Cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as permanent makeup, semi-permanent makeup or micropigmentation, is the process of implanting pigment beneath the surface of the skin using tiny, sterile, disposable needles.

As soon as pigment enters the skin, theres no guarantee it will ever be gone completely. The techniques being labelled as semi-permanent refers more to clients coming in for touch ups due to the natural fading that occurs over time. In traditional tattooing, ‘ink’ is used while in cosmetic tattooing ‘pigment’ is used. The pigment is placed much shallower into the skin and it’s designed to gently fade over time. Fading is actually encouraged as it preserves the integrity of the skin and allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over the years keeping things looking soft and natural.

The answer to this is dependent on a few things, such as your skin type and how you care for the tattoo long term. If you have oily or thick skin, it will lighten quicker than someone with normal/ dry, thin or mature skin. Wearing SPF 30+, and avoiding any acids or retinoids on the tattooed area will keep things fresher for longer. Keeping your skin healthy and out of the sun is the absolute best way to preserve your cosmetic tattoo. Clients can go between 1 to 3 years before needing a touch up.

Of course it is different for everyone but most clients rate the pain a 4/10. Topical anesthetic is applied during the procedure to make sure you're as comfortable as possible. Any minor discomfort you may feel is within the first 5 minutes of the procedure before the anesthetic is applied, then rest of the procedure is a walk in the park!

As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing individuals.

Cosmetic tattoos CANNOT be done on clients who;

* are an insulin-dependent diabetic (otherwise, a doctor’s note is required)

* are on blood thinning medication

* have recently undergone chemotherapy

* are pregnant or breastfeeding

* are prone to keloid scarring

* you have taken accutane within the last 12 months

* you have used retinoids, growth serums in the brow or exfoliating acids (BHA, lactic, AHA etc) within the past two weeks

* any skin that is damaged or compromised in any way, including but is not limited to; sun burns, recent chemical peels, laser treatments and freshly waxed skin. Skin must always be in good health to be tattooed!

* clients who are on antibiotics (you must wait two full weeks after your course of antibiotics before your appointment)

Clients who have the following should contact us prior to booking to discuss if we’re able to do the procedure;

* an autoimmune disorder

* psoriasis, eczema in the brow area or vitiligo

* rosacea or keratosis pilaris in the area to be tattooed

* chronic acne

** Please note we are not doctors and any concern you may have should be checked with your family doctor

Yes! There are definitely some steps necessary to ensure your body and skin are in the best possible condition for your appointment with us. You can read more about appointment preparation in the link at the bottom of this page.

You should take aftercare VERY seriously as it is so crucial to the overall health and healed look of your new cosmetic tattoo.

You can find our aftercare guide at the bottom of this page.

Your appointment length will depend on the procedure and the artist. Appointments can be anywhere from 2-3 hours. We recommend giving yourself lots of time on the day of your appointment and not have any time sensitive plans afterward. Feel free to ask your artist about timing ahead of time!