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Permanent Makeup Guide

What to Expect, How to Choose, and How to Care for Your Results

 

Permanent makeup (PMU) is a powerful tool that simplifies your daily routine, enhances natural features, and gives you confidence without solely relying on daily cosmetics.

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This guide is designed to answer the most common questions clients have before, during, and after permanent makeup... whether it’s your first time, you’re returning for maintenance, or you’re simply researching your options.

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If you still have questions after reading, you’re always welcome to call or text to schedule a free consultation.

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Book Online | View Gallery | Explore PMU Services

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What Is Permanent Makeup?

 

Permanent makeup is a form of cosmetic tattooing that deposits pigment into the upper layers of the skin to enhance features such as eyebrows, lips, and eyeliner.

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Unlike traditional tattoos:

  • pigments are designed to fade naturally over time

  • techniques are softer and more precise

  • results are meant to enhance, not overpower

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Permanent makeup is semi-permanent, meaning it requires maintenance to stay looking fresh.

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Which Permanent Makeup Is Right for Me?

Choosing the right PMU service depends on your lifestyle, makeup habits, and goals.

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Eyebrows

 

Eyebrow PMU creates structure, symmetry, and definition so you don’t have to fill them in daily.

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Best for:

  • sparse, uneven, or over-plucked brows

  • asymmetry

  • busy lifestyles

  • clients wanting a polished look with minimal effort

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Techniques include:

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If you wear little makeup, a softer technique is usually best.
If you wear more makeup, PMU acts as a built-in base that makes getting ready faster.

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Eyeliner

 

Eyeliner PMU enhances the eyes without daily application.

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Best for:

  • watery eyes

  • makeup smudging

  • lash gaps

  • aging lashes

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Options range from:

  • lash line enhancement (very subtle, makeup-free look)

  • classic eyeliner

  • softly shaded eyeliner

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If you rarely wear makeup, lash line enhancement is often ideal.
If you love definition, eyeliner PMU gives you structure even on no-makeup days.

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Lips

 

Lip PMU enhances color, shape, and symmetry.

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Best for:

  • pale or uneven lip tone

  • dark areas of pigmentation

  • loss of definition

  • asymmetry

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Techniques include:

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Lip PMU does not replace lipstick, but it dramatically improves how lips look naturally and how makeup applies.

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Does Loralei Use Numbing?

 

Yes. | Topical numbing agents are used throughout the procedure to maintain comfort. Sensation varies by person and area, but most clients are surprised by how manageable the process feels.

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Are the Pigments Safe?

Yes. | Pigments used are:

  • REACH compliant

  • selected based on skin tone and undertone

  • chosen to fade naturally rather than shift color

Health and safety standards exceed industry requirements.

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Health, Safety, and Professional Standards

 

Your safety is the top priority.

  • sterile, single-use needles are opened in front of you

  • universal precautions are followed

  • barrier protection is used throughout the procedure

  • gloves are worn and changed as required

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Many clients work in healthcare and frequently comment on the cleanliness and professionalism of the studio.

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Important Pre-Care Instructions

Following pre-care is essential for safety and optimal results.

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Avoid 24 Hours Before:

  • alcohol

  • caffeine

  • aspirin

  • ibuprofen

  • vitamin E

  • niacin

  • blood thinners unless approved by your doctor

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Avoid 5 Days Before:

  • waxing, tinting, electrolysis near the area

  • prolonged sun exposure

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Avoid 2 Weeks or More Before:

  • retinol or retinoids

  • Botox or fillers near the area

  • deep chemical peels

Do not schedule permanent makeup within two weeks of major events such as weddings, vacations, or cruises.

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Special Zone-Specific Pre-Care

 

Lips

If you have ever had a cold sore, you must contact your medical provider for a prophylactic antiviral before your appointment. This is the client’s responsibility.

Keep lips well hydrated for at least 3 days before each lip appointment.

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Eyeliner

  • Lash extensions must be removed prior

  • Lash lifts, tinting, and over-the-counter lash serums must be stopped 2 weeks before

  • Prescription lash serums such as Latisse must be discontinued 3 months prior

  • Bring glasses if you wear contacts

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What Healing Looks Like

 

Days 1–2

  • color appears bold and intense

  • swelling, redness, and tightness are normal

  • cold compresses may help

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Days 3–14

  • flaking or peeling occurs

  • itching is common

  • do not pick or scratch

The skin is considered open during this phase. Avoid:

  • makeup near the area

  • swimming

  • saunas

  • heavy sweating

  • sun exposure

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Days 15–28

This is the “ghosting phase.”
Color may appear too light or uneven. This is normal.

Final results cannot be evaluated until at least 4 weeks.

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Aftercare Basics

Clean the area gently with clean hands and mild soap or water.

  • lips require thin layers of A&D ointment

  • eyeliner should be cleansed externally only

  • avoid heavy products near the area

Failure to follow aftercare may result in pigment loss or complications.

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Maintenance & Touch-Ups

 

Permanent makeup fades over time due to:

  • skin type

  • skincare products

  • sun exposure

  • hormones

Touch-ups are recommended-Annual basis is most common. Some clients may require an additional touch-up if fading occurs faster than expected.

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Long-Term Color Retention & Care Tips

Permanent makeup is designed to fade gradually and naturally over time. How long your results last depends not only on your skin type and lifestyle, but also how you care for the area long term.

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Be Mindful of Anti-Aging Skincare

Active skincare ingredients can significantly affect the longevity of permanent makeup.

Avoid applying products containing:

  • retinol or retinoids

  • glycolic acid

  • salicylic acid

  • exfoliating acids or peels

within at least a finger-width of your permanent makeup.
These products migrate as they absorb into the skin and can cause premature fading or color changes.

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Sun Exposure Matters More Than Anything Else

Prolonged sun exposure is permanent makeup’s biggest nemesis.

UV light breaks down pigment over time, even when healed. To protect your results:

  • wear SPF daily

  • use large sunglasses and wide-brim hats when possible

  • be mindful during beach trips, cruises, and outdoor vacations

It’s completely normal for clients who spend a lot of time in the sun to need touch-ups sooner than expected.

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Touch-Up Pricing & Timing Transparency

Touch-up pricing is based on how much time has passed since your last session.

The longer it has been:

  • the more pigment has faded

  • the more work is required to rebuild the design

This is why pricing increases over time. It’s not a penalty — it simply reflects the amount of work needed to restore your results.

If maintaining consistent results is important to you, scheduling annual touch-ups helps keep both your color and your pricing predictable.

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Makeup Can Temporarily Dull Your Results

This is one of the most common things clients don’t realize.

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If your permanent makeup looks less vibrant after applying foundation or tinted products:

  • gently wipe over brows, eyeliner, or lips with a cotton swab or makeup wipe

Foundation sitting on top of permanent makeup can make it look muted or invisible. Removing product from the surface allows the color underneath to show clearly again.

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Other Important Information

  • PMU may appear as an artifact on MRI scans

  • injectables should ideally be performed after PMU, not before

  • facial structure changes can affect PMU appearance over time

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Still Not Sure What to Book?

That’s perfectly normal.

Permanent makeup is personal, and choosing the right technique matters.
You’re always welcome to call or text for guidance before booking.

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📞 904-800-7799

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We’ll help you choose the option that fits your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term goals.

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