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Semi-Permanent Makeup FAQ
What is semi-permanent makeup?
Semi-permanent makeup is commonly referred to as a “cosmetic tattoo”, but it is not a traditional tattoo at all, nor is it really “permanent”. Tiny amounts of natural pigments are inserted into the dermal layer of the skin, not the epidermis (where a regular tattoo goes). Because of that, results will last a long time, but will eventually fade in approximately 1 – 3 years. This is perfect since faces and trends change!
Who is the ideal candidate for semi-permanent makeup?
Semi-permanent makeup is perfect for busy women (and yes, men!) who are looking to save time and want their look to stay perfect around the clock. People who have Alopecia, light, half eyebrows or eyebrows with bald spots love our eyebrow microblading treatment. People with eyes sensitive to makeup or sparse lashes love semi-permanent eyeliner, and those who want fuller looking, more defined lips love lip blush.
Semi-permanent makeup is also a great solution for those with oily skin that shed makeup easily, athletes, swimmers and beach goers who want to sweat and get wet without their makeup running, and anyone wanting to boost their confidence!
What is microblading?
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic technique used for creating and filling in eyebrows. A handheld microblade pen applies pigment in individual strokes creating extremely lifelike, fine lines of colour that resemble hair. Click here for more details.
How long does the procedure take?
Time will vary with each individual, the area being covered and whether it is your first time or you are coming in for a touch-up. It takes Anna approximately one hour for each procedure. The total time to expect at our salon for your first session (including consultation, colour selection, and application) is about two hours.
What is the recovery time?
There is no downtime; you can go back to work right after your eyebrow, eyeliner or lip procedure. It is normal to have some swelling on the lip and eye, and/or some minor scabbing on your eyebrows. Your custom colour will initially look 20 – 30% bolder than what the final result will be after about a week when it settles in. It will take 1 – 2 weeks for the skin to completely heal. Our clients generally say they walk out ready to take on the rest of their day with no discomfort. Get more details on eyebrow, eyeliner and lip tinting aftercare instructions here.
Is the procedure painful?
We are here to make your experience as pain-free as possible! Wes use an effective topical anesthetic ointment that numbs the skin to minimise discomfort. Everyone experiences pain differently, but most of our clients say that the pain is mild to moderate, comparable to eyebrow tweezing. We even see clients that are terrified of needles and have no problem with our application.
What can I expect at my appointment?
When you walk into House of Beauty, you will immediately feel welcomed, relaxed and pampered. Anna will do the consultation with you and apply the numbing cream. She will get to know your lifestyle and personality, go over the procedure and options, and answer any questions. She will draw in and define the areas to be coloured and work with you on the shape, thickness and colour. You will then lie back and let Anna do her magic! When you are done you will receive aftercare cream and a review of instructions before heading out the door with your new, fabulous look.
How is my semi-permanent makeup colour chosen?
Using our large range of hypo-allergenic pigments, Anna will custom blend a colour for you. You will work with her so that she will get to know your personality, assess your face shape and colouring, and make design suggestions as to the colour, thickness and shape. The final decision is always yours, and you will see your colour before it is permanently applied. Our clients love having a master technician’s opinion. In some cases our clients have stepped out of their comfort zone based on Anna’s recommendation, and they’re glad they did!
Is semi-permanent makeup safe?
Absolutely. Our salon is immaculate, and we follow the strictest sanitation and safety standards, using only single-use, sterilised needles and parts. Our custom-blended pigments are hypo-allergenic, non-toxic and contain no fragrances, emollients or other irritants.
Does microblading damage eyebrow hair?
No, in fact some clients with sparse natural eyebrows report their hair grows back even better after having semi-permanent makeup applied.
How will I look immediately after my procedure?
Our clients have huge, excited smiles on their faces when they see their new look! Your new colour will look darker and more defined in the first week. After about a week, the colour’s intensity will soften about 40% and settle in. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided and reviewed before and after each procedure.
How long will semi-permanent makeup last?
Semi-permanent makeup is long-lasting and will slowly fade over the course of 1 – 3 years. As you become accustomed to your makeup, it is not uncommon to want more. To keep your makeup looking fresh, we recommend having it retouched every 1 – 2 years. Darker colours, such as black eyeliner, will last the longest. Natural, delicate colours are more vulnerable to the effects of sun, swimming and your skin’s natural emollients.
Can I have an initial consultation and procedure on the same day?
Unfortunately, no. You need to first pop in for a short initial consultation and patch test. Then you can book in for the treatment which could be in a matter of days – you only need to wait 24 hours to make sure your patch test is negative.
What is the downtime? Can I go back to work after the procedure?
Yes, you can. Your makeup will look darker when you first get it done, but it doesn’t mean that you have to take time off of work. Many people choose to schedule procedures on a Friday, so they have the weekend off before they return to work. Eyeliner and lip colour will produce puffiness in the skin for two days post procedure, and your skin will heal completely in about six days.
How much time will I save with semi-permanent makeup?
Depending on how many procedures you have (eyebrow, eyeliner, and/or lip blush), you could save 10 minutes up to an hour every day on applying and re-applying makeup. That’s 365 hours or over 15 full days a year you’ll have back to do something other than worrying about your makeup!
Can I wear makeup after the procedure?
It is essential to keep the procedure area clean and free of bacteria, therefore, you cannot put other types of makeup on top of your semi-permanent makeup for one week after the procedure. However, on areas where semi-permanent makeup was not applied, you can wear what you normally do.
Who should avoid getting semi-permanent makeup?
For safety reasons, you should not have semi-permanent makeup if any of the following applies to you:
- If you have had lip filler in the last 4 weeks (in case of having lip blush).
- Areas that have problematic skin conditions like skin cancer, eczema and psoriasis.
- Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
- Anyone with contagious blood diseases such as Hepatitis or HIV.
- People who are currently undergoing chemotherapy.
- Those who have keloid or hypopigmentation.
- Roaccutane and steroid users.
- Diabetics.
- Anyone under the age of 18.
Didn’t find an answer to your question?
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to book a free consultation with Anna for a confidential discussion.
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House of Beauty Camberley - Top Rated Beauty Salon
Waxing, Nails, Facials, Anti-Wrinkle Injections, Dermal Fillers, Microblading, Microneedling and more!
- 01276 20200
- bookings@hob-aesthetics.com
- 99 Frimley Rd, Camberley, GU15 2PP
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9am – 6pm
Sunday Closed
FREE PARKING