What is Permanent Cosmetics?
Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as Lips, Eyeliner, and Eyebrows. It is used to produce artificial eyebrows, particularly in people who have lost them as a consequence of old age, disease, such as alopecia totalis, chemotherapy, or a genetic disturbance, and to disguise scars and white spots in the skin such as in vitiligo. It is also used to restore or enhance the breast's areola, such as after breast surgery.

How is it done?
The method by which your permanent cosmetics are applied depends simply on the preference of your professional. Permanent cosmetics can be applied with specialized tattoo equipment; this is perfectly acceptable. However, many professionals, including myself prefer to use SofTap® hand tools when applying permanent makeup to facial tissue. The SofTap® hand method is a highly controlled and very gentle way to implant permanent color into the skin. 

During the procedure, sterile SofTap® tools are dipped in SofTap® color and then gently tapped throughout the area according to the design. This method is gentle, noiseless, non-invasive, and gives the most natural look in permanent cosmetics. Eyebrows are soft and feathery, lips are luscious and natural, and eyeliner is alluringly beautiful.

Your permanent cosmetic professional has complete control over where pigment is deposited with the SofTap® hand method. Every move, every touch is at your professional's complete discretion. You can relax and enjoy becoming beautiful. Talented artists with gentle hands design your cosmetics exactly as you want them, down to the tiniest point of color. 

SofTap® color is applied to sterile needles and implanted under the epidermis, just at the surface of the skin's dermal layer. This method is very controlled and very efficient. 

After implantation, the pigment rests and is covered by the epidermis as the skin heals, giving the pigment a softer look than its initial implantation.

Results?
Immediate results - Permanent makeup results in enhanced features of the face—definition is rendered to eyebrows, eyes and lips by the use of colors. Results can imitate topically applied cosmetics or can be quite unnoticeable, depending upon the design, color value and amount of pigment used. At first, permanent makeup results may look darker. This is due to color remaining in the outermost epidermal layers of skin at the start. Color softens within a few days during the healing process as the upper layers of epidermis slough and are replaced by new epidermal cells.

Long-term results - The best possible color results can perform for many years or may begin to fade over time. The amount of time required for this, depends per person. While permanent makeup pigment remains in the dermis its beauty-span may be influenced by several possible factors. These can be environmental, procedural and/or individual factors. Sun exposure fades color. The amount and color of pigment deposit at the dermal level can affect the length of time that permanent makeup looks its best. Very natural-looking applications are likely to require a touch-up before more dramatic ones for this reason. Individual influences include lifestyles that find an individual in the sun regularly such as with gardening or swimming. Skin tones are a factor in color value changes over time.

Does it hurt?
SofTap® is the gentlest method you will find for implanting permanent color into the skin. However, even with that being said, I always use 2 step numbing process. Primary numbing 5% Lidocaine and the secondary numbing being Epinephrine to stop the bleeding and swelling that may occur.

Does it look good?
Yes, with the SofTap® method, you can have natural looking makeup, 24/7. Because this process is done by hand, it is easy to avoid harsh, dark, and unnatural permanent makeup. Even when I do black, it looks very natural.

Do I get a say in how my makeup is done?
Of course. I wouldn't dream of giving you a design you didn't want. This is a process in which the both of us work together to find what works for you—after all it is for you!

How much does it cost?
Prices vary depending on the expertise of the professional, the type of work, and the circumstances surrounding your individual case. If you want straightforward procedures such as eyeliner, eyebrows, or lips done by an experienced professional, expect to pay a few hundred dollars. If you want extensive camouflage and shape correction done by a master in the field, expect to pay a few thousand dollars. 

How long will it last?
This depends on the color and style you have chosen. If you choose a subtle, light color and application, expect to need more touch ups than if you choose a dark color and heavier application. It is important to understand that while very dark colors and heavy applications require little or no touch ups, they do not look as natural and therefore are not recommended. 

Will I need a touch up?
Most likely. Light color and light applications need touch ups to stay looking natural. Medium applications need fewer touch ups, but you still need them. If you have a very dark color implanted deeply in your skin, you may never need a touch up. We recommend a lighter color and more touch ups for a more natural look.  Touch-ups are not included in the initial service. 

