FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COVID-19 Information

In the upcoming months, many of us have already recived the COVID-19 vaccine, planning on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, have already started the process, or have scheduled an appointment in the near future. At Starry Eyes Studio, we would like to ensure that every precaution is taken so that permanent makeup procedures do not interfere with the vaccination process. Plus, an adverse reaction would be difficult to isolate if there is an overlap between the vaccine doses and a permanent makeup procedure.

We consulted leading medical experts in the field, and the recommendation for permanent makeup procedures are as follows:

  • Do not schedule your permanent makeup procedure for 2 weeks prior your FIRST does of the vaccine.
  • Do not schedule your permanet makeup procedure between the FIRST and SECOND doses.
  • Do not schedule your permanent makeup procedures for 2 weeks following your SECOND dose of the vaccine.

If you have received or are planning to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please check yoru schedule to make sure you are adhering to the above recommendations.

Please be sure to contact our office if you need to reschedule your appointment or if you have any questions. The safety of our clients is always our top priority!

SPCP Best Practices Committee Position on Permanent Cosmetics and COVID-19 Vaccines. Based on available information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, the Best Practices Committee's medical experts follow the current guidance used in their associated medical practices. Permanent cosmetic professionals should refrain from conducting procedures two-weeks before or after a COVID-19 vaccination if choosing to follow this guidance.

There may be delayed reactions to the vaccines, and it may be difficult to discern an untoward response to products used during permanent cosmetic procedure. There is also a consideration to separate any inflammatory responses either may cause.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

My goal is to ensure that you receive the best results from your Permanent Makeup procedure. To achieve the best results, your skin must be in a healthy and strong state. Unfortunately, not all clients are good candidates for Permanent Makeup due to medical conditions or skin conditions.

You May Be A Good Candidate For Permanent Makeup

If You Are:

  • Over 18 years old and in good general health
  • Not taking blood thinning supplements/medications
  • Not pregnant/nursing
  • Healthy skin that is not sun damaged or recovering from a previous treatment or procedure.

You May Not Be A Good Candidate For Permanent Makeup Depending On Your Particulars:

Do you have any sores, scabs or wounds near the procedure site? Can cause migration or retention issues.

Do you have Eczema, Psoriasis or Dermatitis (constant flaking, itching, irritation, exfoliation) near the procedure site? Can cause retention issues and spotty results

Do you have Rosacea (severe redness)? Can cause retention issues and skin is easy to bleed.

Have you used Accutane or Retin-A (acne medication) in the past year? Can cause retention issues, exempt from procedure(s) for one year.

Do you use Retinol products or Vitamin A? Must stop use and wait 30 days.

Do you use Latisse or any eyelash/eyebrow growth product? Must stop use and wait 90 days.

Do you have severely oily skin near procedure site? Undesired results and retention issues.

Do you have large pores near procedure site? Undesired results and retention issues.

Do you have any moles, raised areas, piercings near the procedure site? Can cause retention issues.

Do you have any deep wrinkles near the procedure site? Hairstrokes will not lay right and will look uneven.

Have you had a brow hair transplant? Present scar tissue will cause retention issues.

Have you ever had upper or lower eyelid surgery? Skin is thinner and will bleed easier, can cause retention issues.

Have you ever had shingles? Exempt due to possible flare up.

Are you a red head, have fair or translucent like skin? Bleeds easily and causes retention issues.

Do you tan regularly? Stop use and wait 30 days.

Have you been in the sun or had a sunburn in the last 30 days? Must wait 30 days.

Are you pregnant or nursing? Exempt due to changing hormones.

Are you Hemophiliac? Exempt due to bleeding.

Do you have a Heart Condition/Pace Maker/Defibrillator? Exempt due to high risk.

Does your body run hot? Causes retention issues due to bleeding.

Do you have a bleeding disorder? Causes retention issues due to bleeding.

Do you have a thyroid condition and are currently taking medication for it? Causes retention issues due to thicker skin.

Do you have an Auto Immune Disorder (Lupus, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, MS,etc)? Causes retention issues.

