Frequently Asked Questions

  • Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing, semi-permanent makeup or micropigmentation, is a technique that places specially formulated pigments into the skin to enhance facial features such as the eyebrows, lips and lash line. Premium, hypoallergenic pigments are used to ensure colour fades evenly and naturally over time for natural-looking permanent makeup results.

    Permanent makeup deposits pigment about 1mm beneath the skin’s surface, while traditional tattoos use ink that is placed much deeper. These are two entirely different procedures and should not be confused, especially when comparing cosmetic tattooing vs tattoo ink or permanent makeup vs traditional tattooing.

    Results from permanent make up typically last between 12–18 months, depending on skin type, with mature skin often retaining pigment for longer. Permanent makeup is designed to enhance your natural features and heals like a skin tint — not like traditional makeup. Results are soft, natural, and realistic, with longevity depending on skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure and skincare.

  • Permanent makeup is suitable for almost everyone and is popular with clients looking for natural, low-maintenance beauty. It offers subtle, natural enhancement while reducing the need for daily makeup application. Clients of all ages choose these treatments for both aesthetic and practical reasons, including busy lifestyles, gym-goers, swimmers and anyone wanting smudge-proof, waterproof makeup that lasts. It is also particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing hair loss due to alopecia, those undergoing chemotherapy, or clients wanting realistic eyebrow restoration.

    • Enhances features for a fresher, more youthful appearance with natural-looking cosmetic tattooing.

    • Saves time by eliminating daily makeup application for a more low-maintenance beauty routine.

    • Improves or reshapes permanent makeup brows using natural hairstroke brows, nano brows or soft powder brows techniques.

    • Enhances lip blush colour, restores shape and fullness lost with age and transforms thin or uneven lips for natural-looking lips.

    • Defines the lash line enhancement, making lashes appear fuller and darker without the look of eyeliner (ideal for natural eyeliner tattoo results).

    • Smudge-proof and waterproof, ideal for active lifestyles, holidays, gym routines and everyday wear.

    • Helps restore brows affected by scarring, over-plucking, or thinning with brow correction and brow restoration.

    • Suitable for clients with alopecia or undergoing chemotherapy who want gentle, confidence-boosting definition.

    • Ideal for those with poor eyesight or limited dexterity who want easier daily routines without makeup.

  • Every treatment begins with a detailed consultation via telephone or in person, where we review your medical history and answer any questions. Although our pigments are hypoallergenic, a sensitivity test is required before treatment to confirm suitability. This can be carried out on the day of your appointment as a scratch (skin prick) test, arranged at the salon at least 48 hours prior to your booking, or sent to you by post. A deposit is then required to secure your booking. On the day of treatment, written consent forms are completed, and your chosen treatment (lash line enhancement, lip blush, or brows) is carefully mapped and tailored to you.

  • Permanent makeup is usually completed over more than one session. For best results, a top-up appointment is typically required 4–10 weeks after your initial treatment. Pigment will appear darker and more defined immediately after the procedure and will soften as the skin heals. Full healing can take up to 14 days.

  • For the best results, avoid caffeine on the day, minimise alcohol for 48 hours, and do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. ibuprofen) for 48 hours prior unless prescribed. Avoid Retin-A, AHA skincare products, and chemical peels near the treatment area for 4 weeks before treatment. For eyebrows, complete waxing/threading 7 days before, laser/electrolysis 2 weeks prior, and brow tinting no less than 4 days before. For lips, if you’re prone to cold sores, antiviral treatment is strongly recommended for 1 week before and 1 week after, and keeping lips well hydrated in the run up can support pigment retention.

  • Yes. A follow-up appointment is included in the price and is scheduled 4–8 weeks after your treatment. This allows us to perfect the result once the pigment has settled, refine shape and colour where needed, and help ensure longevity. You’ll also receive clear aftercare guidance straight after your appointment to support proper healing and colour retention.

  • Following aftercare instructions is essential for proper healing and long-lasting results. Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, itching, and flaking are normal during the first few days. Do not touch, pick, scratch, or rub the treated area, and allow any flaking or scabbing to fall away naturally. Avoid applying make-up directly on your brows or lips for the first week, and avoid skincare treatments including retinoids, swimming, saunas, sun exposure and excessive sweating while the area heals.

  • Healing varies by skin type, but the full healing process typically takes around 4–6 weeks. Colour may look darker at first, then soften, and it can also appear like hardly any pigment has held in the early days — this is completely normal. Over the following weeks, the colour will gradually reappear and settle as your skin repairs itself. Results should only be assessed after full healing and your top-up appointment, as this is often needed to achieve even colour retention.