How often should I come in to refresh the color?
In order to keep your permanent makeup looking fresh, we recommend a touch up every two years for light brows and eyeliner, every five years for medium brows and dark eyeliner, and probably once in ten years for lips. Lips usually retain color very well once they are successfully implanted.

Why do I need a touch up if this is permanent?
Because color is implanted in the facial area there tends to be more fluid circulation than other parts of the body. Your face sees the most wear of any piece of you—exposure to the sun, food, facial products—the list goes on and on. All of these things cause permanent color to fade, this is why you need a touch up. 

How can I extend the life of my procedure?
Your beautiful permanent makeup will last longer if you apply sun block daily and avoid abrasive facial treatments in the brow area. 

How should I prepare before the procedure?
If you are sensitive, you may take an over the counter pain reliever approximately one hour prior to your procedure. Do not take aspirin or any other blood thinners as these promote bleeding. If you are having your eyeliner done, refrain from wearing contact lenses and eye makeup, conventional eye makeup may leave residue and make the procedure more difficult. For lip procedures, you may obtain a prescription to prevent viral outbreaks if you are prone to this. 

How long does the procedure take?
This will vary with the type of work you are having done and your sensitivity. Generally speaking, basic eyebrow fills, eyelash enhancements, and straightforward lip liner each take a little under an hour. More complicated work such as thick eyeliner, eyebrows with hair strokes, and full lips take about two hours. Extremely difficult procedures will probably take more time and be broken up into several appointments (scar camouflage, correction etc.) 

Is there any reason why I shouldn't get it done?
There are a few cases (medical conditions, medication etc) where permanent makeup may not be right or possible for you. Ask me about your case by emailing me and calling me. 

Can I resume normal activity, exercising, gardening, etc?
Most normal activities can be resumed right away. Heavy exercise should be avoided for at least a week for best results—any sweat formed on your brows can fade your healing color. Swimming should be on hold for at least a week, pool chemicals would erode your healing color as well. Outdoors activities such as gardening or golf can be resumed as long as your treatment area remains clean, dry, and out of the sun. For best results do not expose your procedure to any unnecessary wear. 

Is there going to be any scabbing?
There can be scabbing if your skin is sensitive. Eyeliner procedures tend to scab more than eyebrows. DO NOT pick off these scabs; picking scabs may result in a loss of color or minor scarring. 

Why do I see color flaking off after about a week?
This can happen for a number of reasons, but it usually has to do with skin type. Older skin, more weathered skin, and drier skin may flake color off during the healing process. There should be color underneath, but if not, I will touch up your color at your follow up appointment. 

Will I be swollen?
Eyebrows swell slightly. Swelling is normal and expected for lip and eyeliner procedures. We recommend ice packs ten minutes each hour for the first three hours after these procedures to minimize swelling. 

Will I have to hide from my friends?
Lips will swell and be red! eyes will be swollen a bit too for at least a few days. I would say brows will peel through days 7 and its a process of healing a tattoo but it happens to be on your face. Apply your Aquaphor ointment, and baby that area until I see you for the follow-up! 

I don't want it to look harsh, what should I do?
The SofTap method is known for it's natural results. Bring a picture of brows, eyes, or lips that you love—magazine cutouts are great. Show or tell me what your goals are for the final result, and they will do their utmost to help you achieve your desired look. 

Can it be removed?
Small exfoliations and corrections may be possible, but if you want a complete removal you should see a laser specialist. 

I already have permanent makeup and I want to change the shape, can you help?
Yes, changes to your old design can be made. 

I already have permanent makeup and I want to change the color, can you help?
Yes, color changes are common. See me for a consultation to discuss your new color.

I'm pregnant, can I get permanent makeup?
If you are pregnant or nursing, your body and your baby are more susceptible to any kind of infection. Wait until you are finished nursing before you get permanent makeup done. 

Can I have cheek blush done?
Your cheeks have thousands of sensitive capillaries that are easily damaged, therefore this procedure it not advised. 

Can I get a beauty mark?
Absolutely, simply tell me the size and where to put it.

Can I get it all done in one day?
Yes, but it is recommended to have eyes and brows done in the same day and to come back for lips on a separate day.

Can I get an MRI?
Inform your doctor or MRI technician that you have permanent makeup so that they can take the appropriate measures when performing your scan. You can also visit www.MRIsafety.com or www.fda.gov for more information.

