What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup or micropigmentation also refered to as PMU is a technique in which hypoallergenic pigment is embedded into the skin.
The pigment is deposited in the uppermost layer of the dermis compared to a traditional tattoo that does much deeper. Permanent makeup tends to NOT use carbon based pigments which enables the body to successfully break the pigment down more sucessfully.
How long does Permanent Makeup last?
Permanent makeup can last upwards of 3-5 years depending on the treatment. Because it is pigment that has been enbedded under the skin it doesn’t wash or rub off but will naturally fade over time. I usually suggest yearly top ups to keep the colour looking fresh and vibrant but this is a guideline and down to individual preference.
There are a number of factors that must be looked at when talking about the longevity of permanent makeup. Firstly the treatment you have had and the colour pigment you have chosen. Darker pigments tend to hold better in the skin than lighter pigments due to the pigment composition and structure.
Life style also plays a large role in how long your makeup will last. For example someone who spends a great amount of time outdoors and has more exposure to sunlight or sunbeds will probably see a greater fading of their makeup than someone who spends most of their time indoors. The sun is a great factor in permanent makeup retention. Remember to protect your treated areas with a 50+ sunblock if you wish to get the most out of it.
Chemical peels, exfoliators, retinol, tinting and lengthening serums can also cause fading, more so than someone who doesn’t use these products.
Does it hurt?
Before and during all procedures topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) is applied to the area. This is to ensure that you are as comfortable as you can be. Pain thresholds vary depending on the person. What one person may find uncomfortable another person may find fine. Your menstrual cycle will also play a part in how comfortable the procedure is. Please bare this in mind when booking your appointment.
What is the difference between Microblading and Powder brows?
Although Microblading and Powder brows are both permanent makeup they have noticable difference in finishes and retention.
Microblading uses a hand held blade of very fine needles. This is then used to implant pigment into the skin in a variety of small strokes to resemble hairs, giving definition to the brows. Powder brows are made using a machine. The machines handpiece is then used in a series of pendulum or whipping motions to implant the pigment into the skin. It is then layered up to the desired result. Usually very soft and pixelated.
Microblading is generally suited to people with normal skin and smaller pores were as Powder brows can be done on all skin types and pore size.
Both procedures have a similar healing time of between 7 – 10 days. However there is a difference in pigment longevity. Microblading tends to last up to a year due to the amount of pigment that is able to be placed under the skin. Where as powder brows can last up to 2 years with an even fade.
Lip blush or Lip augmentation?
Have you ever been thinking about filler but don’t know if its for you? Have you been unable to make the decision of which is the best choice? Or maybe you just want to know which way round should the combination of filler and tattooing be? Let me help.
In answer to the which way round question, experience tells me to Lip Blush first and filler second. Why? when lips are filled they can get distorted and the shape can change. The lip border (vermillion) can disappear and your own natural lip colour can fade making the procedure difficult. Over filing can make it even more difficult to the point that they can’t get done at all.
If you are toying with the idea of filler but can’t come of the fence then Lip Blush may be your answer. The lip border can fade over time and with this the visual effect of a fuller mouth. Your mouth isn’t smaller, you just can’t see your natural pigment as well anymore. Some of you will say, “I’ve always had small lips.” don’t worry all will be explained. With a Lip Blush you are putting the colour back into your mouth and your natural border instantly making them look bigger and fuller. Here we also take full advantage of the vermillion border. Maxing it out so that we grow your lips without actually growing them. We use every last inch of lip real estate you have added with the gradient of the colour from the outline to the centre of the lips, working together to help create that fuller pout you want.
But what if you’ve already had fillers? Many people who have filler will say the same thing, their lip border lightens and merges with their skin. They loose the definition that they had before. Size has been gained but colour has been lost. What to do? Lip Blush of course. It’s still possible to have it done, you just need to understand that it may take slightly longer to see results as the colour heals and comes through the lips.
So the all important question. Lip Blush or Lip Augmentation? Have you decided?