Do you have Trichotillomania (Compulsive pulling of body hair)? Scar tissue present and will cause retention issues.

Are you on Glaucoma eye drops? Can cause retention issues.

Have you been instructed to avoid tattoos by a medical provider?

Do you or have you ever had MRSA, Herpes, warts, or other infections (Permanent Makeup can exacerbate these conditions and/or cause flare ups).

KNOWN MEDICATIONS THAT CAUSE RETENTION ISSUES:

  • Accutane
  • Retin-A
  • Triflusal (Disgren)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  • Prasugrel (Effient)
  • Ticagrelor (brilinta)
  • Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
  • Cilostazol (Pletal)
  • Vorapaxar (Zontivity)
  • Dipyridamole (Persantine)
  • Coumadin

Failure to disclose of any skin conditions/medical conditions/medications, will result in a poor outcome and further touch-ups to improve the results will be at an additional cost or treatment may be declined by Starry Eyes Studio. Thank you for understanding and cooperation.

PRE-Procedure Instructions

1 YEAR (365 DAYS) PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE(S): Stop Accutane as it can greatly affect retention.

2 MONTHS (60 DAYS) PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE(S): No surgeries or dental procedures which break the skin. No laser treatments or chemical peels (any types) in or around the treatment area. Stop using any brow/lash growth serums, as they change the skin texture and affect retention.

1 MONTH (30 DAYS) PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE(S): No tanning/sun exposure on your face. Tanned skin tends to bleed more and cause Permanent Makeup to blur, it is unpredictable and can alter your Permanent Makeup irrevocably. Discontinue use of Vitamin A/Retinol/Retin-A products, which can thin the skin. No Botox injections.

2 WEEKS (14 DAYS) PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE(S): Stop taking any non-prescription medications or dietary supplements: avoid things known to thin the blood-aspirin regimen, vitamin e, fish oils (omegas/antioxidants).

1 WEEK (7 DAYS) PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE(S): Do not have hair removed (waxing, threading, tweezing, etc) in or around area. No lash/brow tinting. No spray tanning. If you have lash extensions, please have them removed at this time.

2 DAYS (48 HOURS) PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE(S): ONLY APPLIES TO LIP PROCEDURES Begin anti-viral medications for Cold Sores/Fever Blisters (Herpes Simplex Zoster I).

1 DAY (24 HOURS) PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE(S): No alcoholic beverages (including wine or ale). No aspirin or NSAID pain killers.

THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE(S): No caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soda, energy, etc) No "mood altering" drugs (Xanax, Valium, Atavan) Remove contact lenses, please bring glasses.

Post-Procedure Instructions

Please understand that aftercare and long term aftercare is vital to the longevity of your Permanent Makeup. Lifestyle, medications, smoking, metabolism, facial surgery, and age of skin all contribute to fading of Permanent Makeup. If you are a sun bather, have oily skin, use anti-aging creams, Retin-A/Retinol products, acidic cleansers, regular chemical peels, exercise frequently, your Permanent Makeup will fade prematurely. The better you take care of your Permanent Makeup, the longer it will last.

COLD SORES/FEVER BLISTERS: If you were given an anti-viral medication by your physician, please continue using it for 4 days following your Permanent Lip procedure as your physician advises.

AVOID THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES TO PREVENT FADING OF YOUR PROCEDURE(S)

WATER EXPOSURE: Avoid any water (pool water and saltwater included) directly on procedure area for 2 weeks (14 days), if you do get area wet, please use a clean tissue to blot area dry.

EXERCISING: Avoid sweating or exertion of any kind for 2 weeks (14 days). Sweaty (salt) skin will cause your Permanent Makeup to fade, blur, or cause the pigment to not take at all. Salt is used to remove Permanent Makeup, thus why it causes it to fade quickly. It is recommended not to sweat for the first 2 weeks (14 days) after the procedure(s).

SUN EXPOSURE/TANNING: Avoid sun exposure/tanning (If you must go outside, wear a hat that completely shades your face and large sunglasses). Please understand tanning your face after a Permanent Makeup procedure will darken the pigment and cause it to "ash" out making it appear gray. Avoid tanning on your face for long term aftercare of your Permanent Makeup to help it last longer.

