Permanent Makeup FAQ

Permanent makeup is considered safe when performed by a properly trained, licensed, and experienced artist using sterile tools and high-quality pigments. The procedure involves implanting pigment into the upper layers of the skin with specialized techniques designed for the face. Safety also depends on proper sanitation, single-use needles, medical-grade pigments, and thorough pre-screening of clients. A detailed consultation is essential to review medical history, skin conditions, and contraindications. As with any cosmetic procedure, following proper aftercare instructions is critical for safe healing and optimal results.

Most clients agree that these services causes very minor discomfort! A high-grade topical anesthetic is applied to the skin before the procedure and then another is applied again once the process has begun to work even deeper into the skin. Most clients will describe the pain level at a 1-3 (on a scale of 1-10) at the start of the session, and then a 0-1 once the second topical anesthetic has been applied.

Veronica is an expert permanent makeup artist who has mastered many advanced techniques in each area. New clients can book a service for eyebrows, lips, or eyeliner (we also offer a bundle discount offer when you book 2 or more services together!). When you come in for your scheduled service, together we will have a very thorough consultation at the start of each appointment. We will discuss in depth the different techniques, and determine together which is best for you, your skin type, your desired look- and customize the service/look to fit you best! Veronica takes many factors into consideration including skin type, lifestyle, skin tone, hair color, facial features and structure & more!

Microblading was amazing and new a few years ago. Most of us very educated, advanced master artists will educate you on why that is something we are moving away from, and what WAY better options are available now! “Microblading” is used more like an umbrella term now, it is not the actual technique we offer and here is why! The common misconception about Microblading being “better” or “more natural” has been proven wrong over time. As an advanced expert artist, Veronica will always strive to be the best and stay on top of the latest and greatest techniques. It’s SO important in our ever growing and changing industry. We have learned that very little people are actually considered “ideal” candidates for traditional ‘Microblading’. Even if you see a photo of gorgeous, fresh, crisp, fine hair-like strokes on social media or other sites.. you can bet they will NEVER stay that way. Over time the lines will expand and blur and become less realistic looking. Microblading has been found to cause an excess of scar tissue build up in the skin because of the extremely invasive technique (which is making cuts continuously over and over into the skin, then pushing pigment in). It’s very invasive and traumatizing to the skin. It fades much faster than anything done with a machine (like powder). Which means it requires much more frequent touch ups, which builds more scar tissue. The issue with that is that eventually you will no longer be able to even implant pigment into the skin anymore through the scar tissue, defeating the entire purpose of having them done right? So, any form of powder/shading is going to look the best, heal the best, and age the best over time. It’s much less invasive (when done properly). More gentle, virtually painless. And ideal for ALL skin types including mature, thin, or extremely oily. We still create totally custom brows to each individual and your needs, facial features and proportions. We custom create the color perfect for your skin tone and shade, and hair color!

During the initial thorough consultation, which is done at the start of every single appointment, your licensed permanent makeup artist will map, measure and create your guide/outline based on your facial features, proportions and desired look. You are welcome to bring in photos for inspiration! Your artist will create the desired outline/guide of your new (brows or lips) in pencil based on the look you both decide on. This will help guarantee the shape will fit and frame your face perfectly, as well as be symmetrical. This will also help give you a visual of what to expect before beginning!

"Semi-permanent" means the tattoo is not planted as deep into the dermis & is not using permanent ink as a typical traditional tattoo. The pigments we use are more realistic to natural hair color or makeup colors that can be formulated and customized to each individual and their needs. All the most current advanced semi-permanent makeup techniques offered are extremely gentle, soft and non-invasive. You can maintain your new semi-permanent makeup over time with touch-ups to refresh them (or have them altered if desired).

For most clients, a minimum of two sessions are usually needed, no sooner than 8 weeks apart. With most procedures, the color looks lighter after the first week or 2. Some clients prefer this, while others prefer a bolder look. At the second session, we will assess the color retention and make any modifications and adjustments as needed. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your semi-permanent tattoo did not heal properly after the first session, do not worry! We can always make changes and adjustments at the next appointment! It is a 2-step process for a reason, and the second session is the "perfecting" session. We can always go darker, add more density, change or alter the shape, size, color, etc. at your next appointment.

Preparing for your Medical Micropigmentation (Med Mic) appointment is crucial for optimal results. Follow our guidelines here,(https://www.elitebeautybyv.com/pre-appointment) including avoiding blood thinners, skin lightening products, and alcohol beforehand, and plan for proper aftercare.

The length of time before needing another refresh touch-up varies by person and depends on how your skin heals, your lifestyle, skin type, and how your skin accepts the ink and whether long term aftercare instructions were properly followed, and how soft/natural the tattoo was done. KEEP IN MIND: The lighter and softer a service is, the more frequent you will need touch ups. On average though, the typical average client will get touch ups approximately every: Brows: 1-3 years Lips: 1-3 years Liner: 2-5 years THIS AVERAGES OUT TO ONLY BE ABOUT $16-$30 a month for the average client to maintain and keep up their tattoo!

