Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS PERMANENT MAKEUP??
Also called micropigmentation and cosmetic tattooing, it is the placement of soft, natural pigments just beneath the top layer of the skin. Modern application of the age-old art of tattooing provides a safe and natural looking alternative to your daily makeup routine. It can be used to color, define and enhance eyebrows, eyes, and lips. It can also be used to camouflage scars and restore areolas to breast cancer patients. The real beauty of permanent makeup is the confidence of looking your best 24 hours a day. No smudging, smearing or reapplication worries, and a huge time saver for those that are used to applying makeup every day!  The goal is always to give you the look you want and to make it look as natural as possible. 

HOW DOES THIS WHOLE PROCESS WORK?
Before any procedure is performed, each client can choose either an in-person consultation or a phone consultation. A complete explanation of the procedure is given, including normal reactions, the healing process and after-care instructions. A medical history questionnaire is also taken to make sure you are a good candidate for permanent cosmetics. We can then schedule your procedure for a later date. You will be consulted every step of the way and all your questions will be answered before, during and after the procedure. You’ll feel comfortable that a skillful, highly trained professional is in charge.

Following the procedure, after at least a month has passed, you will determine if you need a 2nd visit or have any areas that need perfecting. It is common to need a 2nd visit, but not always necessary. If you need a 2nd visit, you can schedule it for approximately 4-6 weeks from your initial application, but you won't know for a month if you need one or not. This visit is to fine tune and touch-up any area of the skin that may have expelled the pigment which is common.

Then, after the look is perfected and long term maintenance is discussed, fading will occur over the course of 3-5 years and you can come in for a colorburst refresher appointment at that time or as needed.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE THIS PROCEDURE DONE? 
Great candidates for procedures are those of us who have:

• visual impairments
• contact lenses or allergic, watery eyes
• allergies to conventional makeup
• little or no brow hair
• Alopecia
• sparse or light lashes
• busy active lifestyles or little time to apply makeup
• athletics or oily skin that cause makeup to run easily
• unsteady or arthritic hands
• difficulty with makeup application
• a desire to be free from daily makeup application
• scars resulting from accidents, trauma or surgery
• as aging occurs, have lost some of that “definition” makeup can create
• A desire to always look their best

Permanent makeup may not be appropriate for the person who is contemplating brow or lip reconstructive surgery, is a sun worshipper or tanning booth advocate, is a poor healer, a diabetic, takes blood thinners or has a chronic medical challenges. This is why we require a consultation and medical history first to discuss if these issues apply.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Fees are consistent with quality service delivered in a safe, sanitary manner with a very experienced professional. There is no substitute for experience and reputation. Prices are per visit instead of an upfront fee, please keep in mind it is typical to need 2 visits although everyone is different. Please visit our Permanent Makeup Services page and select the service you are considering to see specific pricing.  For corrective work or for scars please book a consultation to have Jennier provide a quote.  We accept Credit Cards, Check or Cash.

ARE PERMANENT COSMETICS REALLY PERMANENT? 
They are considered permanent, because the color is implanted underneath the top layer of the skin and cannot be washed off in a conventional manner. However, as with any tattoo, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance, or a "colorburst". Colors will stay bright and vibrant longer with daily use of a good sunscreen with zinc following healing.

CAN I HAVE IT DONE IF I'M ALLERGIC TO TRADITIONAL MAKEUP??
Yes, the client who is allergic to traditional facial makeup is the perfect candidate for a permanent makeup procedure. If you have severe allergies and are known to be allergic to iron, iron oxides or glycerin, please set up a time to come in for a patch test. The known cases of true allergic reactions to the pigment used, are extremely rare.

DOES IT HURT?
Topical anesthetics are used before and during to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Many experience no discomfort at all. Most agree that the procedure is far more comfortable than anticipated.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?
Some describe a tickling sensation due to the the vibration of the machine. 

IS PERMANENT MAKEUP SAFE? 
Yes. Your safety and comfort is the highest concern. Permanent makeup is applied using the highest sanitation and sterilization standards available in accordance with OSHA and the CDC. Blood Borne Pathogen training is required and kept up to date and inspections and licensing through the state are mandatory. Sterile, single use needles are used with every client. The artist is gloved at all times and barrier products are used on all other surfaces. 

ARE THE PIGMENTS SAFE?
Yes. Pigments used in permanent cosmetics have an extensive record of safety. Used in both medical and artistic fields for over 20 years, their safety is undisputed.

