PMU: Everything you need to know before your appointment.

May 28

Permanent makeup is more than just a beauty trend — it’s a confidence boost, a time-saver, and a way to wake up feeling your best every day. Whether you’re considering brows, eyeliner, or lip blush, here’s what you should know before booking your appointment.

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup, also called cosmetic tattooing, involves implanting pigment into the skin to create the look of makeup that lasts for months or years. Unlike traditional tattoos, PMU pigments are designed to fade naturally over time to accommodate your changing preferences and skin.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Consultation: Every service begins with a consultation to discuss your goals, skin type, and desired look.
Mapping & Design: Your artist will shape, map, and show you what your brows/lips/liner will look like before anything is done.
Numbing: A topical numbing agent is applied to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Tattooing: Using a specialized machine, pigment is implanted with precision.

Does It Hurt?

Most clients describe the sensation as mild to moderate discomfort, but numbing cream makes it very tolerable.

How Long Does It Last?

Permanent makeup isn’t truly “permanent” — it typically lasts:

Brows: 1–3 years
Eyeliner: 2–4 years
Lip blush: 2–5 years
Longevity depends on your skin, lifestyle, and how well you follow aftercare instructions.

How to Prepare

✨ 24–48 Hours Before

🚫 No alcohol, caffeine, or energy drinks (these thin your blood).
🚫 Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil supplements unless prescribed.
💧 Stay hydrated — healthy, hydrated skin heals beautifully.
🧴 Moisturize your skin, but skip any heavy creams on the day of your appointment.

✨ 5–7 Days Before

🚫 No tanning, sunburns, or excessive sun exposure.
🚫 No chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or facials in the treated area.
🚫 Stop using retinol, glycolic acid, or other strong skincare on the area.
💕 If you’re doing lips: gently exfoliate with a lip scrub + keep them moisturized.

✨ Day of Your Appointment

🥗 Eat a light meal before you come in — it keeps your blood sugar stable.
👄 Come with clean skin, free of makeup on the area being treated.
😌 Dress comfy and relax — this is your time!

✨ Bonus Tips

📅 Schedule wisely: avoid booking right before big events/vacations (you’ll have a healing phase).
💬 Be honest on your intake form — let us know about health conditions or medications.

Aftercare is Key

After your procedure, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions. Following them ensures proper healing and helps your results last longer. Expect some scabbing and fading as your skin heals — this is completely normal!

Have More Questions?

If you’re curious about permanent makeup or unsure which service is right for you, feel free to reach out. At Ink & Heal by Cassandra, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and ensure you love your results.