Semi Permanent Makeup Q&A
Microblading or Ombré?
Microblading is a manual method of implanting a semi-permanent pigment into your skin (brows) that can help with brow correction. A handheld tool with a small blade made up of tiny needles is used to create hair-like strokes. This natural semi-permanent method enhances your brows, making them appear fuller and effectively hiding any gaps. However, microblading is not suitable for oily skin types, as the strokes may blur together over time due to pigment migration, resulting in a blocky and patchy brow. On the other hand, ombre brows, also known as powder brows, are created using a semi-permanent tattoo machine that implants the pigment into your skin (brows) with tiny pixels, resulting in a shading technique. Ombre brows are suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. They can provide a beautiful makeup look without the need for additional makeup, while also offering a very natural appearance with a soft, powdery finish that conceals gaps and creates fuller brows. Additionally, ombre brows typically tend to last longer than microblading. If you're also interested in enhancing your lips, you might consider lip blush as a complementary procedure.
Am I a good candidate for semi permanent make up and what are the contraindications?
Yes, if you are in good general health, you can consider semi-permanent make up, including options like brow correction and lip blush. Anyone can have these treatments unless you have health issues or concerns that might affect the treatment and healed result, or if you show high sensitivity or an allergic reaction to a patch test. Any skin type and skin color is suitable for semi-permanent make up. If you have over-plucked, sparse brows or have undergone chemotherapy, suffer from alopecia, or simply want to enhance the shape of your brows, you are a good candidate for semi-permanent make up like microblading or ombre brows. If you're interested in lip blush, you are also a good candidate if you aim to restore your vermilion border, make your lips more contoured and noticeable, or achieve a slightly fuller appearance without lip fillers. However, certain health conditions require a GP's referral note to ensure it is safe for you to receive semi-permanent make up, and to ensure I am covered with my insurance. These conditions include abnormal heart conditions, mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic fever, artificial heart valves, haemophilia, high or low blood pressure, circulatory problems, epilepsy, thyroid disturbances, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, cancer, stroke, hepatitis, palpitations, heart murmur, pacemaker, anemia, prolonged bleeding, diabetes, autoimmune system conditions, liver disease, glaucoma, tumors, growths or cysts, tuberculosis, lupus, and shingles. Any of these conditions may lead to a refusal of treatment due to health concerns for either you or myself, but please reach out for more information. Other contraindications I need to be informed about include cataracts, dry eyes, alopecia, watery eyes, eyelid surgery, trichotillomania, cold sores (herpes simplex), Gore-Tex implants/silicon injections, fat transfer enhancement, dermal fillers, Botox, dizziness, blurred vision, eye infections, ocular herpes, contact lenses, chapped lips, recent hair loss, bruising or bleeding easily, use of tanning beds, recent brow tint, keloid scars, Accutane within the last 12 months, chemical or laser peel within the last 6 months, Retin A within the last 6 months, healing problems, steroids within the last 6 months, sensitivity to cosmetics, scars healing darker than the rest of your skin, AHA within 2 weeks, scarring in a raised manner, antibiotics, other acne medication, and blood thinning medication. Please inform us of any health conditions or concerns you may have, along with any medications or supplements you are taking. Failing to do so may result in your appointment being canceled and your deposit forfeited. Please note that you are not a suitable candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Does it hurt?
Pain is managed with topical anaesthetics, ensuring you feel comfortable during procedures like brow correction, lip blush, microblading, or ombre brows. Please let us know if you have any allergies to lidocaine or any other anaesthetics.
How long does the healing process take?
The healing process for brows and lips is quite similar, especially after procedures like microblading or lip blush. It is crucial to follow the aftercare instructions meticulously; otherwise, your healed results may not meet your expectations. Therefore, please refrain from scheduling any events or holidays for at least 2 weeks after the treatment.
Brows, particularly when undergoing brow correction or ombre brows, will experience various stages during healing. Initially, they may appear very dark for the first few days, followed by scabbing over the treated area. While this phase can be unappealing, it is an essential part of the healing process. Some individuals may develop only a thin layer of dry, flaky skin, while others might experience a thicker crust. Both scenarios are normal if you adhere to the proper aftercare. Scabs will naturally crack and peel off, which can take up to a week. Please remember to NEVER PULL OR PICK OFF THE SCABS! Doing so risks removing the pigment and could scar the area. I will be able to tell if you have picked at a scab.
During the healing period, it's important to avoid excess sweat on your brows, steer clear of swimming pools or saunas, protect your brows from sun exposure, refrain from applying makeup on the brows, and limit touching the area with your fingers—except when washing or applying the recommended aftercare cream. Once the scabs have completely come off, you might notice that the pigment appears quite light due to skin regeneration, revealing new, milky skin that may obscure the pigment. After about 4 weeks, the pigment will start to resurface, and it typically takes 5-6 weeks to see the final results. Additionally, brows tend to shrink slightly during healing. After 6-8 weeks, you should return for a second session, known as a perfection session, and the healing process will repeat itself. Overall, the entire journey of achieving your new brows takes approximately 3 to 3.5 months, with the initial healing taking about 2 weeks. In contrast, lip blush generally heals faster than brow procedures, and your lips usually do not develop thick scabs, but may experience some dry skin.