CAN I CHANGE IT?
Sort of...although shape variations and color adjustments can be made, think of your makeup as permanent. If you desire to change your “look” from time to time, the use of topical makeup can be used over the top of your permanent makeup to achieve any look you desire. 

IS IT EASY TO REMOVE?
No. Although lasers have aided in the removal of brows and eyeliner, lips require a different approach, as lasers tend to darken pigment in those areas rather than remove it. 

HOW LONG DOES A PROCEDURE TAKE?
Although the length of the procedures may vary, as well as the number of visits required, most procedures generally take 1 ½ hours.

DO I HAVE A CHOICE OF COLOR?
Definitely, there is an unlimited selection of colors, to achieve the best possible cosmetic appearance. Colors will be chosen based on hair, skin tones, natural lip color and general preferences. Any color can be custom mixed just for you. 

DO I HAVE A CHOICE IN THE PLACEMENT OF THE PIGMENTS?
Of course. You will be fully aware during the procedure, and there is always consultation and discussion before and during.

DOES PERMANENT MAKEUP LOOK NATURAL?
Absolutely! It is designed to enhance your own natural beauty and will blend with any makeup style you choose. When it's done properly and with skill, other people will not know that you have it unless you choose to tell them!

WHAT WILL I LOOK LIKE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING MY PROCEDURE?
There is usually visible redness, some swelling and rarely bruising. The application of ice to the area can help reduce these symptoms. You can go about most of your normal activities or return to work if you like. Healing should be completed in approximately 5-7 days. Although it will be physically healed in a week and you will not need to tend to it after that, it takes at least a month to mature and see the final color result. When complete, permanent makeup is viewed through the veil of the top layer of skin which is what creates the soft appearance. It takes 4-6 weeks for you skin to turn over a new layer. Please refer to the Post Care Form for more details.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW PERMANENT MAKEUP?
After your procedure, you will receive a Post Care Form. The overall success of your procedure is contingent upon you following these instructions.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST? WHAT SHOULD I DO FOR LONG TERM CARE?Indefinitely; however, permanent cosmetic makeup typically softens and fades over time (3-5 years). This is a result of your natural aging process, your environment, your skin type, and your home care and lifestyle. It is also the "nature of the beast" because we use natural, iron oxide pigments instead of man-made dyes. Exfoliants, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and exposure to the sun will affect longevity. Sun screen with zinc is highly recommended EVERY DAY, ALL YEAR LONG for brows. Lip balm with zinc or sunscreen is recommended for lips and sunglasses whenever outdoors for eyeliner. Please remember: if you actively tan the area in which you have permanent makeup you can expect it to fade within a year. You can freshen up your permanent makeup every couple of years with a colorburst procedure. 

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE THE RESULTS? 
Although, the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing color and shape to some extent. Colors will appear darker immediately following the procedure, but will soften and lighten during the healing process. The healing time is different for each individual and procedure. Don't be nervous the first week! It always looks darker and more specific until fully healed and matured about a month later.

CAN I HAVE AN MRI IF I HAVE PERMANENT MAKEUP?
New magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Equipment is very safe and problems are very rare to nonexistent. One hundred thirty five study subjects underwent MRI imaging with permanent cosmetics, of these only two individuals experienced “slight tingling” and a sensation of “burning”. More information can be found at www.mrisafety.com. 
Most people have more metal in the fillings in their teeth than they would ever have in tattoo work.

ARE THERE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO A LIP PROCEDURE?
Yes, If you have ever had a cold sore or fever blister, you must take an antiviral pre-procedure. Your physician may prescribe Valtrex, Famvir or Zovirax. Herpetic outbreaks usually occur on the 3rd day post procedure and taking antivirals will lessen your chance of an outbreak, you may lose the implanted pigment color in the area of the outbreak.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Jennifer Baskin owns and operates the e-commerce website: www.natureofbeauty.com, please visit the about us page for more information about that site and its mission. 

Jennifer is an esthetician with a managers license, and licensed tattoo artist technician in the state of Minnesota with a medical background. She is blood-borne pathogen certified and inspected by the State of Minnesota's Medical Board for tattoo licensing. She has been enhancing people’s confidence and appearance for the last 14 years. She also helps breast cancer patients complete their journey by tattooing areolas on post mastectomy patients. For more information on areola tattooing visit: www.midwestplasticsurgery.net

It is critical to choose a professional, thoroughly trained in the field of permanent cosmetics. Jennifer understands every aspect of the cosmetic and medical tattooing process and uses only the strictest sterilization techniques for your protection. 

Permanent Makeup Post Care 
Permanent Makeup Health History
Permanent Makeup Consent