Eyebrow FAQs:

Can I come in with my brows drawn on as I like them?
Yes, if they are exactly perfect and drawn just how you like them, I can create an outline, thoroughly cleanse your skin and get right to work. This can save you both a lot of time, especially if you draw in your brows with the color chosen at your consultation.

Why do my eyebrows look so dark during the healing process?
This is a result of the natural oxidation process that takes place in the skin once pigment has been implanted. The color reacts slowly with oxygen in the air, turning it darker. This is a completely natural and normal occurrence for our pigments.

How do I choose a color for my eyebrows?
I ususally  look at the color of your brows if you have any, and the hair color on the top of your head, then decide based on your skin tone and making sure the color is perfect for you! 

I had my brows done and they're too dark, can I change the color?
SofTap® colors are truly awesome in this respect. We can change red to brown, black to blonde—there are many possibilities. If your brows are too dark, see your local SofTap® professional for a color correction. Keep in mind that going from light to dark is much easier than going from dark to light. The number of applications will vary according to how drastic the change is.

My brows are red, can I correct them?
Yes. see me for a consultation to advise a correction. 

Eyeliner FAQs:

I want my eyelashes to look fuller, like when I can't get off all my makeup, can you do this?
Absolutely!  I do , I call it the Eyelash Enhancement.

Can you do tails in my eyeliner?
Yes, this is commonly done. I will draw them in for you before working so you can approve the upsweep and length.

I put my eyeliner in that flat area inside my eyelashes, close to my eye. Can you implant color here?
No, implanting color in the grey line of your eyes can damage your meibomian glands and cause a number of health concerns including dry eye.

What should I do during the healing process for my eyes?
You should not pick at the scabbing or crusting. This is healing the pigment under the skin and so it would be best to let it naturally shed. Apply Aquaphor to the eyes about 2 times a day. REFER TO THE TAB PERMANENT COSMETICS-POST CARE.

How do I choose a color for my eyeliner?
I take into consideration, your everyday eyeliner, your eye color, and the final result desired. We can do fun colors as an accent. like a green or blue line just slightly above the top liner. This a subtle look that makes the eyes pop! 

Can you do eye shadow?
The skin of the eyelids is the thinnest and most delicate on your whole body. While some minimal shading can be done above your lash line, eye shadow is not advised. 

Lips FAQs:

How do I choose a color for my lips?
You can choose the color by simply telling me what you want the color to be. Maybe bring in the lip stick of the color you desire and I will try to match it the best I can. I cannot do any colors cooler than, ruby red. I cannot do Purple or burgundy. The lips are cool already and for that reason if I put color on the lips that had a blue hue, it would fade blue and awful. 

Can I get my lips bright red, like fire engine red?
No, no matter what brand of pigment is used, you will never get fire engine red lips because of the blue undertones present in all natural lips. This blue mixing with red will create a pink or mauve tone, not a true red. Our lip colors are designed to give you the sexiest look possible for everyday wear. Your professional can custom blend our lip colors to give you something that defines your lips better, but don't expect fire engine red. 

If I have a lot of melanin in my skin, can I get a brighter berry color for my lips?
People who naturally have very dark lips have a lot of melanin in their skin, which tends to turn pigment darker than it's original shade. Berry shades and brighter colors MAY be achieved for your lips, but it is more difficult to do. Have your professional do a patch test on your lip first to see how certain colors heal up. Often, these lips types require lip colors that look very bright before implantation, so that they can heal to your desired color. 

Why do my lips look like I lost all my color?
Lips are made up of very thin skin with a lot of blood flow underneath the dermal layer—hence the natural pink color. Increased circulation, combined with the natural exfoliation of your lips, makes it very hard for lips to retain color. This is why lips are usually not considered complete until after two or three treatments.

What should I do during the healing process for my lips?
Refer to Permanent Cometics- POST CARE- on Service Menu

I have a history of cold sores; can I get my lips done?
Yes, if you have ever had a cold sore you should know that cold sores are actually symptoms of herpes simplex type 1. At least one in five people in the United States have this disease. If your case if severe, simply inform your technician and prepare for your procedure by ordering any appropriate prescription medication.

I have never had cold sores, am I clear to have my lips done?
1 in 5 people have this virus and don't know it, if you are concerned, you can order appropriate medication as a precaution.