FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

WHAT IS PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Permanent makeup, also referred to as Cosmetic tattooing, is the process of depositing color pigment beneath the surface of your skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles. This method will produce the appearance of hair strokes, and makeup, or enhance the natural features of your face, and is welcomed by women and men. There are quite a few techniques I offer, so please see the service tab for more details.

IS MICROBLADING THE SAME THING?

Yes, microblading is just one of the permanent makeup techniques that I offer my clients. I also do Combo Brows and Ombre Brows. Microblading is also referred to as micro stroking, Eyebrow Embroidery, Feather Stroke Brows, 3D Brows, micro pigmentation, etc.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PERMANENT MAKEUP AND STANDARD BODY TATTOOING?

The purpose of permanent makeup is to enhance the natural features of a client. Permanent makeup is a more natural and subtle enhancement than regular tattoo work. Body tattoos use permanent ink, while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve a more diluted version of an ink/pigment and this process does not go as deep into the skin layers as that of traditional tattooing.

IS PERMANENT MAKEUP ACTUALLY PERMANENT?

It is actually a semi-permanent tattoo. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to color and shape over the years as each client’s natural coloration and facial changes occur.

DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING HURT?

A highly effective, topical anesthetic gel is used to numb the area during the second pass of your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person, and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.

WHAT THINGS CAN INCREASE MY PAIN LEVELS DURING THE PROCEDURE?

Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET TATTOOED?

You must be 18 years or older to receive any permanent makeup treatments at Iconic Beauty and Ink.

CAN I GET PERMANENT MAKEUP TATTOOS IF I AM PREGNANT OR NURSING?

As a precaution, I do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

WHAT HEALTH CONDITIONS MAY AFFECT MY COSMETIC PERMANENT MAKEUP RESULTS?

I cannot treat anyone that uses Accutane until you’ve been off the medication for at least 12 months. Please do not book your appointment until at least one year after you stop taking this medication. If you have any autoimmune disorders or health conditions that you feel might affect your pain levels, healing time, or results, please consult your doctor, as I'm not a medical professional. Certain circumstances will sometimes require a doctor’s note to move forward. Thyroid medications can have an effect on the longevity of your pigment.

HOW LONG DOES PERMANENT MAKEUP RESULTS USUALLY LAST?

Permanent makeup services are considered semi-permanent and will not wash off. However, they will fade over time and must be refreshed periodically to maintain your desired look. Each permanent makeup procedure requires a minimum of 2 visits (initial appointment and touch-up 6 - 8 weeks apart) to achieve the desired results.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES EACH COSMETIC TATTOOING SESSION TAKE?

Your first cosmetic tattoo procedure should last about 2.5 - 3 hours. This gives us time to discuss your desired eyebrow shape and color, and which technique will likely give you the best possible results.

Your touch-up session is scheduled no sooner than 6 -8 weeks after your initial procedure appointment, to ensure proper healing time for your skin.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK PERMANENT MAKEUP MAINTENANCE SESSIONS?

We recommend maintenance sessions every 1 -3 years. Conventional makeup can be used to enhance the look of your brows. Permanent makeup will not replace makeup for all clients. The frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors, including:

the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster)
lifestyle
sun exposure
health of skin
medications
health conditions
immune system
metabolism, etc.
old/existing permanent makeup

Please note that final results CANNOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. I will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary.

The first and second session have their own set prices for the procedure. A Yearly Color Boost option is available to clients that have had previous work done at Iconic Beauty and Ink to help maintain your desired look.

I GOT PERMANENT MAKEUP FROM A DIFFERENT ARTIST, BUT WANT YOU TO UPDATE MY EYEBROWS. CAN YOU HELP ME?

If you have had any permanent makeup on the area that you're wanting to be treated, clear photos of existing permanent makeup must be emailed to me BEFORE a deposit is placed and BEFORE booking an appointment. It's only possible for me to do corrections if the area treated previously is light enough and not as saturated with pigment. Sometimes, a Saline Tattoo Removal is usually needed before I can proceed. I also provide Saline Tattoo Removals as well. Additional fees do apply for removals. I have full discretion on whom I decide to take in as a client. I do NOT touch up other artists’ work, meaning if you have previous work done, you will be charged the current price for new clients. Pricing is subject to change at any given time.

*** An Emergency Saline Tattoo Removal can also be done as long as you book your appointment within 48 hours of regretting or receiving botched permanent makeup.

*** An Emergency Saline Tattoo Removal Can also be done as long as you book your app CAN MICROBLADING BE REMOVED ONCE IT'S COMPLETELY HEALED?

Yes! I offer Saline Tattoo Removal, which can be incredibly effective at lightening existing work significantly. It typically takes at least 3 -5 sessions to see significant lightening and leaves the skin healthy for possibly Microblading in the future.

***PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed and are interested in a cover-up/re-work, you MUST text or email me a clear photo PRIOR to booking your appointment. I cannot guarantee results for cases such as these and I must approve that your eyebrows are workable. In any case, where the previous work is too dark, dense, discolored, or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before I begin the cover-up/re-work. Previously tattooed areas and cover-ups will always require additional touch-ups for best results and will be charged accordingly.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED TO ACHIEVE GOOD RESULTS?

