What are Permanent Cosmetics?

Permanent cosmetics, also called permanent makeup, cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation, and dermal pigmentation, refer to the process of tattooing pigment into the second (dermal) layer or the skin. Tattooing is a permanent process, hence the term permanent cosmetics.

Why Consider Permanent Cosmetics?

There are many reasons to consider permanent cosmetic services, but most importantly, it restores color and definition to absent or sparse eyebrows, softly defines or dramatically accents eyes, and enhances the color and shape of lips. Permanent cosmetics help achieve a finished appearance for timeless, effortless beauty. Things that made us once self-conscious about our appearance will no longer be an issue. 

Are the Procedures Safe?

Intradermal pigmentation is a revolutionary method of placing natural mineral based pigments into the dermal layer of skin. This state of the art technique is medically proven to be safe. Permanent cosmetics have been safely applied throughout the ages in the quest for beauty. These procedures offer a safe and smudge-proof alternative to topically applied makeup products.

At LC's Cosmetic Tattoo Artistry & Age of Innocence Salon...

• All supplies used for procedures are NEW and STERILE.
• A combination of 99.9% alcohol, a UV sterilizer, Let’s Touch, OPI Spa Complete, and a Steam Autoclave are used to sterilize any and all equipment.
• Needles are disposed of in a RED SHARPS CONTAINER, which is emptied properly.
• Sheets and capes are freshly washed and laundered after each client.
• Extreme care is taken for your sanitation and safety. 
• Lauren is up-to-date certified in Blood Borne Pathogens, a member of the SPCP, and the CPCP, recognizing the highest level of knowledge in safety and sanitation. 

What is the consultation like? Does it cost anything?

A consultation fee is waived if the procedure is performed on the same day. If the procedure is not performed, a consultation fee of $50 is charged. If the procedure is booked on a later date, a $50 fee will still apply, but $25 will be deducted from the procedural cost on the day of the procedure.

Eyebrows, eyeliner and lips will be drawn on with pencil first so the artist and the client like and agree on the shape before tattooing begins.

A color will be chosen based on the client’s skin type. Lauren has an array of 75+ colors to choose from. Colors will be shown to clients and placed on the skin of the forehead prior to the procedure so that clients are comfortable with the color choice.

What is the difference between microblading and a Powder fill?

Microblading is the art of drawing individual eyebrow and hair strokes on the brow, alluding to the appearance of extra natural eyebrow hairs. This technique is a great tool for those who already have a lot of eyebrow hairs, but need a few tweaks in certain places, or a higher arch, etc. A powder-fill brow is the art of tattooing pigment to look like a beautifully penciled in eyebrow. This will give more coverage than microblading. Each technique is great for certain clients. Depending on the client and her brows, Lauren usually recommends to combine both techniques for the most optimum results. Your options and what you are best suited for will be discussed during the consultation. 

Should i come with my eyebrows drawn on?

This is totally up to you! You can come with them drawn on, or come with them bare. If you come with them drawn on, Lauren asks that you take a before picture before arriving. During the consultation, Lauren will assess your eyebrows and your eyebrow shape before beginning. She will draw on your eyebrows, or suggest ways to improve the shape you have already drawn on. Tattooing does not begin until the shape is drawn on with pencil and you and she are completely satisfied with the shape and design! 

DO i need to shave my eyebrows?

No! You do not need to shave your eyebrows! Eyebrows will be shaped when you get here by Lauren. The more eyebrows you have, the more natural the tattooing will look! We will try to savor as many eyebrow hairs as possible, but the nice thing about the cosmetic tattooing is that we can completely reshape your brow to make the best shape for your facial structure! In the future, eyebrows can be waxed and plucked normally. But now that you will be tattooed, it won't matter if you pluck too many by accident! HA! 

I don't want my eyebrows to look black, Will they?

