Frequently Asked Questions About Our Services and Products

Permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo or colorant (pigment) in general, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance referred to as color re-enhancement or color refreshing. The scientific structure of pigments and the requirement for periodic refreshing is identical to that of tinted hair color; faded material on furniture that may be located near a window and subject to sun exposure; house paint that is exposed to the sun and other environmental elements; pigment implanted in the skin may fade with time. Longevity varies from person to person depending on their lifestyle (sun exposure), the color(s) used for the permanent cosmetic procedure and are also thought to be affected by topical products applied to the skin.

Permanent makeup is essentially a similar to tattoo, in which makes it appear as if you're always wearing makeup. The pigment is applied with a micro-needle (s) and it is recommended that you return for touch-up visits every 1 - 2 years. 

During the consultation, you and Yvonne will select the shades of your permanent makeup, and the shape / design will be drawn onto the areas on your skin to be pigmented. Permanent makeup is achieved by using hollow needle that releases color into a hole in your skin. Although pigment is applied to the top layer of skin only, the procedure may still sting -- just like it does when you get a tattoo. It takes about one -three weeks for the pigment to fade and a Perfecting Visit is required 4-6 weeks after your initial first procedure / visit.

Permanent makeup is also called micropigmentation or permanent cosmetics. The art of permanent makeup has become a specialized service within both the tattoo community and the cosmetic industry, and the field is growing as more technicians become available to treat a growing number of clients.

Most clients would report that permanent makeup is either painless or a minor discomfort. Many people assume permanent eyeliner is the most painful procedure. This is not the reality. There are topical, over the counter anesthetics that knowledgeable permanent makeup technicians use regularly, and Yvonne is adamant about using these topicals. She will begin every procedure by placing a topical anesthetic onto the area or areas that will be receiving the pigment and then the areas are occluded with a film or wrap anywhere from 10-20 minutes, depending on the product and location. This will limit the discomfort associated with the first needle pass, but even that pass is very mildly uncomfortable for most. 

Once the skin is broken, some of the most dramatic advances in the US market have to do with over the counter epinephrine products. These products not only severely reduce the pain, but the epinephrine also helps limit swelling. Consequently, many people feel the permanent eyeliner procedure causes some discomfort, but often not anywhere near the pain the person was anticipating. After the skin has been broken, it is usually pain free from that point. Of course, every person has a varied tolerance for pain. So, some of this is dependent upon the individual's pain tolerance. However, most people will agree, the little discomfort, if any, is worth it!

The initial procedure will generally take approximately 1 hr / 45 min to 2 hours; there are forms to fill out and the initial consultation; photographs will be taken; desired design and color to discuss; numbing before the procedure begins, then the procedure to perform; and the aftercare requirements to discuss. Follow up and/or the Perfecting Visit procedures usually do not require the same amount of time as these go much more quickly; usually half the of the initial visit. If doing several area's at once, be prepared to be there longer. 

Although the procedure is considered semi-permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent. Colors will appear darker immediately following the procedure but will soften, lighten and fade during the healing process. The healing time is different for each individual and procedure. It’s very important to realize that often the new procedure represents something somewhat different; at times color where there was no color at all or very little. It takes time to become acclimated to a new look (very often this applies to eyebrows which were sparse and unnoticeable before the permanent cosmetic brow procedure.)

Eyeliner color is more evident due to the contrast to the skin color. Lip color can take up to six weeks to reflect the final color. Be patient. After the procedure has healed, and you are able to make an informed decision about the healed version of the procedure, the only reason you should not like your permanent cosmetics is if you chose a technician who did not work with you on design and color. How could this happen?

It is recommended you do not try to match the eyebrow color based on your tinted scalp hair color. That is subject to change and it may affect how you then feel about the color of your permanent cosmetic eyebrows. Eyebrow color should be selected based on your skin undertone, the color of your eyebrow hair (if any), your eye and hair color, if that changes and how often and what best suits your comfort zone. Yvonne's philosophy is always to begin in the "conservative" manner as you can always add color but will have to wait for it to fade. 

Conversely, most well-trained technicians will not perform a procedure if the design and/or color requested by the client is not reasonable. If your requests are turned down by one or more technicians, re-think what you are asking for.

Permanent cosmetics are not easily removed. Make good decisions up front. You can enjoy the liberation permanent cosmetics provides when you do your research and choose a qualified professional that you work well with.

It is recommended you do not try to match the eyebrow color based on your tinted scalp hair color. That is subject to change and it may affect how you then feel about the color of your permanent cosmetic eyebrows. Eyebrow color should be selected based on your skin undertone, the color of your eyebrow hair (if any), your eye and hair color, if that changes and how often and what best suits your comfort zone. Yvonne's philosophy is always to begin in the "conservative" manner as you can always add color but will have to wait for it to fade.

Conversely, most well-trained technicians will not perform a procedure if the design and/or color requested by the client is not reasonable. If your requests are turned down by one or more technicians, re-think what you are asking for.

Permanent cosmetics are not easily removed. Make good decisions up front. You can enjoy the liberation permanent cosmetics provides when you do your research and choose a qualified professional that you work well with.

While eyebrows may show little after effect, eyeliner and lips may show slight to moderate swelling-almost as if you have cried for a long period of time or your allergies are bothering you. 

This is very dependent upon the amount of work performed. As examples; Permanent Eyebrows will show very little response to the tattooing procedure compared to a more moderate response when wide eyeliner is performed. The same philosophy applies to lip color procedures. A lip liner or blended lip liner will show less effects of the procedure than that of a full lip color.

Also, some people swell more from minor skin infractions than others. During the procedure there may be some minor bleeding. This again, is client specific. Many people take blood thinners on a daily basis so some slight bleeding would be expected. Others show little or no signs of bleeding. Bruising is rare but again, if a person is on blood thinners, bruising could occur. What is seen more often is that eyebrows rarely if ever produce any bruising; minor bruising during eyeliner procedures is possible if the skin being tattooed is very thin and close to the vascular system. This also applies to lip procedures in the event the client is more mature. If bruising does occur, typically it is minor and subsides in a few days.There is usually some tenderness for a day or two after the initial visit. The color is much darker than you may expect for the first six to ten days.

Usually what the individual is expecting MUCH worse in their own mind than the actual experience. Minor swelling and itching while healing are the two most common reported post healing items reported. 

Post Healing instructions: It is recommended the area or areas be iced 2 times the day of the initial visit and again the following day. A salve is to be applied to the area with a Q-tip (no cross contamination)... 2 to 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days. No swimming is allowed for 1 week after the procedure. No direct UV exposure is best for at least 1 to 2 weeks after the initial visit, however, sunblock can be used if necessary.(our Living Pure "Heavenly Healing Salve" has a natural SPF of 10-15). 

There are more detailed and specific instructions that will be discussed at the time of the consultation with Yvonne per area. But the above are the most common post-healing instructions for all areas.

Yes, the pigments that we use are Hypo-Allergenic and do NOT contain Iron-Oxides and are MRI safe.