What are Permanent Cosmetics?

Permanent Cosmetics (aka PMU for Permanent Make Up) is a broad umbrella term for cosmetic tattooing that can range from eyebrows, to scalp micropigmentation for hair loss, to hyper-realistic 3D nipple restoration for breast cancer survivors.

PMU gained popularity in the US during the 1960's, but it kind of got a bad rap. In those days, PMU artists were piggy-backing on the tattoo industry and the quality of available pigments, etc weren't anything like what we have today. Often, the only colors available were light black or dark black (which inevitably faded to blue or green), and many times looked harsh. (Think Cruella DeVille or Angry Birds LoL) Plus, having learned their trade in a tattoo shop, pigment was often placed too deep and caused scarring. Fast forward 50 years and it's a whole new ballgame! PMU is a huge industry all on it's own with specialized education, pigments, and tools. You no longer have to choose between a natural look and convenience- you can have permanent brows that look beautifully natural- there have never been so many choices!

What makes PMU different from regular tattooing?And is it really permanent?

Interestingly, since I'm licensed and work in 2 states I feel that I have a unique perspective. Missouri and Oklahoma are on 2 opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to regulating Permanent Cosmetics... In Oklahoma, PMU is termed Medical Micropigmentation and applies to any procedure (from the neck up) whereby pigment is implanted into the skin. Even though it's essentially the same process as traditional tattooing, Medical Micropigmentation must be performed under medical supervision in the state of Oklahoma. However, in Missouri medical oversight is not required and microblading isn't regulated at all.

Despite differences in the legal issues surrounding PMU, the basic difference boils down to this... because the skin on the face isn't as thick as elsewhere on the body, PMU pigment molecules aren't placed as deep in the layers of the skin. Facial skin also has a much faster rate of cellular turnover than elsewhere so, combined with the more shallow placement- this means that it actually ISN'T permanent, but depending on technique will generally last several years.

BROWS

What exactly is Microblading??

Microblading is a form of tattooing however, instead of using a machine with automated needles, we use a “blade” made of several aligned needles which you can see if you look closely at the top left picture. It looks something like an Exacto knife, but not scary! The needles are dipped into pigment and pulled across the skin to produce the fine, hairlike strokes that microblading is known for.

What's the procedure like?

First of all… we take a before photo for reference and, if you agree to allow it, to post on social media and/or on our website. Next we draw in your brow shape andmake sure you are comfortable with the placement, thickness, etc before we move on with the procedure. The pigment is hand-mixed to ensure that it matches your hair and undertones for a truly bespoke brow. At this point we apply a strong topical numbing agent to keep you comfortable. During the numbing period (about 30 minutes) we have plenty of time to go over the aftercare instructions and answer any questions that you may have before the procedure actually begins.

Most clients don’t feel a thing, but even if they do it’s very minimal. We generally do 2-3 passes total. If you need more numbing product during the subsequent passes, all you have to do is ask. We want to keep you as comfortable as possible! After we are satisfied with how the brows look, we take some after pics, we schedule your Perfecting Session in 4-6 weeks, and you are sent home with everything you need to care for your new brows!

Easy peasy!

Before your appointment:

If you are seriously considering having your brows microbladed, there are a few things you should consider before making your appointment:

• No chemical exfoliants (glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), salicylic acid, retinol, retin-a, etc) may be used for 2 weeks prior to your appt.
• No Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen, blood thinners, or fish oil for 2 weeks prior to microblading. Even some cholesterol medications that prevent clotting may need to be paused.
  
• People with thyroid problems will need more frequent touch-ups. If you have a chronic illness (diabetes, history of DVT, anything autoimmune, etc) we will need to do some additional homework to make sure it's safe to proceed. In most cases it's fine, we just want to be safe!
• If you've had any cosmetic eyebrow tattooing in the past, it may be considered "corrective" so please contact me via the Contact Us page before booking online.
  
• Come to your appointment with your brows "done" like you normally wear them for work, etc. This is super helpful in determining what is a "normal" brow look for you. My idea of a dramatic brow may be vastly different from yours- so seeing your brows with makeup on is a great visual aid!

After your appointment:

You'll be given a kit that contains everything you need to take care of your brows. Aftercare is relatively simple.

The day of your procedure you'll wipe your brows with sterile cotton moistened with water and apply a thin layer of Aquaphor ointment. (All of these items are included in your kit) You'll do this every 2 hours for the first day.

After the first day, you only need to cleanse your brows and apply Aquaphor twice a day. The Aquaphor serves 2 purposes (1) forms a barrier against dust, debris, makeup, etc. and (2) keeps the area moist and prevents scabbing.

During the healing process, there are things that you'll need to avoid:

• Scratching or picking of any kind! Brows can itch or get flaky during the days following your procedure. The best thing to do is apply some extra Aquaphor. If you're experiencing a lot of itching an ice pack can help.
• Heavy sweating. Ladies, I know how much you love hot yoga, but sweat contains a lot of oil and salt. Both of which will pull pigment out of your new brows and can affect the "crispness" of microblading.
  
• Sun exposure- indoor or outdoor will fade the color in your brows. While your brows are healing sun exposure is a big no-no. Always apply sunscreen when going outdoors. Even after healing is complete, you will need touch-ups more often if you spend time in the sun.
  
• Heavy cleaning. Yayyy!! Finally a good excuse to put off cleaning out the basement/ garage/ shed. Avoid anything that involves dust, dirt, debris flying around. Keep those brows clean!

EYELINER

How many of us hate doing eyeliner because you

• can't ever get it even (ME!)
• hands shake
• can't see

Permanent Eyeliner can solve all of that! Whether you want very minimal Lash Enhancement or a bold wing- let's make it happen!

Does it hurt?

No. We use a numbing cream (safe for use around the eyes) before we get started and we add more numbing as we go. Your discomfort is very minimal. There is generally very little swelling. Some people are hard to numb, but generally they know that beforehand and we can adapt to make them as comfortable as possible!

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• PLEASE! Come to your appointment with no eye makeup. (You can arrive early and I can supply you with remover & cotton) If I have to remove your eye makeup, it cuts into your numbing time. LoL
• If you currently use any kind of lash growth serums you MUST discontinue use at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Don't get me wrong- these products are great! However, since they bring new blood vessel growth to feed the lash follicles it causes bruising when we tattoo the eyeliner and in rare instances, pigment migration. If you are a long-term user you will likely get some bruising even with discontinuing. The bruising is generally superficial and very transient- lasting about 24 hours. We want the best result for you, so while you may lose some lash length, it'll be worth it!

Aftercare:

• You'll receive a soothing, healing ointment to use twice a day for 10-14 days. You can apply with clean hands or a Q-Tip.
• No mascara for 3 days. After 3 days you may apply mascara to the tips of lashes, but only from a new tube of mascara.
• As you heal, the lash line will itch. A lot. DO NOT SCRATCH OR RUB!! Apply a little more ointment, or tap gently with a Q-Tip.
• You will probably have a little scabbing in the lash line because it's hard to get the ointment in among your lashes. Do not pick at the scab. Let it come loose on it's own. If you pick or pull at the scab you WILL lose eyelashes. Try to be mindful about rubbing your eyes in your sleep too!

Lips

I love doing lips! It can be soft and add just a fresh wash of color to the lips, or dramatic to be truly maintenance free. Just add gloss!

We can correct asymmetrical lips, correct coloration issues, or add fullness. Get ready to fall in love with your pout!