Permanent makeup (PMU) is a cosmetic eyebrow tattoo procedure that involves implanting coloured pigments into the skin using a tattoo machine and needle, to enhance your eyebrows. Also known as semi-permanent makeup (SPMU), micropigmentation or cosmetic tattooing.
This is a shading technique done with a machine. Tiny pixels of coloured pigment are implanted into the skin creating a powdery finish – perfect for those that are used to pencilling in their brows everyday. Healed results can be soft and natural looking (like a fresh eyebrow tint), or more dense with an ombré graduation (replicating conventional makeup products). Powder/ombré brows are suitable for all skin types and any amount of natural brow hair.
Pigment is implanted into the skin by machine in a pattern that mimics real eyebrow hairs similarly to microblading. Katie opts for machine hairstrokes over microblading due to minimal skin trauma with a machine and less chance of scarring. This is a more gentle technique and is actually suitable for all skin types, even oily, unlike microblading. However this style of brow is not recommended if you have lots of thick, coarse natural hair because this is difficult to blend hairs with a tattoo.
Using both hairstrokes and shading techniques combined to create permanent brows. This style is ideal for anybody seeking to have permanent eyebrows with any amount of brow hair due to its natural yet defined results. A combination brow would look great every day with or without makeup.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions specifically about permanent eyebrow makeup. If you can’t find your answer on our website, simply use the “contact us” page to send a message, or book a free permanent makeup consultation to ask Katie in person!
Fear not! At your consultation Katie will go through all the possible styles of permanent makeup up brows (powder/ombre, hairstrokes, combination brows), your decision will be influenced by the amount of natural brow hair you have, the makeup you may or may not apply daily, and your skin type also plays a key part; some techniques are better suited to specific skins.
Permanent makeup is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Therefore if you’d like to keep your brows looking fresh, a colour boost is recommended every 18 months for the average client. However it is important that you allow the tattoo to fade enough between treatments to make room in the skin for new pigment without masking the existing tattoo look “slug-like” and over-done. How long the tattoo lasts depends on a number of variables such as skin type, health, skincare products and lifestyle. There is no guarantee that the pigment will ever fully fade out but it is expected to lighten with time. Some clients like to wax and tint their eyebrows still after having permanent makeup because the growth and colour of natural brow hair remains unchanged.
As with all permanent makeup treatments there are a number of contraindications to be aware of. These will be highlighted/explained during your consultation via the medical consent form and through discussions. The most common being (but not limited to) under 18 years old, pregnant or breastfeeding, diabetes, blood thinning medication & blood clotting disorders, skin diseases such as shingles, psoriasis or eczema on the area of treatment, keloid scarring, HIV/Hepatitis, or if you’re taking skin medications like roaccutane and steroids.
