How To Prepare For Permanent Makeup Procedures: A Guide From A PMU Artist

As we all know, there are many permanent makeup procedures available today. It can be difficult to know which one is right for you, and even more difficult to know how to prepare yourself for the procedure, but don’t worry! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about permanent makeup.

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup is a cosmetic procedure that uses various methods to enhance your natural beauty. These methods include tattooing with a machine, or a hand-held tool to deposit pigment into your skin. Permanent makeup can last anywhere from two to five years depending on the person's body chemistry and is a two-step process. The client would come back for the touch up 4-6 weeks after the initial procedure for their final look.

What is the Procedure?

For some, tattooing can sound scary especially if you have a fear of needles, but topical anesthetic is applied before and during the procedure to help alleviate the pain. We also map and pre-draw the outline of the shape and don’t start the actual process until the final shape and color is approved by the client. We constantly check in with the client to see how they are feeling and guide them throughout the whole entire process. From the consultation, mapping, procedure  to explaining the after care, it usually takes about 2- 2.5 hours total.

How to Prepare Your Skin for Permanent Makeup Procedures

There are a few things that you can do to prepare your skin for permanent makeup procedures. Each procedure will have a different way to prepare. 

Precare Instruction for Permanent Makeup Eyebrow Procedure:

  • Avoid facials with retinol, chemical peels, and suntanned skin 2 weeks prior to eyebrow tattoo appointment

  • No fish or vitamin E for one week prior to appointment.

  • No alcohol or blood thinning medicine (Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol)  24 hours prior to appointment.

  • No caffeine the day of your Eyebrow Tattoo.

Precare Instruction for Permanent Makeup Eyeliner Procedure:

  • Avoid facials with retinol, chemical peels, and suntanned skin 2 weeks prior to appointment
  • Stop using Latisse for 2 weeks prior to eyeliner tattoo.
  • No fish or vitamin E for one week prior to appointment.
  • Remove your eyelash extensions 2 days prior to your eyeliner tattoo.
  • No alcohol or blood thinning medicine (Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol) for 24 hours prior to appointment.
  • No caffeine the day of your appointment.
  • DO NOT wear contacts the day of your eyeliner tattoo.

Precare Instruction for Permanent Makeup Lip Blush Procedure:

  • Avoid facials with retinol, chemical peels, and suntanned skin 2 weeks prior to appointment

  • No fish or vitamin E for one week prior to appointment.

  • No alcohol or blood thinning medicine (Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol) for 24 hours prior to appointment.

  • No caffeine the day of your appointment.

  • The night before your Lip Blush Tattoo service make sure to scrub with sugar or any kind of light exfoliation, keep hydrated by drinking lots of water, and sleep with Aquaphor applied to your lips. 

  • “Valtrex” highly recommended (this can be prescribed from your PCP) to avoid any breakouts on the lip area

Following these steps is important because it will allow your permanent makeup artist to provide you the best possible results. This guide has taught you everything you need to know in order to prepare your skin for the procedure. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We would be happy to help you prepare for your next appointment!

Feel free to fill out the from at the bottom of the page.

If you have ever thought about becoming a permanent makeup artist yourself, please visit our training site here to learn more!


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