What are permanent cosmetics?
Permanent cosmetic makeup is the art and science of implanting color into your skin. The pigment is placed into the dermis. The outermost layer of the skin is known as the epidermis. The epidermis is always shedding and renewing itself. When the procedure is complete the color will appear a bit darker than the final result because the pigment was implanted in both the epidermis and the dermis. The color in the epidermis will shed and you will see the pigment through a thin veil of healed epidermal skin.
Does it hurt?
New anesthetics have been designed with permanent cosmetic procedures in mind. Some people feel some discomfort and many feel just some pressure. Quality anesthetic is a must for permanent cosmetic procedures. Your comfort is a top priority. There is never an additional charge to provide additional anesthetic.
Are the needles sterilized and what are the sanitary conditions?
All needles, tubes, pigment caps and needle caps are individually packaged per-sterile from the manufacture. These items are disposable and never reused not even on the same patient. Gloves and barrier items are used for client protection and infection control.
What colors can I choose from and has anyone ever had an allergic reaction?
Both organic and inorganic pigments may be used for desired color. I prefer the organic pigments because they are more natural looking. Most permanent cosmetic pigments are organic based. Tattoo inks have a more vivid or bold look due to the fact that they are inorganic. Any color can be achieved and most clients require custom mixing to achieve their desired result. I have never had a client have an allergic reaction to permanent cosmetic pigment. Allergic reaction to permanent makeup pigment is extremely rare. No pigments have been FDA approved for tattoo or permanent makeup.
Do you do correction work?
Correction work and tattoo fade is my specialty. Remember you get what you pay for. It saves you time and money to get it done right the first time. If you want to make a change to your permanent makeup or are considering tattoo removal please call and come in for a consultation.
Do you have before and after pictures?
I have a full color portfolio. I have many examples of every procedure I provide. Experienced, professional permanent cosmetic technicians should have quality portfolios for your viewing. Our portfolios are our resume and represent our personal style, artistic ability and experience.
What method of implantation do you use?
Currently the majority of permanent cosmetic technicians are using a rotary machine pen. I do use the machine for some procedures but I also use the manual method. The manual method is a non-machine method using bundles of super thin acupuncture like needles. This method is used for blending, gentle touch-ups, eye shadow, and very detailed work. I utilize both methods.
What are 3D hair strokes?
This is the process of using 3 colors to give dimension. To simply make lines in the brow is not enough.
Some permanent makeup technicians think little lines are “hair strokes” but the result is unnatural looking.
It will look like stitches or pen marks on the face. The 3D hair stroke is the art of creating a believable hair with pigment. Three colors are used to make the hair, the highlight and the shadow. It’s tedious work but the result is natural looking.
I’m considering getting my lips done. What should I know about the lips?
Lips need 2 full applications. Lips do not accept pigment and retain it as well as other areas. You will fade up to 50% during the healing process. The lips will appear darker the first week and then as they heal you may feel like all the pigment faded but at about week three the color will bloom. In week 4 you come in for your next application. Lip prices are a bit more because they take a bit more time, anesthetic and the touchup is included in the price.

I get cold sores. Will this be a problem when I get my lips done?
Permanent lip color will not give you cold sores/herpes if you have never had them. Many clients carry the virus and it is likely that 3-4 days after their procedure they will have an outbreak. Any sort of trauma to the lips can cause cold sores to surface. Chapped lips, sun burn or injury to the lips can cause an outbreak and so can permanent makeup application to the lip area. There are several anti-viral medications your doctor can prescribe prior to the procedure. The most popular has been Zovirax 1000 mg for 5 days before and after the procedure. Valtrex is available through prescription as well. Now some patients prefer using over the counter L-Lysine and use a topical Abriva. Patients who use some sort of anti-viral medication and take the extra recommended precautions get better pigment retention. Discuss your options with your doctor.
ABOUT L-lysine:
Lysine is an amino acid not produced by the body, but essential to the growth of protein molecules in the body. It is necessary for tissue repair and growth, and for producing antibodies, enzymes, and hormones. Lysine is found in other protein sources, such as red meats, chicken, and turkey. Most individuals have an adequate intake of lysine; however lysine levels may be low in vegetarians and low-fat dieters. Without enough lysine or any other of the eight essential amino acids , the body cannot build protein to sustain muscle tissue.
General use:
The body only uses L-lysine to build protein. Since amino acid molecules are asymmetrical, each amino acid exists as both a right- and left-handed form, distinguished as "D" and "L" respectively. As a supplement, L-lysine is used to treat the herpes simplex virus, help prevent osteoporosis and cataracts, and boost the immune system.
Herpes simplex virus remedy
In the 1950s, scientists discovered that foods containing certain amino acids could encourage or discourage the growth of the herpes virus. When added to the herpes virus, the amino acid arginine increases the growth of the virus. Lysine, on the other hand, suppresses it. Since the virus can cause cold sores, canker sores , and genital sores, L-lysine supplements increase the ratio of lysine to arginine in the body, curing the outbreak of the virus. Avoiding foods with arginine and eating foods with a higher lysine content will also help alleviate the symptoms of the virus.
Foods containing arginine:
• gelatin
• nuts
• chocolate
Foods containing lysine:
• milk
• soybeans
• meat
• lentils
• spinach
Other uses
Lysine also promotes the body's absorption of calcium, helping to prevent osteoporosis. It slows the damage to the eye caused by diabetes, and it may help cure atherosclerosis. Since it is used to slow the herpes simplex virus, its antiviral properties may help treat chronic fatigue syndrome , hepatitis, and HIV.
Preparations
L-lysine is best taken as a single supplement and not in combination with other amino acids. Such combinations are touted as nutritional supplements that build more muscle and are often used by athletes and bodybuilders. However, too much protein strains the functions of the liver and kidneys and can cause other health problems. The single supplement should be taken on an empty stomach because larger amounts of the amino acid can build up in the blood and brain, enhancing its health benefits. Supplements are best used by individuals suffering from a herpes outbreak or by vegetarians and low-fat dieters. Postmenopausal women can take lysine to encourage absorption of calcium by the body.