitalash, Lash Boost, or Latisse, it is strongly advised to stop using the product for 6 to 8 weeks prior to your appointment.  Lash growth products work by stimulating blood flow to the lashes, therefore, they increase your chance of bruising or bleeding during your permanent eyeliner session.  It is also strongly advised to hold off on resuming lash growth products until two weeks after the permanent eyeliner is applied.  Eyelash Extensions and strip lashes should be removed prior to your permanent eyeliner appointment because they create more tension and sensitivity during the permanent eyeliner process, and they also pose a higher risk of infection and poor healing.

Minor Bruising and/or Swelling is Possible

Discontinue Blood Thinning Supplements and Medications if Possible and Do not drink Alcohol the night before or the day of your permanent Makeup Procedure

Minor Bruising and/ or swelling may occur in the area that permanent makeup was applied.  Ice and/or LED healing light can be applied immediately after your treatment to reduce these common effects.  Typically, the bruising and/or swelling is minimal and doesn’t interfere with daily activity and many of our clients don’t bruise or swell at all.  The bruising or swelling is usually gone within the first couple of days.  If you are taking any kind of blood thinning medication, vitamins or supplements, you will want to stop taking them 3 days to one week prior to your appointment. Some examples of over the counter blood thinners include: Motrin, Aspirin, Fish Oil, Co-Q10, and Vitamin E.  If it is harmful to stop, please do not stop, but be aware it could have an impact on the healing process.  If blood thinners were prescribed by your Doctor, please consult with your Doctor before stopping any medication or supplement.  If you are prone to bruising, arnica can be taken for 3 days before your procedure and used through the healing process.

If you are prone to Cold Sores: Pre-medicate before the Permanent Lip Procedure

If you are having your lips done and are prone to cold sores, it would be best to premedicate starting the day before with an oral medication to keep the virus from developing. The prescription can be obtained through your dentist, physician or our medical director. This oral medication is used to help keep the sores from erupting. If you have never had a cold sore you do not need to pretreat with medication.  Over the counter Lysine may also be used in place of or in addition to the prescription medication.

Additional Professional Recommendations

  • Women who are Pregnant or Nursing are not Candidates for Permanent Makeup.
  • If you are a cancer patient, you will need medical clearance before having permanent makeup.
  • You should not have an MRI during your permanent makeup healing process (at least 6 weeks).
  • If you have had Botox, you should wait at least 2 weeks after your Botox treatment before having permanent makeup applied.
  • Do not shave or wax your eyebrows before a permanent eyebrow or microblading appointment.  We prefer to see your natural eyebrow growth pattern before designing your brows.
  • If you wear contacts, you’ll want to bring your glasses to wear after eyeliner.