Cosmetic Tattooing
Cosmetic tattooing, (also known as 'Semi-Permanent Makeup' or 'Micropigmentation'), is the process of implanting coloured pigment into the dermal layer of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to give the appearance of makeup and to enhance the natural features of the face.
What is cosmetic tattooing?
Do I require a consultation prior to the initial treatment?
If you have never had a cosmetic tattooing treatment before, though it is not mandatory, we do highly recommend you attend a consultation prior to your treatment date. Every client is individual and has different wants or needs. With this in mind, utilise the consultation time to establish these, and to ensure we can meet your expectations.
During your consultation, your brows will be mapped according to your natural hair growth patterns, bone structure and eye spatial measurements, followed by a conversation between you and the artist to tweak anything that you may want amended. You are also welcome to bring along any images that you like so we can discuss all the options available.
What type of cosmetic tattooing do you offer?
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FREE - Consultation
(consultations are only required if you have existing tattoo in the immediate area)
$660 + anaesthetic - Initial appointment
$330 - Perfection session (10 weeks post)
Combination brows are a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique that results in a more structured, shaded brow towards the tail of the brow, and soft ‘hair like’ strokes at the head of the brow. Combination brows are perfect for anyone with a dryer skin type.
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FREE - Consultation
(consultations are only required if you have existing tattoo in the immediate area)
$660 + anaesthetic - Initial appointment
$330 - Perfection session (10 weeks post)
Ombre brows are a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique that results in a more structured, shaded brow. The tail of the brow is darker, and the head of the brow comes into a soft fade, so the brows don't look 'blocky'. Ombre brows are suitable for all skin types, but is particularly recommended for women with oily or combination skin or for anyone who fills in their brows regularly with pencil or shadow.
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FREE - Consultation
(consultations are only required if you have existing tattoo in the immediate area)
$660 + anaesthetic - Initial appointment
$330 - Perfection session (10 weeks post)
Powder brows are also a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique, however they result in a softer finish than the ombre brows; They are a little less defined on the edges, and throw a 'just had them tinted' vibe. Powder brows are suitable for all skin types.
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FREE - Consultation
(consultations are only required if you have existing tattoo in the immediate area)
$660 + anaesthetic - Initial appointment
$330 - Perfection session (10 weeks post)
Lip blush tattoo is semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing procedure and is perfect for anyone that is wanting to add a little colour to the their lips, yet remain very natural in appearance.
Lip blush tattoo helps to create symmetry, adds definition to the vermilion boarder, and brightens the lips. Just add gloss!
Do I only need one treatment?
You will require a minimum of 2 treatments.
The 1st appointment is the "FOUNDATION SESSION” - This is where we will map your brows or lips and discuss together the perfect shape according to your facial features, desired thickness and or course your desired look. We then begin the process. Your tattoo will be quite dark for the first 3 days, and then begin to soften as they heal over the next 10 days. Every skin type is different; some people will retain more colour than others, some will heal very light or patchy. This appointment is not meant to heal perfectly. This appointment takes approx. 3 hours and costs $499 plus anaesthetic.
The 2nd appointment is the “PERFECTING SESSION"- We recommended this treatment be completed 10 weeks post the initial treatment. This appointment allows us to touch up any light spots, build additional texture, or tweak and perfect the shape. This session usually takes approx. 1.5 hours and costs $220.
10% of people will require a 3rd treatment to achieve their desired pigment colour. This can be due to stubborn skin, improper aftercare, or scarring etc.
Can results vary?
Absolutely. Colour retention and overall results vary from person to person. Factors such as sun exposure, skin type, aftercare, lifestyle, immune system, and skin undertones determine how your cosmetic tattoo will heal.
Can I use a topical anaesthetic to help numb the area?
