Semi-Permanent Makeup: Treatment Advice & Aftercare
Updated: Oct 6
Brows • Eyeliner • Lip Blush
Semi-permanent makeup, also known as micropigmentation or cosmetic tattooing, involves implanting pigment into the upper layers of the skin to enhance features such as the brows, eyes or lips.
The colour will initially appear stronger and darker than the final result. As the skin heals, the pigment softens and settles.
Semi-permanent makeup is a process rather than a one-off treatment. A perfecting appointment may be required once the initial treatment has fully healed.
Before Your Treatment
To help achieve the best possible result:
Avoid alcohol for around 24 hours before your appointment.
Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs and other irritating skincare around the treatment area for several days beforehand.
Avoid waxing, threading, tinting, chemical peels, laser or other treatments that leave the area irritated immediately before your appointment.
Avoid deliberate tanning or sunburn before treatment.
Tell us about all medication, supplements and herbal remedies you take.
Tell us if you take medication that affects bleeding or bruising.
Let us know about any allergies or sensitivities, particularly to pigments, topical anaesthetics, latex or skincare products.
Tell us about previous semi-permanent makeup or tattooing in the area, even if it has faded considerably.
Tell us about recent injectables, laser, peels or other advanced treatments in the area.
Let us know if you're unwell or have an active infection.
Tell us if your health, medication or skin has changed since your consultation.
Do not stop prescribed medication for semi-permanent makeup unless the healthcare professional who prescribed it has advised you to do so.
Is Semi-Permanent Makeup Suitable for Everyone?
Please tell your practitioner if you:
are pregnant or breastfeeding
are currently unwell or have an active infection
have an active skin infection, rash, open wound or significant inflammation in the treatment area
have an active cold sore when having lip treatment
have a condition that affects normal wound healing
have diabetes
have a weakened immune system or take immunosuppressive medication
have a history of keloid or abnormal scarring
have a bleeding or clotting disorder
take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication
have significant allergies or have previously experienced a serious allergic reaction
have eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or another active skin condition in the treatment area
are taking or have recently taken isotretinoin
are undergoing cancer treatment or have a significant current medical condition
have previously experienced an unexpected reaction to tattoo pigment or semi-permanent makeup.
Having one of these conditions doesn't necessarily mean treatment cannot be performed. Depending on your circumstances, treatment may need to be adapted, postponed or medical advice may be recommended.
Patch Testing
Where required by our treatment protocol, a patch test will be performed before your appointment.
A successful patch test reduces the likelihood of an unexpected reaction but cannot guarantee that a reaction will never occur.
Previous Semi-Permanent Makeup
Please tell us if you already have pigment in the area, even if it was performed several years ago or appears very faded.
Old pigment can affect the colour, shape and result of a new treatment.
In some cases, correction or removal may be more appropriate than adding further pigment.
Brow Treatments
Before a brow treatment:
Avoid waxing, threading or irritating the brow area immediately beforehand.
Avoid strong skincare products around the brows for several days before treatment.
Don't worry about shaping your brows yourself before your appointment — your practitioner will discuss and map the proposed shape with you.
The shape and colour will be agreed before pigment is implanted.
Eyeliner Treatments
If you're having semi-permanent eyeliner:
Contact lenses should be removed before treatment.
We recommend bringing your glasses with you.
Do not wear eye makeup to your appointment where possible.
Eyelash extensions will usually need to be removed beforehand.
Tell us about any current or recent eye infection, irritation or eye condition.
Treatment should not be performed over an active eye infection or significant inflammation.
The eyelids may be swollen afterwards, so consider this when arranging work, driving and social plans.
Lip Blush Treatments
Cold Sores
Lip treatment can trigger a recurrence of the herpes simplex virus, even if you haven't experienced a cold sore for some time.
If you have a history of cold sores, please tell us during your consultation.
We may recommend discussing preventative antiviral medication with your GP or pharmacist before treatment.
If you have an active cold sore, your appointment will need to be postponed until it has completely healed.
Keep the lips well moisturised before your appointment, but avoid aggressive exfoliation that leaves them sore or irritated.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
A topical anaesthetic may be used where appropriate to make treatment more comfortable.
You may experience:
scratching or vibrating sensations
mild stinging
tenderness
pressure.
Sensitivity varies considerably between people and treatment areas.
What to Expect Afterwards
Immediately following treatment you may experience:
redness
tenderness
mild swelling
sensitivity
a small amount of pinpoint bleeding or weeping.
Your Colour Will Look Darker
The pigment will initially look darker, stronger and sometimes warmer or brighter than the finished result.
This is normal.
As the skin heals, the colour will soften. It may also appear patchy or considerably lighter at different stages of healing.
Don't judge the final colour during the first few weeks.