MAKEUP/COSMETICS: Avoid makeup use for 2 weeks (14 days) on or around procedure area. It is advised to purchase new mascara if you had a permanent eyeliner procedure. DO NOT USE an eyelash curler for 2 weeks (14 days) if you had a Permanent Eyeliner procedure. This instrument pulls eyelashes and the tissue containing your eyeliner pigment that surrounds the lashes.

BOTOX/RETINOL/RETIN-A: Please understand that you can not have Botox or Retinols/Retin-A for 3 weeks (21 days) after your procedure.

CHEMICAL PEELS: Avoid chemical peels or lasers for 2 months (60 days) after (avoid the forehead for long term aftercare). If this is done often, it will cause the Permanent Makeup to fade faster due to the chemicals traveling under the skin, even after healed.

SLEEPING: Avoid sleeping on your face during the first 2 weeks (14 days) after the procedure(s).

WAXING/TINTING: It is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks (14 days) to have them waxed and 1 month (30 days) for tinting.

OINTMENT APPLICATION

Upon completion of your procedure(s), you will receive an After Care Kit that will aid you in taking care of your new Permanent Makeup. Please only use the provided aftercare ointment to ensure proper aftercare is being followed.

EYELINER

Days 1-14: Apply a thin layer of ointment, once a day, sent home in the Aftercare Kit. Use a microbrush or cotton swab to apply a thin layer over procedure area(s). Keep in mind, that this area will be tender and is an open wound, only touch area with clean hands. Feel free to ice the area, the first couple of days, for up to 30 minutes alternating 5 minutes on and 5 minutes off, once a day if swollen. Remember to save some of your ointment for your touch-up visit as you will need to follow the same aftercare instructions. Avoid water and sun.

EYEBROWS

Days 1-3: Do nothing. Blot gently if there is oozing (plasma).

Days 4-14: Apply a thin layer of ointment, once a day, sent home in the Aftercare Kit. Use a microbrush or cotton swab to apply a thin layer over procedure area(s). Keep in mind, that this area will be tender and is an open wound, only touch area with clean hands. Remember to save some of your ointment for your touch-up visit as you will need to follow the same aftercare instructions. Avoid water and sun.

LIPS

Days 1-4: Lips will ooze (plasma) for a couple of days. Apply ointment 3 times a day, sent home in the Aftercare Kit. Use a microbrush or clean hands to apply a thin layer over procedure area(s). Blot and reapply ointment as necessary. Rinse with water or apply more ointment, if there is crusting from sleeping. Use a good lint free paper towel to blot lips. Feel free to ice the area, if needed, for up to 30 minutes a day, alternating five minutes on and five minutes off the area.

Days 4-14: Avoid stretching the lips, moving mouth or puckering (if a smoker) during healing process. Begin applying a thick layer of ointment over chapped lips, you may relieve the area by lightly massaging the area (with clean hands) which will also help exfoliate some of the crusting phase. DO NOT PICK! Allow the area to naturally exfoliate on it's own. Avoid anything on the lips, if possible.

Days 14-30: Lips will feel more chapped than normal and color will return to normal. Keep applying ointment when needed.

LONG TERM INSTRUCTIONS

After this time, you can generally resume your normal activities EXCEPT:

  • You will always need to avoid UV/Sun exposure which will change your pigment color causing it to "ash" out making it appear gray.
  • You will need to avoid applying "skin turnover" products in your permanent makeup area (glycolics, retinols, acids, etc).

HEALING SCHEDULE

EYEBROWS Day 1-3: The eyebrows are approximately 20% to 25% darker and bolder in width than when healed. Your skin is red under the pigment which causes the color of the pigment to appear darker. There is some swelling, although difficult to actually see due to the thickness of the skin in the eyebrow area. This will subside. Exfoliation, which begins in a few days, will cause the excess pigment surrounding the eyebrow procedure to flake away and a narrower appearance will result. New skin will over the pigmented area and result in a softer appearance of your eyebrows. Don't be concerned that your eyebrows initially appear heavier and darker in size than you desire. This is all part of the process. Possible itching from the healing process is normal. DO NOT PICK/SCRATCH area. Exfoliation begins.