Yes. We want to ensure your procedure is as pain free as possible, however anaesthetic is classed as a scheduled medicine and is illegal to be provided unless your artist is a Registered Nurse or Doctor. As we are neither of these, we are therefore unable to supply this product for you, meaning you are required to purchase this yourself. Upon confirmation of your booking, we will provide the details of our preferred compounding chemist who is able to assist you in the purchasing process. Please DO NOT just purchase an over the counter topical anaesthetic, as their levels of anaesthesia are too low (usually 3%), and they do not contain a vital ingredient to help prevent bleeding during the procedure meaning that pigment may not be retained as well as it should. Please only purchase the anaesthetic that is recommended by us.
How often will I need to have my cosmetic tattoo re-touched?
Cosmetic tattooing is considered a semi- permanent treatment that will gradually fade over time and need to be re-touched anywhere from 9-18 months for brows, and 2-5 years for lips. The frequency of the re-touch appointments depends on many features, including the techniques chosen, the pigment colour used, and the individuals skin type and lifestyle.
What do I need to avoid following my treatment ?
You will need to avoid saunas, swimming pools, and high exposure to the sun during the healing process. You must not let water come into contact with the tattoo for long periods of time (standing under the shower with the water on your face for example). You will be unable to use any makeup, creams or exfoliants, or have any massages, facials or skin treatments for at least 2 weeks. You will need to avoid the use of any cosmetics with retinol acids, salicylic or AHA's for 30 days post treatment. Refrain from scratching or picking your freshly tattooed area, as this can cause pigment to be lost in this area. You must avoid excessive sweating (exercise for example) as this can increase your risk of infection. Laser light therapy can also lighten, darken and distort the pigment, so please avoid this type of treatment.
What if I have existing cosmetic tattooing from another artist?
If you have had a cosmetic tattooing procedure completed elsewhere, we will need to determine if the current shape and level of remaining pigment is something we can work with. A consultation must be booked for clients that have existing tattoo.
What can't I do leading up to my appointment?
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In the 8 weeks leading up to your appointment, please refrain from having any lip filler injections. You must also wait at least 8 weeks post treatment to have lip filler.
In the 4 weeks leading up to you appointment, please refrain from having any anti wrinkle injections. If you have never had anti wrinkle injections before and are planning on having them, we highly recommend waiting until 2 weeks after your cosmetic tattooing procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
In the 2 weeks leading up to your appointment, you must stop using/taking any skin thinning agents. This includes (but is not limited to), Vitamin A, AHA, BHA, Retinoids, Glycolic Acids, Steroids, Cortisone (topical or oral). This also includes facial treatments. If you are using prescription acne medications (Accutane for example), you MUST wait a minimum of six months before considering undertaking a cosmetic tattoo procedure. The procedure cannot be performed whilst on these medications.
In the 7 days leading up to your appointment, you must minimise sun exposure. Sun burnt, or wind burnt skin is unable to be tattooed.In the 3 days leading up to your appointment, and for 3 days following your treatment you must stop taking any blood thinners. This includes (but is not limited to), Aspirin, Fish Oil Supplements, Ibuprofen, Niacin, Heparin, Warfarin. If you are on a prescribed blood thinning medication, please consult with your GP prior to stopping this medication. You will also be required to provide a release form from your GP stating that you are cleared to have a cosmetic tattooing procedure completed. We are unable to complete the treatment, if we do not have this signed release form.
In the 24 hours leading up to your appointment, you must not drink any alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
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In the 4 weeks leading up to you appointment, please do not wax or pluck your brow area. The more hair you have, the better. This allows us to ensure that we are staying within your natural hair growth pattern. Please also refrain from having any anti wrinkle injections for the 4 weeks leading up to and the 2 weeks following your cosmetic tattooing procedure. If you have never had anti wrinkle injections before and are planning on having them, we highly recommend waiting until after your cosmetic tattooing procedure.
