What is Cosmetic Tattooing or Semi-Permanent Make Up (SPMU)?
Cosmetic tattooing/SPMU is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure. It involves tattooing specialised pigment into the upper layers of the skin. This procedure can be used to enhance the eyebrows, lips, eyes, scalp and more. There are two methods to doing SPMU: microblading or powder application. The best way to figure out which one of these methods would be right for you is to have a thorough consultation with our qualified and trustworthy SPMU Artist.
Who would benefit from SPMU?
With Cosmetic tattooing you never have to worry about your makeup smudging or fading - SPMU/ Cosmetic tattooing will not come off after swimming, working out or showering. Which is a terrific time-saving benefit.
*Clients with very fair non-existent brows that just are not visible are the most regular recipients of SPMU
*Clients with significant imbalances – lack of symmetry can often be corrected with skillful SPMU
*Clients who have over plucked brows where hairs no longer grow back and are now patchy, short and start too far out would benefit from SPMU
*SPMU is fantastic way to have perfect lips all the time! If you don’t want to reapply lipstick after eating, drinking, during the day, before a meeting, after a meeting OR Anytime! SPMU is your answer, wake up with gorgeous lips!
*Clients with physical disabilities or impaired motor skills, such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, may want permanent makeup because it can be a difficult task for them to apply makeup themselves.
Do you use the same ink as normal tattooing?
The procedure itself is not unlike traditional tattooing but it is done in a more superficial layer of the skin with an ink that is more pigment based than ink based and is far more degradable.
Is it Safe?
Cosmetic tattooing is completely safe when performed by a trained, experienced & licensed professional. When selecting a Tattoo artist you want to make sure that she/he was trained at a Registered training facility, that the artist has the necessary insurances as well as expertise. That the Artist only has single-use disposable items and follows all Health & hygiene regulations. Back yard, cheap operators are a recipe for disaster. Lastly, the after care of your SPMU is in your hands. If the Artist has done everything she is supposed to do- and you go home and DO NOT follow her instruction you put yourself in unsafe territory.
How long does SPMU last?
SPMU typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on skin type (normal, oily, dry), age (youthful/mature). Clients with an outdoor lifestyle or auto immune issues may find that their SPMU doesn’t last as long as others. Skincare routine will also affect the lasting effect of the pigment: Clients who tan, use products with AHA or Glycolic Acid may fade faster as your skin will resurface faster. Each individual’s colour retention within the skin will vary. To maintain the brows looking fresh, a touch up is suggested every 12-18 months. Some Clients choose to let the treated area fade over time, others prefer a more bold look and come in more often for touch up or perfection sessions.
How long does it take to do a SPMU session?
An eyebrow session can take anywhere between 1-2 sometimes even 3 hours. Often, the longest part of the appointment can be the consultation and actually drawing on the brow shape – An Artist that doesn’t take their time with the drawing is NOT doing their job properly. Once the shape is agreed upon by both parties the cosmetic tattooing begins. Some clients will do an initial consultation and come back for the treatment. Others will consult and treat on the same day.
Does SPMU hurt?
We strongly recommend the use of a topical numbing cream when having a SPMU treatment. We have a professional and working relationship with a local compounding pharmacy where you can order your own personal use numbing cream. Those details will be forwarded to you via email when you book your SPMU session. When the numbing cream is used, most clients have complained of ONLY mild discomfort.
What is better Powder or Microblading when doing Eyebrows?
Powder-fill gives a more defined, solid appearance, and is usually a longer-lasting option, whereas hair stroke, as the name suggests, involves cosmetic tattooing on tiny lines/strokes in a design that gives the appearance of hair. Hair-strokes alone, with no background, do require more re-touching than other methods. A good, longer lasting option can be a combination of these, where a lighter powder-fill will be done at the first appointment, then hair-strokes over the top, to give texture and a realistic, hair like appearance. We can discuss these options and what would give you the best result and your consultation.
Should I tint my brows before my SPMU brow session?
We suggest that you have NO tint or henna services on your brows for 2 weeks before your SPMU session. That said- sometimes if you are having trouble deciding on an eyebrow shape or colour, Henna is a great way to “trial” run the look. Many of our clients will try a couple of different looks and colours with henna to help them and the Artist to confirm what will be the eventual Semi Permanent look. Once that is decided a fort night (later) appointment can and will be made.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for my SPMU session?
We advise our clients to NOT do a heavy or strenuous activity on the day of their SPMU session. Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Fish Oils or Ibuprofen 48 hours before your SPMU session. Make sure all your brow waxing and or tinting has been done at least 10- 14 days prior to you SPMU session.
Will my Eyebrows be shaved?
Never. We have heard of places doing this and 100% feel it is unnecessary (and stressful) practice. There is absolutely no need to shave your eyebrows.
What is the aftercare routine for SPMU treatments?
*We strongly recommend NO water, cleansers, cream, makeup or any other products on the treated area for 10 days
*DO NOT rub, pick or scratch the treated area. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate off. Picking can cause scarring and pull the pigment out.
*Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning for 3-4 weeks after procedure
*No facials, Botox, chemical treatments and microdermabrasion for 2 weeks after your SPMU session
*NO saunas, steam rooms, pools, massages for the 10 days following your SPMU session
You Should also know.......
- You will be given an ointment to put on the treated area 2 times a day post treatment
- you can lose up to 70% of the colour over the next 3 week this is normal.
-the skin can become flaky and dry over the next 10 days.
- the area can become swollen for up to 48 hour after treatment.
- you must protect the treated area from UV rays and keep dry for up to 7 days.
- on day 7 the area can become itchy but this is just a sign of the healing process.
- tray not to touch the area and if you have to make sure you have washed your hands.
-DO NOT pick any scabs of just lets them heal naturally
How many SPMU sessions will I need?
Minimum is 2! You should NOT expect your Semi permanent tattoo to heal perfectly or have perfect results after the first session. SPMU is always a 2 step process, sometimes more. For some clients, who’s skin has trouble picking up pigment, a 3rd session may be suggested (this is rare).
Does the Cosmetic Tattoo Artist at Your Very Best touch up or Redo other peoples work?
The short answer to this is YES! The more disappointing answer is: many times a complete RE do needs to done. No matter what area you are treating the SPMU Artist will always consult with you first and you will be given a clear concise cost and treatment program before any session begins.
How much is SPMU at Your Very Best?
Eyebrows.......................................$520
Lips...................................................$620
Eyeliner...........................................$520
Perfection Session......................$125
Annual Refresh............................$300
**Please note that Your Very Best has After Pay and Payment plans available to all clients that qualify.
We know that SPMU is a big deal. It is worthy of much thought and consideration. Please let us know if you have any questions during your thought making process. We are happy to give helpful, genetic and useful guidance while you make a SPMU choice.