QUESTIONS | BEAUTY MARKS BY RENÉE

What is cosmetic tattooing?

Cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as permanent makeup, microblading, pmu or micropigmentation, is the process of implanting colour pigment beneath the surface of the skin by disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face.

What is the difference between cosmetic tattooing and regular body tattooing?

The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer and more subtle – it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Traditional body tattooing and permanent make up techniques are not the same. Cosmetic tattooing techniques are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over the years as client’s natural colouration and facial changes occur. However, there is no guarantee how long a specific person will benefit from.

Do cosmetic tattooing hurt?

The discomfort varies from person to person as everyone has a different level of sensitivity. A topical anesthetic cream and gel is applied before and during the procedure to ensure comfort throughout. Every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure.

Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure.
If you are a frequent smoker or "sun worshipper" the topical anesthetics used during the treatment may not last as long and also can lead to poor retention and poor lasting results.
If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

How long does it last?

Cosmetic tattoos will most likely last 1 to 2 years with proper care. However, the pigment will fade over time and I recommend to get a 12 to 18 months touch up to keep up with the desired look and richness of colour. There is no guarantee how long the results will last as each individual has very different skin and lifestyle.

Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: skin type, lifestyle (sun exposure, smoking), pigment selection (lighter colours fade faster), iron deficiency (your body absorbs iron-oxide as a supplement), skincare products, chemical peels, etc. Multiple sessions are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures. Each new procedure requires a minimum of 2 visits to achieve lasting results.

What is lip blush?

Lip blush tattoo is a process to enhance your lips natural shape and color.

How long is the lip blush healing?

What is microblading?

Everyone heals completely different and aftercare instructions are given to clients the day of the appointment. The first day the lips are going to be a bit swollen but subsides within a few hours. The following day the lips are bolder in color and is going to start the drying process for the following 4 days. A ointment is provided to clients to ensure proper healing care.

Microblading is a form of cosmetic eyebrow tattooing. Hair strokes are created with a hand held tool to help camouflage missing eyebrow hairs. Unlike a traditional cosmetic tattoo, Microblading requires more frequent touch ups to keep up with the desired shape, crisp hair strokes and richness of colour, making the results semi permanent. Although the results are semi permanent and will not wash off, the results vary from person to person and may last less or longer than the usually time frame (1 to 2 years).

How long does the process takes?

For most, cosmetic tattoos is a two step process, usually 8 to 14 weeks apart.

We begin the initial appointment by discussing your desired look. You are encouraged to bring picture references or to come in with your make up for me to have a visual of the look you are used to and/or prefer. I then proceed by drawing a shape according to your facial features, measurements and desired results. Though our faces are not symmetrical, I try my best to achieve as much symmetry as possible. My advice is given and explained to you throughout the process and we only begin once we have shape you are satisfied with and approve. The appointment usually takes a full 2h-2h30.

A touch up is recommended to all clients 8 to 14 weeks after the initial appointment to asses colour retention and to ensure lasting results. Some people will be satisfied with their results with one session, however the colour will fade significantly in a shorter amount of time. Scheduling after the recommended time frame will result in a fee applied.

How do you choose color?

Every colour is customised differently for each client. During the beginning of the appointment, we discuss desired colour that is best suited for your desired results and skin tone. If you get your brows tinted, you will have to do it 2 to 3 days before the appointment.

How do you choose the shape?

We customize your shape and style together. At the beginning of the initial appointment we discuss your desired look (Pictures are good for references). I then proceed to draw a shape according to your facial features, bone structure, lip tissue (lip blush), measurements and desired look. We do not start the process without a shape you are satisfied with.

What type of pigments do you use?

I use a couple reputable brands that I all love and have good results with. They all have iron oxides, distilled water, glycerine, alcohol and general colours that are found in all retail makeup. Naturally the pigments will fade and be absorbed by the skin. It is completely safe and harmless to the skin.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Caffeine, alcohol and certain medications that act as blood-thinners should avoided 48 hours prior to your appointment. Please read my pre care instructions for a full list of what to avoid 48 hours prior to the appointment . Excessive bleeding during the tattooing procedure may occur and will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. If you are on any blood thinning medications, including : Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen, please consult your doctor to avoid 72 hours before the appointment.
If you have been on prescription Acutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure.
The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, and may also change the colour appearance of the pigment (lighter pigments may fade quicker than darker). A sunscreen should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement. It is highly recommended that you avoid long periods of direct SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a sunburn, we will need to reschedule. As the skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure.
If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, you are welcome to bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so I can take into consideration the shape you desire and used to. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that are outside of our final shape, I can remove them.