In the 2 weeks leading up to your appointment, you must stop using/taking any skin thinning agents. This includes (but is not limited to), Vitamin A, AHA, BHA, Retinoids, Glycolic Acids, Steroids, Cortisone (topical or oral). This also includes facial treatments. If you are using prescription acne medications (Accutane for example), you MUST wait a minimum of six months before considering undertaking a cosmetic tattoo procedure. The procedure cannot be performed whilst on these medications.
In the 7 days leading up to your appointment, you must minimise sun exposure. Sun burnt, or wind burnt skin is unable to be tattooed. Please do not apply any fake tanning products in this time frame either as we need to assess your skin undertones.
In the 3 days leading up to your appointment, and for 3 days following your treatment you must stop taking any blood thinners. This includes (but is not limited to), Aspirin, Fish Oil Supplements, Ibuprofen, Niacin, Heparin, Warfarin. If you are on a prescribed blood thinning medication, please consult with your GP prior to stopping this medication. You will also be required to provide a release form from your GP stating that you are cleared to have a cosmetic tattooing procedure completed. We are unable to complete the treatment, if we do not have this signed release form.
In the 24 hours leading up to your appointment, you must not drink any alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
What aftercare is required?
To avoid infection and ensure the best possible result, it is important to follow the post treatment aftercare as detailed to you by your artist. How you take care of your cosmetic tattoo greatly affects the healed outcome. Post treatment care contributes to 80% of the treatments success.
Ensure you wash and sanitise your hands prior to coming into contact with your freshly tattooed skin. Preventing infection is one of our main objectives following a skin penetration treatment. The treated area is essentially a wound and we need to treat it as such. Following the correct aftercare is vital to minimising the risk of infection and ensuring the best result possible.
What can I expect during the healing process?
Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be bright and bold in colour and more sharply defined. This can last up to a week following the treatment while the initial healing process takes place. The treated area may feel a bit like sunburn afterwards but there should be minimal discomfort and minimal redness. Some slight swelling is to be expected and is completely normal. Small superficial bruising is also something that can happen if you are someone the bruises easily. Again this is completely normal and will subside within the first few hours following the treatment. If in doubt, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Within the first few days, the colour will darken, then up to 27 days following the procedure, your cosmetic tattoo will lighten up to 50% (depending on the treatment). The size of the treated area will also shrink very slightly and your tattoo will begin to look much more natural in appearance. The complete healing process takes about 10 weeks, at which time the true colour of the tattoo is evident. During this process, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much colour has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating.
Day 1 - Finely detailed, slight redness and swelling.
Day 2-4 - They may become darker and more filled in looking as they form a light protective layer. This is only temporary - don't panic! The protective layer naturally exfoliates, peels, and flakes away over the course of the next few days as your skin heals underneath it. The freshly healed skin is pale and may have a waxy coating, making it appear that they are now too light. Be patient!
Day 14 - After 14 days you may use make-up very gently if you need it. The colour will slowly come back to life and bloom back to the surface as that new skin settles in and heals. Wait at least 10 weeks to see the true colour, as it will take on new strength.
Your second appointment is to tighten up your shape, touch up any light spots and also to assess how your skin reacts to the process, and the chosen colour. We note everyone’s pigment blend, in case we need to layer in a different shade or adjust the method for the best results. This is a two-step process. Remember, your cosmetic tattoo is not complete until following your 2nd appointment and 10% of clients will require a 3rd appointment.
Are there any reasons I wouldn't be able to under go a cosmetic tattooing procedure?
Yes, there are some contraindications that will prevent us being able to complete a cosmetic tattooing procedure on you. These are listed below.
- Prone to keloid scaring
- Sunburn or windburn
- Diabetes that is not controlled (Diabetics will require medical clearance from their GP prior to the treatment being performed)
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Under the age of 18 years
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the treatment
- Know allergies to cosmetic tattooing (previous reaction)
- Active cancer or currently undergoing treatment for cancer
- Anyone with a bleeding disorder
- Acne, rosacea or dermatitis in the immediate area