Day 4: Exfoliation is in process and small particles of pigment are starting to flake off.

Day 5-7: Color finishes flaking off and you will see a softer, however grayer effect for a few days until the color clarifies.

Day 8-30: Color will go through some changes until it finally settles into the correct color around day 25.

EYELINER

Day 1: Probable slight swelling. This is dependent upon the amount of histamines in each client's body. Normally you will appear as if you have been crying or have allergies. The eyeliner appears darker and thicker than it will in a few days.

Day 2: The morning of day 2 is normally the morning the swelling will peak. Plan on some time in the AM for on again/off again icing of the eye tissue. The darker and thicker appearance continues.

Day 3-4: Less swelling, however the eye tissue feels tight and somewhat drawn. Exfoliation begins. Some feeling of pinching and itching is quite normal. DO NOT PICK/SCRATCH area. The pigment is dehydrating under the eye tissue and exfoliation continues.

Day 5: The color of your eyeliner may appear somewhat grayish; however the color will clarify in a few days.

Day 6: The pigment has dehydrated under the skin and exfoliated. The applied eyeliner appears thinner and lighter than on the first day.

Day 7-30: Eyeliner is still changing in color and will come into the correct color around Day 25.

LIPS

Day 1: Swelling, tender, heavy thick lipstick look with a reddish brick color effect.

Day 2: Slight swelling, reddish and tender with a slight metallic flavor

Day 3: Less swelling, thicker texture, sore, hot feeling before exfoliation with an orange color effect.

Day 4: Exfoliation begins, very chapped lips.

Day 5: Very chapped, almost finished with first chapping stage.

Day 6: A soft, rich color begins to appear.

Day 7-13: Lip color disappears and the "frosty" (2nd chapping stage) begins as a whitish/grayish haze on the lips.

Day 14: Color "blooms" from within more and more each day until day 21 (3 weeks post procedure).

Day 21-30: Healing is completing its final stage, the color you see is the color you have. Your lips will remain a bit dry for a month or two, use a good lip balm and they will return to normal but with full color.## WHAT IS PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Permanent makeup is cosmetic tattooing. It is the process which sterile hypoallergenic cosmetic pigments are placed into the dermal layer of the skin using single use individual disposable sterile needles. PMU (Permanent Makeup) is not the same process as in conventional tattoos. We use different pigments for the face. It's called permanent because even though it fades, particles remain in the skin. The specialized techniques used for permanent makeup are often referred to as "micropigmentation", "micropigment implantation" or "dermagraphics". The cosmetic implantation technique deposits colored pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Almost anyone, if you meet the age requirement and are relatively healthy. There are many reasons why a person would want permanent makeup from alopecia to a busy outdoor lifestyle. No need to worry about it sweating off! It is especially valuable to people who can not wear traditional makeup due to allergies and skin sensitivities. Permanent makeup also benefits the vision challenged who have difficulty applying their makeup; and others with dexterity related conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke survivors. It also benefits busy people who don't have time to spend applying and refreshing makeup throughout the day and evening.

IS IT PAINFUL?

Most people experience some discomfort. This will vary according to each individual's pain threshold. High-quality anesthetics that are specifically designed for permanent makeup are used to help with any discomfort. Most people report a "scratching" sensation for the eyebrow procedures and most people report a "tickling" sensation for the eyeliner procedure. The lip procedures are a bit more sensitive, but nothing too uncomfortable.

IS IT REALLY PERMANENT? HOW LONG DOES PERMANENT MAKEUP LAST?

Yes and No, permanent makeup procedures are considered permanent because the pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo or pigment, in general, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic touch-ups. The average time pigment remains is solely dependent upon many factors from sun exposure to health of the skin. The darker the pigment the longer it will last. You can expect to need a touch-up every couple of years to keep it looking "fresh".

