PMU stands for permanent makeup. Permanent makeup, also known as derma-pigmentation, micro pigmentation, and cosmetic tattooing, is a cosmetic enhancement technique which employs tattooing or manual etching of the skin as a means of producing effects that resemble makeup by enhancing the color of the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids.

Examples include producing artificial eyebrows, particularly in people who have lost them as a consequence of aging or disease, such as alopecia totalis or chemotherapy, and to disguise scars and hypo/hyper pigmentation. It is also used to create, restore or enhance the areola after breast surgery.

While the term “permanent makeup” is still the standard term used, the micropigments used in modern permanent makeup procedures provide results that last a long time but will fade eventually on the majority of people. How fast they’ll fade is based on each individual and depends on many factors, primarily skin type, body chemistry, environment, diligence of aftercare practices and overall lifestyle.

A range of topical anesthetics are available and can be applied before the procedure to significantly reduce pain, and more can added throughout the duration of the procedure. That being said, there may still be some discomfort. With manual techniques, you will likely feel pressure and a slight pinching sensation, while with machine techniques you may feel more of a tingling or stinging, along with the vibration of the machine. Post procedure, you might feel some tenderness in the area. This is normal and it’ll pass within a day or two. Ultimately, pain level is a factor specific to each individual. Most clients feel nothing at all, while others claim it’s uncomfortable during some parts.

I’m happy to report that I have never had a client back out of their procedure due to pain.

Microblading, sometimes also called nanoblading, is a semi-permanent, manual technique for enhancing the appearance of the eyebrows in which the skin is etched in fine strokes resembling hair and pigment is inserted into the incisions. This is done using a hand tool with a “blade” formed of several tiny needle-like pins. Generally, the results of microblading last up to 18 months and can be prolonged with touch ups and proper aftercare. This procedure takes about 30 days to heal fully.

I personally do not offer this type of procedure at my studio.

Sometimes also referred to as “3D nano brows”, “hair stroke brows” or “digital hair stroke brows”, nano brows is a type of permanent cosmetic tattoo that also mimics the look of individual hairs by using singular strokes to create realistic eyebrows very similarly to microblading. Unlike microblading, to create these nano strokes, a handheld machine is used with a very thin, disposable needle cartridge. Nano brows last about 2 years on average. The reason this technique lasts longer than microblading is that machine application makes the strokes more resilient. This procedure is fully healed in 2 weeks.

Powder brows is the common term for microshading (also referred to as “ombre brows”, “pixel brows” or “sand brows”) is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo that stipples or shades the skin, under any existing brow hair and gives the look of a brow filled in with a soft pencil. A handheld machine is used to deposit micro pigments into the skin. This procedure also heals in 2 weeks.

Just as the name suggests, combo brows are a combination of eyebrow tattoo techniques. The most common is hair strokes and microshading. This can give a natural, dimensional look.

The best way to determine this is in-person at your consultation.

Lash line enhancement (sometimes called “invisible eyeliner”) is a form of eyeliner tattooing applied in an ultra-thin, deep brown or black line along the lash line and/or in-between the individual eye lashes. This creates the illusion of fuller lashes—much like tight lining does—for a natural, eye-opening effect. This is done only on the skin surface of the eye lid and not in the waterline (or “wet line”). Tattooing on the waterline can potentially damage the meibomian glands and is an ill-advised practice.

Lip blushing, sometimes also referred to as a “watercolor lip”, is a newer permanent makeup process using an electric handheld machine in conjunction with a natural toned micropigment that adds a wash of color to your lips and lasts around 2 years. It can give a person’s appearance an overall boost, help fix imbalances, uneven pigmentation and correct signs of aging in the lips. Ideally, it gives the healthy, youthful look with a flush of color similar to that of a tinted lip balm or a light lip stain. The colors are selected and custom mixed for each individual so it’s perfect every time.

Yes. This is still very on-trend. For those who get freckles naturally and enjoy them, it’s a safer alternative to actual UV sun exposure and the perfect way to consistently have them year-round. For those who don’t have them but love the look and just don’t have the time or patience to make faux freckles with makeup every day, it’s a great solution. Of course, should you choose to discontinue your touch ups, they will fade away naturally, usually within a year.

For brows, I map out each client’s eyebrows based on their specific and unique facial features using various measuring tools. I also take the client’s face shape into consideration when choosing the best brow shape. I may use additional tools like a camera and a drawing program on a tablet. Pigment colors are completely customizable and will be swatched on the skin for exact determination. The color of the final result will be lighter and typically cooler in tone once placed within the skin and it is healed, this will all be discussed with each individual before the procedure.

For lips, I draw your ideal shape on with a marking pencil, also using measurement tools. I can create improved symmetry and balance where needed but cannot tattoo outside the naturally occurring lip line (the vermilion border). Colors are custom blended to the clients liking and swatched on the skin prior to tattooing.

Eyeliner is typically the most straightforward. I consider the individual’s eye shape and make recommendations on length and thickness while also inquiring about their personal preferences. Most people choose some variation of dark brown or black as it shows up the best, however, other colors are available as well.

Micropigments: I use pigments by PermaBlend. They are the only company in the U.S. with an ISO 13485 medical device level certification to ensure results that are safe. They follow FDA, GMP and strict EU guidelines. Their safety protocols exceed the standards of US, Canadian, and European certifications. They make highly concentrated pigments that provide unmatched performance, longer lasting results and colors that fade into the natural looks. They are made in the USA, vegan friendly, cruelty free, CPNP certified, sterile and safe. My micropigments are only purchased directly from PermaBlend and never from 3rd party sellers to ensure quality and authenticity.

Needle cartridges: I currently use varying brands of needles. They include Bishop Da Vinci V2, Kwadron PMU Optima, Peak’s Quartz and Cerus lines, Tina Davies PIXL and Vertix Pico. All cartridges are individually packaged, sterilized and disposable to keep you safe.

We ask this of our clients to determine their Fitzpatrick Scale number and skin type. This information helps us decide the correct undertones within a color to use for your procedure, how the micro pigments will heal and forecast the final appearance within the skin.

We recommend a wet healing method for lip and eyebrow procedures and dry healing for eyeliner procedures. You will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions upon your visit. You can also find them here.

• You’ll save time and get ready faster!

•You won’t have to touch up your makeup throughout the day and night!

• No more struggling to achieve the perfect, even application every day!

• You’ll lighten your load! Without needing mirror compact, a spare set of pencils and/or lipstick to carry in your bag, you’ll have more space and less weight.

• It’s an investment that will save you money in the long run! Most clients find they ultimately save money due to no longer needing so many cosmetic products.

• Waterproof & smudge proof! Go swimming, sweat it out at the gym, smooch your mate, sip your coffee or wine… do it all without ever having to worry about smearing, smudging, transferring or having to reapply. Smile with confidence because you’ll never have lipstick on your teeth again!

• It will not inhibit natural hair growth! Continue to grow your brows without interruption.

• Long lasting and natural looking results! Touch up appointments are fast and easy, keep up with them and you’ll be able to enjoy your gorgeous, enhanced features for years to come.