I have darker lips, can I get a lip blush done?
Melanin rich lips and lips with darker undertones will require colour neutralisation first, making each case unique and individual; therefore, you might not be a suitable candidate for booking a lip blush procedure directly. For instance, if your lips have a blue undertone and I were to tattoo them with red colour, your lips would likely turn purple instead of red. This is because lip tattooing is different from applying lipstick; it implants pigment into the skin, and each person's lip tone and undertone will mix with the chosen pigment. Similar to brow correction procedures, lip colour neutralisation may need 2 or even 3 sessions before the target colour can be applied. Melanin rich lips can also be susceptible to hypo or hyper pigmentation due to the trauma from the tattooing process.
The cost for these neutralisation sessions is higher than a single lip blush session, with each session priced between £100-£150 depending on the saturation of melanin in the lips. The greater the saturation, the more work will be required, with each session spaced 10-12 weeks apart. In some cases, where the melanin saturation is low but there is a slight blue, purple, or grey undertone, I can correct it immediately with the target colour, possibly needing only the standard 2 sessions. Each of these neutralisations is charged at an additional £50 per session. Before considering booking to get your lips done or any microblading, please email me clear pictures of your lips, and I can advise you on a tailored treatment plan, or it’s recommended to book a face-to-face consultation.
I had my brows done somewhere else previously, can I get a top up done with you?
I don't top up other artists' work. You will need to book for a full treatment; I only offer top-ups and yearly colour boosts to my existing clients. If you have any previous permanent make up, especially if you're considering brow correction, please email me clear pictures of your brows before booking. If the brows have faded significantly, I can often work over them right away, which is fantastic. However, many times, old permanent make up will need to be removed (I also provide Botched Ink permanent make up removal) or colour corrected due to the previous pigment changing colour, typically to red/pink or grey/blue, or if the technician implanted the pigment too deep, which can result in a blue or grey hue and some scar tissue. Each case is unique, and I can advise on a treatment plan after reviewing your photos. Alternatively, you can book a face-to-face consultation, which is recommended if you have existing semi-permanent make up, such as lip blush or microblading. Please note that colour corrections will incur an additional charge of £50 per session.
My brows are different shapes and a horrible colour, can this be corrected?
In this case, you will most likely be a good candidate for brow correction services at Botched Ink, unless you have any of the listed contraindications or are allergic to aloe vera. A face-to-face consultation will need to be booked, during which I can advise on a treatment plan, whether you're considering microblading, lip blush, or ombre brows. Once your old brow pigment is light enough or completely gone, you can book in for new brows.
Is there anything I can't do before I get my brows or lips done?
You will be asked to refrain from using any Retin-A, peeling solutions, or exfoliators for at least 2-3 weeks prior to your brow correction or lip blush treatment. Additionally, please avoid getting Botox injections near your brows at least 2-3 weeks before the procedure. A week before your treatment, it is crucial to stop any blood-thinning medications, antibiotics, steroids, fish oil, and vitamin E. For 48 hours before, on the day of, and a day after the treatment, please do not consume any alcohol or caffeinated beverages, including energy drinks, and refrain from taking aspirin or ibuprofen.
For lip blush clients, it is important to begin a cold sore treatment 2 days before, on the day of, and for 2 days after the treatment. This is essential to minimize the risk of cold sores, which can be triggered by the trauma to the lip skin during the procedure, especially for those who have a history of cold sores. Following these guidelines will help ensure the best results for your microblading or ombre brows and lip blush treatments.
How should I look after my new brows/lips?
After your microblading or lip blush treatment, you will receive essential aftercare instructions that you must follow daily until your brows or lips have fully healed. Neglecting this aftercare can lead to poor pigment retention, which is crucial for the success of your brow correction or ombre brows. In fact, my role in your treatment is only 30% of what influences the outcome; the remaining 70% relies on proper pre-care and aftercare practices.
You will receive an aftercare pack containing a brow wash and brow cream, along with detailed instructions on how to care for your brows. Clients who undergo lip blush will be given an aftercare pack featuring a specialized lip ointment for the healing process and an SPF30 lip balm for post-treatment care, along with comprehensive usage instructions. Please only use the aftercare products provided unless you have allergies; using alternative products or makeup on the treated areas while healing is strictly prohibited. All aftercare information will be thoroughly explained to you post-treatment. To ensure optimal healing, please avoid planning any events or holidays for at least two weeks following your treatment.