Permanent makeup is an art, NOT a science. Clients results will vary and using a pencil/powder may still be needed. We have no control over your bodies healing process and each time a procedure is done, the pigment will have less retention due to scar tissue. At some point the procedure can no longer be performed due to scar tissue and the aging of the skin.

Permanent makeup is incredibly long lasting, but it will fade slowly over time. To keep it "fresh" looking, you should have a touch-up every couple of years.

HOW IS PERMANENT MAKEUP APPLIED?

Permanent makeup procedures are performed using various devices, including the traditional tattoo coil machines, the pen or rotary machine (includes the digital rotary machines) and the non-machine or hand device. The process includes a consultation, the application of pigment, and at least one or more touch-up visits for evaluating the healed design work and color of pigment.

Hairstroke (microblading) eyebrows is a technique that implants pigment into the skin in hair-like strokes giving the appearance of hair. This design is gaining in popularity and becoming more common. Be aware, as time goes on, this technique will require a touch-up every year or so. The hairstrokes will become more "blurred" and look powdery, each time you get a touch-up. This is universal.

DO I GET TO CHOOSE THE COLOR AND SHAPE? DO I NEED TO BOOK A CONSULTATION?

During your appointment, I will listen carefully to your goals and recommend shapes and colors along with a carefully drawn on "template" to better visualize the shape, this way we can work together to achieve the best permanent makeup designed just for you. When you come back for your touch-up (additional fees apply), we can make any adjustments that are needed for the shape and color. The end result will be the shape that allows you to feel the most comfortable and look your best.

No, it is not necessary to book a consultation, however there is a booking fee required to book a consultation as well. The booking fee will come off the procedure price if you decide to book a permanent makeup appointment at a later time.

CAN I HAVE A CONSULTATION AND PROCEDURE THE SAME DAY?

Yes, you can. The majority of appointments are booked this way as they allow for adequate consultation time to discuss color, shape and design. Once your goal is determined and you feel confident and comfortable with the design, I will proceed to apply the permanent makeup.

WHAT WILL I LOOK LIKE AFTER THE PROCEDURE? WHAT ACTIVITIES DO I NEED TO AVOID?

Your permanent makeup will look darker and more defined for the first week. There will be slight swelling with eyeliner and lip procedures. It is a good idea to limit social events during the healing process. After a week, the boldness will begin to diminish and will soften over the next week or two. By the third week, your permanent makeup is looking more natural and softer in appearance than before.

You may shower and wash your face as normal during this time, but take care to reduce water exposure and avoid scrubbing the permanent makeup area until it is fully healed. You will want to avoid swimming until it is fully healed and fully avoid sun (or tanning beds) for 30 days after your procedure.

HOW QUICKLY CAN I GO BACK TO WORK AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Very quickly, if you feel comfortable. The next few days are the most noticeable with eyeliner and lip procedures, as they are slightly swollen or "puffy".

SHOULD I WEAR MAKEUP THE DAY OF MY PROCEDURE?

If you generally wear makeup, yes. This gives me a good idea of how you wear your makeup and how comfortable you are with your "style" of makeup. If you do not wear makeup, then no, come naturally and together we can create a design just for you.

CAN I WEAR MAKEUP AS NORMAL AFTER A PROCEDURE?

You need to wait 14 days before you can apply makeup as usual around the permanent makeup site. I advise against wearing makeup for at least a week to keep the skin clean and free from cosmetics, as this is vital to the healing process.

CAN I DRIVE HOME AFTER A PROCEDURE?

Yes, you can. If you are getting the eyeliner procedure, I suggest bringing sunglasses, to help with any light sensitivity that may occur immediately following the procedure. Any light sensitivity should dissipate within a few hours after an eyeliner procedure.

IS PERMANENT MAKEUP FOR ME IF I HAVE SKIN ISSUES (UNEVEN SKIN/WRINKLED/SCARRED)?

Very few people have completely flawless skin and I will do my best work along your situation. Any skin issues may alter the outcome of the permanent makeup, however I will let you know if there are any issues (that I can see) that may affect the outcome.

