What is PMU?
PMU stands for Permanent Makeup. This can refer to any form of permanent makeup on the face, most often seen on brows, eyes and lips.
What is SMP?
SMP stands for Scalp Micropigmentation. This can refer to any form of tattooing resembling hair or hair follicles on the scalp. Depending on the technique used, this procedure creates a fuller look where hair is thinning, often done on females. Most common though, this procedure is used to resemble a head full of hair that has been shaved, often seen on men. Erika only does a natural hairline as this design is not easily spotted as being a tattoo versus real hair follicles.
What is High Definition Microblading?
Microblading is a form of PMU. Most people nowadays use the term “Microblading” as permanent makeup on the brows, but it technically refers to a manual technique in which pigment is placed beneath the skin in the shape of hair strokes. When someone comes to us for Microblading or PMU on the brow area, we have a process we follow. First, your ideal brow shape is meticulously drawn on using a system of precise measurements and the artist’s skilled eye. Then, after your approval of the shape, we determine the undertones of your skin and carefully select the pigment colors and modifier pigments needed to assure a beautiful color match to your natural hair. Then using a precise, sterile fine needle hand-held tool we create gorgeous hair-like strokes to mimic the appearance of a natural looking brow.
How long does each procedure take?
Did we mention Erika is meticulous? She does not rush any procedure and it usually takes around 2 hours from start to finish for brows. Lips and eyes may take closer to 3 hours depending on technique and style. SMP is 3-3.5 hours per session. She takes her time with each client and keeps you informed at each step. She doesn’t rush drawing the shape. This step is most crucial. The first thing people notice is shape. For example, If you have a poorly shaped brow, you have a bad brow. Whereas the perfect shaped brow is the perfect place to start. After all, this is a tattoo on your face, and we treat it as such.
Am I a good candidate for PMU, Microblading, or SMP?
Most people are good candidates. You must be off of Retinoid products for at least 2 weeks, out of the sun for 1 week and there needs to be at least 2 weeks since you had any botox/fillers.
Who is NOT or MAY NOT be able to receive Microblading, SMP or Permanent Makeup services?
Pregnant
Nursing requires approval note from your OBGYN & the baby’s pediatrician, prior to booking
Currently undergoing Chemotherapy (You MAY have this done PRIOR to starting and AFTER ending treatments - consult your doctor)
Diabetics (uncontrolled or poor health/healing)
Sick currently - Viral infections and/or diseases (cold, flu, etc.)
Epilepsy (unmanaged)
Pacemaker or major heart problems
Organ transplant within 3 months (Doctor’s note approval required)
Skin irritations, Eczema or Psoriasis currently on the area to be treated (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
Botox in the past 2 weeks. Filler in the direct area in the past 4 weeks
How long does Microblading and PMU last?
Typically, after your Initial Session and Perfecting Session, PMU will last from 1 year to 4 years before you need a color boost. Most people feel they need a brow color boost between 2-3 years, while others have good retention for 5 years. Eye color boosts are often requested around 2+ years. Lips are often seen back after 2-3 years. SMP varies most common 1-2 years. However, everyone has a different lifestyle, age, and different skin; therefore, we cannot make any guarantees that your permanent makeup will last any specific amount of time, nobody can, but if you wear sunscreen on the area and avoid strong exfoliating products on your pmu/tattoo it will last much longer.
Does it hurt?
We do prenumb for most of our procedures, however, people who need more numbing at the dentist office will probably not numb as easily for us. There is typically a very minimal amount of discomfort if any at all! For most clients it is pain free! For those who have said there is a little pain involved, they have all agreed thus far that it is well worth the minor discomfort.
What kinds of tools and pigments do you use?
We strive to provide the absolute best services and of course that also means we use the best tools! We have several different devices we use depending on someone’s skin and desired different outcomes. All of our tools are individually packaged, single use, and adhere to the highest standards of sterilization. We also use and are trained in several brands of pigments: PermaBlend, Tina Davies, Amiea Organic & Evolution, EverAfter, EvenFlo, Hunami, StarLine, OS, World Famous, Phi & LI which are considered the best pmu pigments on the market. Depending on people’s skin and the desired outcome combined with technique, we are able to choose the best pigment and color for each individual. Pigments designed for PMU are molecularly bonded together so that when they fade, they fade in a consistent way and will not turn colors like other cheaper pigment brands. Erika has taken many courses on pigments, color theory and color correction so that we can ensure that you get a beautiful color match for your brows that stays true to color.
What is Brow Shading or Powder Brows?
Brow shading technique, aka “Powder Brows”, is a perfect way to give your microbladed brows a makeup effect that allows you not to worry about shading them regularly. It fades over time in a similar way to brows that have been microbladed. This technique can be done with or without strokes. It can allow for a fuller realistic look because it helps fill in spaces between hairstrokes or acts as a shadow under the natural hair giving the appearance of a thicker, fuller, denser brow. You can achieve a super soft natural looking brow or a fuller brow that doesn’t need makeup! The effect is basically the same you would achieve adding quality brow powder. Just as powder makeup can be built upon, so can brow shading. It can also be done in artful forms and designs to create many different styles such as ombre and helps you to mimic the way light comes from above and shadows underneath, giving a more realistic appearance. Brow shading also enables you to have perfectly shaped brows for a slightly more refined look.
How do I know what technique or style to choose for brows, eyes, or lips?
Skin, hair thickness, facial features, age, placement, and desired outcome should all be taken into consideration when determining what would be best for you. Erika will make sure to explain the difference of each and help you come to a decision at the time of your appointment. Erika will know what techniques will be needed to achieve your desired outcome. For example when considering brows, Microblading alone is a very natural hair-stroked appearance, so if you wear full makeup every day you may still feel the need to fill them in, whereas Brow Shading takes care of that in a gorgeous and natural looking way!
How will I know I am making the right decision?
While this is a very valid question and we are talking about permanently marking your face, the answer is quite easy. Classic beauty never goes out of style. While trends and desires can change quickly and what was the most popular option yesterday, people avoid and are horrified today, but natural classic beauty is always in style. Pemanent Makeup should be natural and to enhance your natural beauty, frame your features and be an accent of your whole beauty, not overrule your face or features. Skin, bone structure, muscles, shape of the area, hair thickness and placement, the aging process and desired outcome ALL play a vital consideration in determining what would be best for you today and 10, 20, 50+ years from now. After meeting Erika, you will be confident you have chosen the right artist. Erika will make sure to explain the difference of each procedure and style and help you come to a conclusion at the time of your appointment.