Permanent Makeup

• Blot gently every 20–30 minutes for the first 2–3 hours using a clean cotton pad or gauze to absorb lymph fluid (clear/yellowish seeping is normal) — dab only, do not rub
• Apply a very thin layer of the provided aftercare ointment using a clean cotton swab (not your fingers). The layer should barely be visible — over-application traps bacteria and pushes pigment out
• Keep the area dry — do not get the treated area wet. Pat dry gently if unavoidable contact occurs
• No makeup or skincare products on the treated area
• Do not touch the treated area with unwashed hands

Eyeliner

• Mild to significant swelling is expected and peaks at 24–48 hours
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling
• A cold compress (wrapped in a clean cloth, not directly on skin) can be applied for 10 minutes at a time

Lips

• Drink through a straw
• Avoid hot, spicy, and salty foods and beverages
• Blot lips then reapply ointment after every meal

• Gentle cleansing: cleanse the area 1–2 times daily with clean fingertips and a gentle, fragrance-free soap. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel (not a cloth towel)
• Continue applying ointment 2–3 times daily or whenever the area feels tight or dry — do not allow the area to fully dry out and crack, as this causes premature scabbing and pigment loss
• Do not pick, scratch, or peel any flaking skin — flaking begins around day 4–5 and is the pigment-containing layer shedding naturally. Picking pulls pigment with it, causing patchy results
• No exercise or heavy sweating for the full 7 days — no gym, yoga, sauna, steam room, or hot tubs
• No swimming (pools, ocean, lakes, hot tubs) for 7–10 days
• No direct sun exposure — wear a hat if outdoors. Do not apply sunscreen to the area until fully healed
• No makeup on the treated area for 7–10 days

Eyeliner

• No mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, or lash curler for 7–10 days
• Do not insert contact lenses until swelling has fully resolved (minimum 5 days)
• Do not rub your eyes — preservative-free lubricating eye drops are acceptable if needed

Lips

• Continue eating with a straw when possible
• No kissing or direct lip contact for 7 days
• Apply ointment to lips before brushing teeth (keep toothpaste off the lip border)
• Avoid vitamin C serums, whitening treatments, or anything acidic near the mouth

This is the most important thing to understand about permanent makeup healing:

• Once the outer layer has shed, your permanent makeup will appear dramatically lighter than expected — sometimes almost invisible
• This is called the “ghosting phase” and is completely normal. The pigment is not gone — it is settling underneath a fresh, opaque layer of new skin
• Do not panic and do not request a touch-up early. Color cannot be accurately assessed until 6 weeks post-procedure
• Reduce ointment to once daily or as needed for comfort
• Mild itching as skin rebuilds is normal — gently tap (do not scratch) if bothersome
• You may resume light exercise once flaking is complete and there are no open areas
• You may begin wearing makeup on non-treated areas of the face; continue keeping all products away from the permanent makeup

• Pigment will gradually resurface and deepen as the new skin layer becomes more transparent
• The final color will be approximately 30–50% softer than the immediate post-procedure color — this is by design
• By week 4–6, you will have a clear picture of the healed result and where any gaps have occurred
• You may resume all normal skincare with one permanent exception: avoid retinoids, AHAs, and exfoliating acids directly on the treated area, as these accelerate pigment fading
• Sun protection is critical: apply SPF 30–50 to the treated area daily. UV exposure is the single biggest cause of premature PMU fading. Use zinc oxide-based sunscreen when possible

Area-Specific

• Lips: you may resume normal lip products. Avoid heavily medicated or exfoliating lip treatments
• Eyeliner: you may resume mascara, contact lenses, and all eye makeup. Use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover — oil breaks down pigment over time

• Schedule your touch-up at 6–8 weeks post-procedure — no earlier, as the skin must be fully healed
• The touch-up is standard and expected — it is not a sign that something went wrong. Permanent makeup is a two-session process by design
• The first session establishes shape and base color; the touch-up refines color, fills gaps, and adjusts depth
• You may lose 20–40% of color from the first session — the touch-up restores this
• Without a touch-up, results will appear incomplete

• Daily SPF 30+ on healed areas — the single most effective way to extend the life of your permanent makeup
• Avoid retinoids and AHAs directly on the treated area indefinitely — these accelerate exfoliation and fade pigment
• Inform estheticians and laser technicians that you have permanent makeup before any facial treatment — many laser wavelengths can alter or remove pigment unintentionally
• MRI scans: inform your radiologist that you have cosmetic tattoo pigment (iron-oxide based pigments may cause mild tingling — rare but worth disclosing)
• Longevity: machine/rotary PMU typically lasts 2–5 years depending on skin type, sun exposure, and skincare routine. Lighter pigments fade faster than darker shades. Annual or biennial refreshes maintain results