WHAT ABOUT MY EXISTING EYEBROWS? WILL I NEED TO SHAVE OR REMOVE THEM?

During your consultation, I will clean and trim your existing eyebrows to work with the design we have chosen. If you have unwanted grey hair, you can always dye or remove them a week prior to your appointment. Permanent makeup cannot get "rid" of grey hairs.

I'M PREGNANT/NURSING, CAN I STILL GET PERMANENT MAKEUP?

No, you must wait until you are no longer pregnant or nursing to get permanent makeup.

IS IT SAFE?

Safety and cleanliness is my top priority and my environment and commitment reflect these values. As well, all needles are sterile and fully disposed of after each use.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS DURING OR AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Eyebrows may show little after effect, the site may be tender for a day or two. Eyeliner and lips may show slight to moderate swelling. This is very dependent upon the amount of work performed. As examples; an eyelash enhancement will show very little response to the tattooing procedure compared to a more moderate response when wide eyeliner is performed. The same philosophy applies to lip color procedures. A lip liner or blended lip liner will show less effects of the procedure than that of a full lip color. Also, some people may swell more from minor skin infractions than others. During the procedure there may be some minor bleeding. After the procedure, there may be additional days of swelling (most say that eyeliner swelling is similar to crying at night and the way your eyes look the next morning). It is typical for the site to be tender for a few days and that the color be much darker than you may expect for up to 2 weeks following the procedure. You can find more detailed information about post procedure here.

DO THE PIGMENTS POSE ALLERGY PROBLEMS?

People can develop an allergy to anything, anytime; however, pigment allergies are considered very rare. Some doctors recommend that people with environmental allergies or allergies to conventional makeup have permanent cosmetic procedures because they can replace cosmetic products that people are sensitive to. While allergic reactions to any type of tattooing pigments on the body or on the face through permanent cosmetics may occur at any point in time, they are extremely rare. I only use superior pigment lines that requires certifications to purchase and pass rigorous safety and sanitation requirements.

CAN I GET PERMANENT MAKEUP CHEAPER?

You have heard "You get what you pay for". It saves you time and embarrassment to do it right the first time. You can shop around, however more important than price is quality. My price reflects my commitment to quality, safety, and service. The cost of the procedure should not be the most important issue when consulting a potential permanent makeup professional. Most important is the training/education, skill, experience of the person performing the procedure and the confidence of the client in that skill.

This is your face and this is a choice that will last a long time, please do your research when choosing a professional. See lots of "healed" photos, ensure education, ensure experience, ask questions. With permanent makeup gaining in popularity and the lax laws in our state, you must do as much research as possible when choosing a professional.

I'VE HAD PERMANENT MAKEUP ALREADY AND DO NOT LIKE IT OR HAD IT IN THE PAST AND IT'S COMPLETELY GONE, CAN I STILL GET PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Starry Eyes Studio requires a consultation to determine if you are an eligible candidate. With the lax laws on permanent makeup in certain states, it allows for inexperienced technicians/professionals to perform procedures that can not be "fixed". Dependent upon the color, shape and/or scar tissue that remains, will determine if you are an eligible candidate. However, if your eyebrows are grey, black or extremely dark, I strictly recommend having them removed by laser beforehand. This will give me a suitable base to work from. If you are an eligible candidate, you may require additional appointments to achieve the desired results.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Due to demand, please provide at least a 72 hour notice if you wish to make a cancellation without penalties. Please note, if you do not give this notice, a forfeit of your booking fee or other penalties may apply. You can read over the full appointment policy which contains the cancellation policy here.

WHAT IS THE CHARGE FOR TOUCH-UPS OR MAINTENANCE?

Two or more appointments may be necessary to achieve and complete permanent makeup procedures. I recommend scheduling a touch-up when you leave your initial appointment. A touch-up should be scheduled within 6-10 weeks (not before 30 days) when you leave your initital appointment. If you happen to still need additional touch-ups/maintenance after this, there will be additional costs. Pricing for touch-ups/maintenance can be found here.