The Healing Process
As the skin heals, the treatment area may become:
dry
tight
flaky
slightly itchy
lightly crusted.
This is part of the normal healing process.
Do Not Pick Allow any dry, flaky or crusted skin to come away naturally. Picking, scratching or peeling the area can remove pigment prematurely and increase the risk of patchiness, infection and scarring.
Aftercare
Follow the specific aftercare instructions and use the products provided or recommended by your practitioner.
During the initial healing period:
Keep the treatment area clean.
Wash your hands before touching it.
Avoid unnecessary touching, rubbing or scratching.
Do not pick or peel flaking skin.
Avoid normal makeup directly over the healing area.
Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs and other strong active skincare around the area.
Avoid swimming while the skin is healing.
Avoid saunas, steam rooms and excessive heat.
Avoid heavy sweating during the initial healing period.
Avoid facials, peels, laser and other advanced treatments over the area until completely healed.
Follow your practitioner's instructions regarding cleansing and any healing balm provided.
Brows Aftercare
Keep your brows clean and follow the cleansing and aftercare routine provided by your practitioner.
Avoid:
brow makeup while healing
picking or scratching
retinoids and acids around the brows
getting shampoo, hair products or strong skincare directly onto the healing area
waxing, threading or tinting until healed.
The brows may initially look much darker and more defined than expected before gradually softening.
Eyeliner Aftercare
Temporary eyelid swelling and tenderness can occur.
During healing:
Don't rub or scratch your eyes.
Avoid eye makeup directly over the treated area.
Avoid mascara until the skin has healed sufficiently.
Don't wear eyelash extensions during the initial healing period.
Avoid swimming, steam rooms and saunas.
Keep contact lenses out until the eyes feel comfortable and your practitioner advises it is appropriate to replace them.
Seek medical advice for significant eye pain, marked swelling, visual disturbance or symptoms suggesting an eye infection.
Lip Blush Aftercare
Lips commonly experience more noticeable swelling immediately following treatment.
They may also feel:
dry
tight
tender
sensitive.
Follow the lip-care instructions provided by your practitioner and keep the area appropriately moisturised.
During initial healing:
Don't pick or peel dry skin.
Avoid lip makeup unless specifically advised.
Avoid very spicy, acidic or salty foods if they sting or irritate the lips.
Take care with very hot drinks while the lips are swollen or numb.
Avoid kissing or other contact that could introduce bacteria while the skin is freshly treated.
Avoid swimming, saunas and steam rooms.
If you develop symptoms of a cold sore following treatment, seek appropriate advice promptly.
Sun Exposure
UV exposure can contribute to pigment fading and colour changes.
Once the skin has completely healed, use appropriate sun protection on exposed treatment areas.
For the lips, an SPF lip product can help protect the colour once healing is complete.
Avoid deliberate tanning and sunbeds during healing.
When Will I See My Final Colour?
Semi-permanent makeup goes through several stages while healing.
The colour may initially look very strong, then appear lighter or patchy before gradually settling.
For this reason, don't assess your final result too early.
Your practitioner will advise when the area has healed sufficiently for the result to be reviewed.
Perfecting Appointment
A second perfecting appointment may be recommended after the initial treatment has healed.
This allows your practitioner to assess:
pigment retention
colour
shape
any areas that have healed lighter or less evenly.
The perfecting appointment isn't intended to completely redesign the original treatment. Any adjustments should remain appropriate for your skin and the original agreed treatment plan.
How Long Does Semi-Permanent Makeup Last?
Semi-permanent makeup fades gradually over time rather than disappearing on a fixed date.
How quickly it fades varies according to factors including:
skin type
treatment area
pigment used
sun exposure
skincare products
lifestyle
individual pigment retention.
Maintenance or colour-refresh appointments may therefore be required.
Long-Term Skincare
Once completely healed, normal skincare can gradually be resumed.
Be aware that repeated use of retinoids, exfoliating acids, peels and some advanced skin treatments directly over cosmetic tattooing may contribute to faster fading.
Always tell another practitioner that you have semi-permanent makeup before having laser or other advanced treatments over or close to the area.
MRI Scans & Medical Procedures
If you're having an MRI or another medical procedure involving the treatment area, tell the healthcare professional that you have cosmetic tattoo pigment.
Reactions during MRI are uncommon, but the radiology team should be aware of cosmetic tattoos.
When Should I Contact Eco Skin Clinic?
Please contact us if you experience:
redness that is spreading or becoming significantly worse
increasing rather than improving pain
increasing heat or tenderness
significant or worsening swelling
pus or unusual discharge
signs of infection
blistering
a significant rash or allergic-type reaction
healing that doesn't appear normal
any other reaction that concerns you.
Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, significant eye symptoms following eyeliner treatment, or severe/rapidly worsening symptoms.
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