For most clients, a minimum of two treatments is always needed. For most cases, the procedure is the initial appointment and the touch-up, 6-8 weeks after. Typically, the color looks dramatically lighter after the first 2 weeks. Some clients prefer this, while others prefer a bolder look. In the second session, we will assess color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at unique rates. If your permanent makeup does not heal perfectly after the first session, don't worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment. Microblading is the most natural-looking technique for permanent makeup. There are multiple advanced techniques that I also offer if you prefer a more dramatic or shaded-in look. Please see the services section for more information.

WHAT FACTORS WILL AFFECT MY PERMANENT MAKEUP RESULTS?

Sun exposure: The sun will definitely soften and can discolor the look of your tattoo, so sunblock should be used (once healed) to prolong your results.

Medications, health conditions, age, skin type, diseases, autoimmune disorders, excess oil, thyroid issues, unhealthy skin, previously tattooed area, problematic skin, etc. Please consult a doctor if you're on any medications, or have any health conditions that could possibly interfere in any way with your permanent makeup results.

Excess bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications can act as blood thinners and should not be taken prior to and following your appointment.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY EYEBROW & LIP PROCEDURE?

Please review the Pre & Post Care instructions.

If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded, or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, I can remove them.

For Lip Blush I require all of my clients to take an immune system supplement 2 weeks before the appointment and 2 weeks after the appointment.

Your lips cannot be dry for the appointment. If they are dry we will need to reschedule and you will forfeit your deposit. Make sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated! You may exfoliate 3 days before your appointment to remove any dry skin. You can use a lip scrub or create your own using a little honey and brown sugar. For the week leading up to the appointment you must moisturize your lips as much as possible (I recommend using Aquaphor). In addition, it is required for you to wait a minimum of 4 weeks post-fillers in order to book a Lip Blush appointment.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID BEFORE MY EYEBROW PROCEDURE?

Vacation/special event timing: If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. No direct sun on freshly tattooed areas for a least 30 days.

Things to avoid 48-72 hours before your appointment: I require clients to avoid any blood-thinning medications for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment (unless required by a doctor). This includes Vitamin E, aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and ibuprofen. Feel free to check whether any of the medications or supplements you are taking are blood thinners, just to better ensure your result. Better safe than sorry!

Alcohol/caffeine intake: Do not drink any alcohol 48 hours before your appointment. On the day of your appointment, please do not drink any coffee or caffeinated tea.

Sun exposure: It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for at least 14-28 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and must forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take any tattoo pigment along with it.

HOW WILL I LOOK IMMEDIATELY AFTER EACH PROCEDURE?

Your eyebrows will appear darker, fuller, and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process, which takes 6-8 weeks for the color to fully stabilize in the skin. Redness, raising, and swelling is minimal and softens after 12-48 hours, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. Your lips will be swollen and feel very dry. They will heal in three stages: Too dark - Too light - Just right. This takes one month to happen. Please avoid any friction to the lip area.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Please review our detailed Pre & Post Care Instructions. You MUST

strictly follow these instructions to ensure a comfortable, safe healing process and also to achieve the best possible results!

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT LONG-TERM CARE?

A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER healing and is required to help keep color true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the color soften faster and affect the integrity of the color used for your eyebrows. Please be mindful of any active skincare you’re using including retinol, exfoliants, active acids, etc. These products help with cellular turnover which will in turn contribute to fading and possible discoloration of the pigment.

Fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure. ( See above.) Results vary by each client, and absolutely NO results can or will be guaranteed. Additional touch-ups are priced accordingly.

WILL PERMANENT MAKEUP WORK WELL FOR ME?

If you have extremely oily skin, the Microblading/individual hair stroke eyebrow technique will not work as well for you. The constant production of oil will cause your hair strokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect. In this situation, Combo Brows or Ombre Brows would be a better option.

If you are a frequent smoker, go out in the sun often, or do not follow our post-treatment instructions, your results might not look as defined, and pigment may fade sooner.

If you are iron deficient or anemic, your pigment may fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after your procedure.

IS THE STUDIO AND EQUIPMENT SAFE?

YES! I pride myself on having an immaculate and sterile studio space. I only use single-use, disposable needles, and supplies for my clients. This means that each set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterward. Each station is thoroughly disinfected before opening and after each procedure throughout the day.

HOW SOON AFTER CAN I TINT MY BROWS AGAIN?

Do not tint your brows for 4 weeks post-appointment! They are healing! Also, tinting your brows may result in lightening the pigment over time.

WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Stripe, and Square

Instructions will be provided online when booking your appointment. A 50% NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS DUE IMMEDIATELY upon booking, to secure all brow appointments. This is to ensure that you are serious about booking your appointment and will be deducted from the total cost of your initial session. Failure to pay the deposit will result in the cancelation of your appointment. You must also complete all of the necessary online intake forms for each service. Please check your email once you have booked your appointment. If you would like to pay via Square or Stripe, I will send you an invoice.