Your eyebrows will NOT look BLACK! Lauren has an array of 75+ pigment shades to choose for each specific skin color and type. We have pigment shades from as light as the lightest blonde to the darkest brown. Eyebrow pigment will never be tattooed with black ink, unless African American descent. All possible pigment shades are placed on the forehead (not tattooed!!) of the client before tattooing begins. You will see and agree to the color before tattooing starts. After initial procedure, eyebrows will appear dark and vivid for 3-5 days before peeling. This is not the color the eyebrow will be. Eyebrows will peel and soften to a much more natural shade upon healing. Healing instructions will be given after procedure. Please plan tattoo procedure accordingly. 

Does it hurt?

Unlike a regular tattoo, you will get topically numb with a cream lidocaine. The lidocaine used is a top quality brand, so you will not feel much of anything. Initially, eyebrows will feel like a cat scratching, until you are fully numb. Once fully numb, the procedure will be mostly painless. It has been said, eyebrows are the least painful. Eyeliner is numb as well, however the lidocaine can cause some burning sensations that only last for a second or two. Other than the burning sensations, most people do not feel the tattoo needles. Lips are also fully numb, but certain places on the lip may not be as numb as other places. Every person is different, so pain endurance may differ accordingly. 

As i grow old, will my tattoo look weird?

As you grow older, your tattoo will not look strange. If you do not keep up with yearly colorboosts, the tattoo color will naturally fade "naked" to the visible eye. If you did want to keep up with eyebrow tattooing, shape and color can continue to be tweaked each time you get a colorboost. In addition, as your skin ages and falls, so will the tattoo. You have nothing to fear about the tattoo being one place and your eyebrow being another place. The tattooed eyebrow will continue to lower with your natural skin. Plastic surgery can always play a role in lifting the skin if this was something that bothered you. 

WHAT WILL I LOOK LIKE AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

All permanent cosmetics will appear dark and vivid for days 1-3/4/5. Procedures will peel and fade within that first week and soften to a much lighter and natural shade. When planning your procedure, some clients feel it best not to make any social plans for 2-3 days following the procedure. It is always best to avoid these procedures prior to important life events such as weddings. Procedures may take longer than expected to be complete under some circumstances.

IS IT REALLY PERMANENT? WILL I NEED A TOUCH-UP?

Permanent cosmetics is cosmetic tattooing. Like all tattoos, it is permanent; however, unlike all tattoos, it will soften and fade with time. If untouched with color boosts yearly, pigment will slowly fade "naked" to the natural eye. Longevity of the appearance of permanent cosmetic makeup can be affected by sun exposure, skin products, and the natural aging process. It is also possible that a person’s health profile may have some affect as well. Periodic touch-up appointments can keep the color looking fresh and timeless. Color-boosts are usually only one session. Eyebrows will need a color-boost anywhere from 8 months-2 years. Eyeliner = anywhere from 1-10 years. Lips = anywhere from 1-5 years. Pricing for color-boosts are located in the prices section.

DOes my skin type affect my tattoo?

Yes. Your skin type can affect your tattoo. Everyone is different. Some take the pigment within two sessions; some may need six+ sessions. There is no formula to tell you how your skin will react; however, Lauren suggests that if you continue to pencil your brows in, or you notice a spot that needs to be tweaked, it is best to call her and she can easily get you set up with a follow-up appointment. There is no such thing as TOO MANY appointments! Lauren works until you are satisfied and happy! 

With that being said, certain skin types and varieties can extend the tattoo process. If you bleed more than the average client, have diabetes, have oily skin, have very thick skin, have pitted or older skin, these things are OK and not an issue, but they may prolong the process. People with these skin types may need more than two visits. 

Can Permanent Cosmetics Be Removed?

Lauren is well trained in the use of Rejuvi Tattoo Remover. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimum results. Multiple sessions of red light and chemical peels, administered by AOI’s trained estheticians, may be used to lighten tattoos. In more severe cases, Dr. Collini, at The Renaissance Center for Plastic Surgery, can perform laser treatments for tattoo removal. Tattoo removal services require time and patience. If a client is interested in tattoo removal, a more detailed plan will be discussed during a consultation.

It is important to recognize that tattoo removal is very difficult. While there are options for removal, you may not always get the desired result.