We do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

Nano brow is a form of hyper-realistic hair strokes created with a machine. See our pricing here. (https://www.elitebeautybyv.com/services)

Nano brow is suitable for all skin types including oily or mature. It is ideal for those with thin or sparse (little to none) natural brow hair. It is NOT ideal for those with already thick/full brows or very coarse brow hair. Nano brow is a very gentle, minimally invasive technique in which we create realistic looking hair. Because this technique is so soft and realistic, it will require more frequent maintenance than other techniques such as powder brows. It is recommended to come in at least once per year for nano brow maintenance refresh unless you’d like to allow your pigment to fully fade in time, which of course is your choice! It’s a great option for those that like a natural look, or are afraid of extended long term commitment.

This extremely advanced technique is very intricate and takes a significant more amount of time to create than other techniques. This service price is a reflection of the additional time, training, work, and effort that goes into carefully curating it. See our pricing here.(https://www.elitebeautybyv.com/services)

Yes, there are multiple options available for those who have had previous tattooing done. We are skilled at corrective and cover-up work when it’s an option and we also offer saline lightening/removal for clients who have work that cannot be fixed with correction/cover-up alone. Consultations are always free and required before booking a service on an area that has previous work such as microblading.

Permanent makeup differs from traditional tattoos in depth, technique, pigment type, and longevity. Permanent makeup is implanted much more superficially into the skin, while traditional tattoos are placed deeper into the dermis. The pigments used in permanent makeup are specifically formulated for facial use and are designed to look softer and more natural, and fade gradually over time. Traditional tattoos use ink meant to last permanently and often contain heavier metals. Because of these differences, permanent makeup typically fades softly and naturally, allowing adjustments as facial features and trends change.

Brow healing generally takes 7–14 days on the surface, with complete internal healing occurring over6 weeks. During the first week, brows may appear darker, slightly swollen, and may scab or flake lightly. Around days 7–10, the brows often look lighter or patchy as the skin regenerates. Color gradually returns and settles over the following weeks. Final results are visible around the 6 week mark, which is why touch-up appointments are typically scheduled at that time.

Lip blush may not be suitable for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have uncontrolled diabetes, active cold sores, certain autoimmune disorders, blood-borne conditions, or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Clients with a history of frequent cold sores must take antiviral medication prior to treatment. Those prone to keloid scarring or with very dark lip tones may require additional consultation to ensure realistic expectations and safe outcomes. A thorough consultation is always required to determine candidacy.

Lip blush healing typically takes 7–10 days, with full color results developing over 6–8 weeks. Immediately after treatment, lips may appear swollen and more vibrant in color. During days 3–5, lips often peel or flake lightly. Once peeling completes, the color may appear very soft or faded at first. Over the next several weeks, pigment resurfaces and stabilizes. A touch-up appointment is usually recommended after healing is complete.

Yes, lip blush can help improve the appearance of uneven lip tone, asymmetry, and border definition. It can enhance natural lip shape, add subtle fullness visually, and neutralize discoloration caused by scarring or pigmentation. However, lip blush does not physically change the lips or replace dermal fillers. Results are subtle and natural, designed to enhance — not dramatically alter — the lips. A consultation helps determine what corrections are realistically achievable.

Yes, you can get permanent eyeliner if you have eyelash extensions, but extensions must be removed before your appointment. This allows for proper access to the lash line, ensures accuracy, and maintains safety and sanitation  during the procedure. Once healing is complete in 6-8 weeks, lash extensions can be reapplied. Please keep in mind that every service is a 2 step process, so we recommend waiting to get lash extensions until after you have fully healed from both eyeliner sessions.

Permanent eyeliner is generally safe for individuals with sensitive eyes or those who wear contact lenses, as long as proper precautions are taken. Contact lenses must be removed during the procedure and can typically be worn again the following day. However, for best results we personally recommend waiting at least 7-10 days after eyeliner procedure before wearing contacts again. Glasses can be worn during healing.   Clients with sensitive eyes may experience temporary watering or swelling, which usually subsides within 24–48 hours. A consultation is important to discuss allergies, sensitivities, and eye conditions prior to treatment.

Permanent eyeliner typically lasts 2-3 years, depending on skin type, lifestyle, pigment choice, and sun exposure. Oily skin, frequent exfoliation, and UV exposure can cause pigment to fade more quickly. Black pigment stays in the skin the longest, and lighter color choices such as brown will typically begin to fade sooner.  Most clients choose to refresh their eyeliner every 2-3 years to maintain color intensity and shape. Fading is gradual, allowing for adjustments over time.