What is Cosmetic Tattooing?
Cosmetic tattooing involves implanting coloured pigments just below the surface of the skin through the use of thin needles to create or enhance the appearance of the brows, lips and eyes. Colour, design and shape are customised to complement any facial structure, hair colour and skin tone.
Does it hurt?
Anaesthetic is applied before and during the procedure to minimise pain, most clients report very little pain, more like a scratching feeling. Everyone has a different tolerance to pain and some may feel more than others.
Who is suitable?
Cosmetic tattooing is great for people with a busy and active lifestyle, people with poor eyesight, unsteady hands and allergies to traditional make up. However, if you are taking certain medication you may not be suitable, as this can alter the results of the procedure (check with your doctor). Pregnant women are also unsuitable.
How long will it last?
The inks used are made specifically for cosmetic tattooing and are not penetrated as deeply into the skin as a regular tattoo, so they fade more quickly. The technique of Cosmetic tattooing that we use can last up to 2 years depending on your skin type, sun exposure, and how carefully you follow aftercare instructions. ‘Refreshers’ or ‘Touch Ups’ are recommended at around 12-18 months to keep your new cosmetic tattoo looking great.
Aftercare Information
BROWS
Starting tomorrow use a cotton tip (or clean fingers) to apply a very thin layer of the aftercare gel provided, continue to apply 1-2 times a day for the next 10 days. LESS IS MORE - use sparingly.
You must keep your brows COMPLETELY DRY for at least 10 days. This means no swimming, avoiding strenuous activities to prevent sweating and being careful to not to get them wet in the shower. Do not apply any make up, moisturiser or cleansers to the area while healing, go carefully around.
Your tattoo will appear darker and more intense for the first few days, and then it may become flakey and start to peel - Do not pick or scratch the area. As the scabs come off, the colour underneath will appear very light, it can take a few weeks to settle and reveal the fully healed colour. At this stage some patchiness is normal, and why we require a touch up session.
For 2 weeks the following should be avoided: Tinting the hairs, Chlorinated and salt water pools, high UV exposure, sun beds, infra-red light and hot spas and saunas. After this time, please be gentle with the area, (no harsh scrubbing).
ONCE HEALED:
Certain chemicals in facial cleansers, moisturisers and serums will accelerate fading and may discolour your new tattoo: retinol/retinoids, AHA, BHA, benzoyl peroxide, bleaching agents, and chemical peels should be kept away from the area. Excessive exposure to the sun will also cause fading over time, SPF should be worn on your brows whenever going in the sun (only once healed).
EYELINER
Your eyelids may feel heavy and slightly puffy afterwards. Swelling can be experienced the first few mornings after your procedure. Ice can be applied indirectly (wrapped in a clean cloth) to the area for 5-10 mins before bed and first thing in the morning to help minimise swelling. This usually subsides in 2-5 days.
Using a clean cotton tip, apply a very thin layer of the aftercare product provided. Continue this morning and night for 7 days. Avoid saturating the area for at least 5 days.
Do not apply mascara to lashes for 7 days. Do not apply lash extensions for up to 4 weeks after final treatment.
If you experience any unexpected discomfort or irritation of the eyes notify your cosmetic artist and consult a pharmacist immediately for further advice.
LIPS
Immediately after your appointment your lips will be VERY SWOLLEN and the colour will appear very intense/ bright. They will look like this for a few days, and then begin to shed - looking very chapped - DO NOT PICK at them.
Try to avoid getting your lips wet - drink through a straw and be careful when washing your face or applying any moisturiser, cleanser or make up. You also want to avoid bacteria on the area, so be careful when eating, do not eat spicy, oily, acidic or greasy food, and cut any large food like burgers into small pieces.
Apply the aftercare cream provided several times a day for 10 days to keep your lips moistuised, gently dab it onto the lips instead of rubbing.
Apply the aftercare cream before brushing your teeth.
Do not expose the lips to direct sunlight or tanning beds while healing, it is prone to burning which can cause scarring and change the desired colour.
Do not smoke or kiss for 10 days.
We strongly recommend you to increase your Vitamin C or Lysine intake to encourage healing. If you suffer coldsores you can use Zovirax cream on affected area or see a doctor for prescription medication. Afterwards you can switch to paw paw ointment or lip balm with SPF. Use regularly to keep your lips moist and minimise fading.
ONCE HEALED - we strongly recommend you do not use any of the following on the area: Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Glycolic acid, Apple cider vinegar, Vitamin E and C, and Retinol. These products can lighten or fade the tattoo faster. Saltwater and chlorine can also deteriorate the pigment faster. Rinse with water after contact. If having any laser or facial beauty treatments, inform the technician before the procedure that you have a permanent makeup tattoo.
Touch up session MUST BE completed within 2 months of original session, otherwise ‘refresh’ price will be charged. Most clients will only require the 1 FREE touch up session, but occasionally a second touch up will be required (as some skin types are less suitable, to no fault of ethereal eyebrows), which will cost $100.