How long is the brow healing process?

The aftercare is for 2 weeks. It is normal to experience minimal swelling, redness and tenderness immediately following your procedure. This usually subsides within a few hours to 24 hours after the procedure. The first week following your treatment, the area will appear much darker than how it will appear once it has healed. Around the 1st or 2nd week post procedure, the skin naturally exfoliates and sheds. During weeks 4-8, the skin completes healing and the pigment becomes more visible. An enhancement Session visit approximately 8 weeks after your initial appointment is necessary to achieve a more richness of colour, symmetry and density in the shape. If you do not get a touch up, your results will significantly fade in a short amount of time.

Aftercare instructions are explained to you during the appointment and will be sent home with you for referrals throughout the process. You can also visit my aftercare page where I have all the explanations.

Can I have cosmetic tattooing done while I am pregnant or nursing?

Under no circumstances are you allowed to get cosmetic tattooing done while pregnant or breast feeding.

Can you microblade over a existing brow tattoo?

I can Microblade over some existing tattoos. A picture is required to be sent for me to asses if tattoo removal is necessary to achieve good results. Although most cases are able to fade significantly with time, some work will require tattoo removal to achieve good results.

Is microblading a tattoo?

Microblading is a tattoo. Whenever a needle and ink is implanted in the skin, it is a tattoo.

Do my existing brows have to be shaved?

Please do not tweeze, thread, wax or modify your eyebrows in any way for as long as possible, and no sooner than three days before the appointment. The beginning of your service includes a brief consultation, followed by shaping and a discussion about colour. Your regular brow maintenance of tweezing, threading, waxing and/or tinting may continue once the brows have healed.

How old do I need to be to get cosmetic tattoos?

You need to be over the age of 18 years old.

How many treatments are needed?

Cosmetic tattoos is a multiple step appointment process. The area will not be completed without a enhancement session. For microblading, at least two appointments are needed initially. Each of these appointments being 8-14 weeks apart. During your enhancement session, we will assess the color retention and make any adjustments necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go bolder and add more density at your next appointment.

What factors will affect Microblading?

Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Caffeine, alcohol, certain food or drink, and medications act as blood-thinners and should avoided 48 hours prior to your appointment.

Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, and may also change the colour appearance of the pigment. A physical sunscreen should be used (once healed) to prolong your enhancement.

Pigment colour: Some colours may fade quicker than others, e.g. a blonde pigment may fade quicker than a dark brunette pigment.

Lifestyle: smokers, "sun worshippers", or anyone with skin that is in a state of distress (rosacea, acne, etc) may have less desirable results.

The area of treatment: Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure. Bleeding during the procedure: Any bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol and certain medications act as blood-thinners and should not be taken prior to and following your appointment.

* Please note : Aftercare instructions are to be completely followed for FULL 2 weeks.

What should I do after the procedure?

Aftercare instructions are explained at the appointment and sent home with clients. Avoid scheduling a appointment during an event you want to wear more makeup, vacation in the sun, hot tubs, saunas, facials, botox. Brow aftercare is for 2 weeks and lips is for 5 days.

What will my microbladed brows look like in the future?

Results vary from person to person and typically last 1 to 2 years before a touch up is required. Over time cosmetic tattoos are meant to fade. However, there is no guarantee how long a specific person will have the results.

What should I do for long term care?

A good sunscreen should be applied AFTER healing when having sun exposure and is required to help keep colour true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the colour soften faster.
Fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment colour used, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure.
If you are planning a chemical peel, laser treatment or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had a cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.

Is the equipment safe?

I only use single use, disposable needles and supplies. This means that each set-up for each new client is discarded safely afterwards. My stations is disinfected before and after each procedure throughout the day.