Do I need to book a consultation prior or can you do the permanent makeup procedure the same day?

All permanent makeup procedures require a consult PRIOR to the procedure date. This gives us an opportunity to discuss things we should prepare for prior, during and after the procedure. For example, most women use some form of anti aging, anti wrinkle, anti acne skincare products that will need to be discontinued AT LEAST 1 month prior. Any remnants of these chemicals in our skin can potentially affect the color of our end results. Booking your consultation is as easy as contacting us via phone: 507.320.2118 or via our Facebook Business Page “Vintage Vixen Artistry”.

What should I expect at the consultation?

Consults are 30 minutes and take place at our studio in Austin, MN. For our clients  traveling farther, we also offer consults via Zoom *as long as you have NEVER had a permanent makeup procedure performed (in the desired area) previously*. For clients with previous permanent makeup in the desired area, we prefer to thoroughly analyze in person. During the consultation we will go over: the pre and after care, answer any questions you have, as well as help determine the best procedure for your needs. There are many variables that may determine your eligibility, such as: medical history, skincare routine, maturity of the skin, as well as past permanent makeup procedures (*possible scar tissue and/or overall shape). At the consult, if you choose to move forward with booking your permanent makeup procedure, a $100 non refundable retainer is due to secure your date, with the remaining balance due the day of the procedure.

How much does the consultation cost?

Consults are complimentary!

Can I bring a friend, or two, to my consultation?

Absolutely! *As long as your friends are AT LEAST 18, or older. Children will not be permitted into the consult, or to wait in the reception area.

Can I wear makeup to my consultation and/or appointment?

We do not recommend wearing makeup in the areas we will be working. During the consultation, we will need to see the bare skin to access eligibility. On the day of the procedure, rubbing the area prior to inserting pigment will only cause further unnecessary irritation. *Especially NO waterproof makeup/mascara !*

Is “Permanent Makeup” in fact, permanent? 

No, “permanent makeup” procedures are actually “semi – permanent” procedures… despite the fact that they are often referred to as “permanent makeup” or “pm”. 

How long will “permanent makeup” last?

Since pigments are not implanted into the skin as deep as traditional tattoos, the area will naturally fade overtime. Overall longevity will depend on skin type (normal, oily, dry), lifestyle, body chemistry, maturity of skin, and medications. Clients with thyroid disturbances, blood pressure medications, as well as any medications that thin the blood – will fade faster & require maintenance more often. Skincare routine will also affect the longevity of pigment. Patients who tan and/or use products with AHA or (Glycolic Acid, etc) will fade faster. Anti aging products will cause your skin to resurface faster, and therefore fade faster. Each individual’s color retention within the skin will vary. To maintain a fresh look, a touch up is suggested every 2-3 years. Clients can let the area fade over time, if they choose, but please note a slight shadow may remain. 

*For clients with optimal conditions, longevity is approximately: 

Microblading: 2-3 Months

Micropigmentation: 2-3 Years 

Permanent Eyeliner: 4-8 Years

Lips: 1-3 Years

What is your most popular procedure?

Micropigmentation… with eyeliner in a close second. 

The combination of the two procedures together are truly magical for gals wanting to “wake up and NOT have to makeup!”.

What is Micropigmentation?

Micropigmentation is a semi permanent procedure that typically lasts 2-3 YEARS, depending on: skin type, skincare routine, body chemistry, as well as medications taken. This procedure is performed with a rotary tattoo machine using ultra fine needles. Powder brows utilize hundreds of micro dots to give a soft effect comparable to filling in with powder makeup. An ombre effect can be achieved with lighter shading towards the inner centers; gradually getting darker throughout the arch and tail. Micropigmentation can be used to add anything from a subtle hint of fullness, to an entirely new shape all together. This procedure can dramatically correct or fully reconstruct lost eyebrow hair and is excellent for those wanting to enhance their brows. Pigments used are chosen to match the natural (or desired) brow color and skin tone.

*This procedure is much less invasive and can therefore safely be performed again within 2-3 years, after final retouch.

What is Microblading?

Microblading is a semi permanent procedure that typically lasts 2-3 MONTHS, depending on skin type, skincare routine, body chemistry, as well as medications taken. This procedure is performed with a hand tool using ultra fine needles. Each hair stroke is gently etched into the skin, giving an incredibly realistic look. Microblading can temporarily correct thinning brows. Pigments used are chosen to match the natural (or desired) brow color and skin tone.

*This procedure is very invasive and should only be done a few times – EVER. Additional retouches beyond the first few procedures are recommended to switch to micropigmentation. 

Do either of these brow procedures stop the hair from growing back?

No, brow hairs outside of the desired shape will still need to be maintained via waxing, tweezing, etc. 

How much time does a micropigmentation, blading, or combination brow procedure take to complete?

For the first session, the entire procedure should take no more than 2.5 hours. During this session, the technician will map, shape and style the brows for client approval. We then follow with pigment color selection. Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin numbing for the procedure.

The client is to come in for a complimentary follow up visit in order to perfect desired shape, color and fullness. The second session takes place 5 – 10 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. 

How much time does an eyeliner procedure take to complete?

For the first session, the entire procedure should take no more than 3 hours for top OR bottom and 3.5 hours for top AND bottom. During this session, the technician will shape and style the liner for client approval. We then follow with pigment color selection. Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin numbing for the procedure.

The client is to come in for a complimentary follow up visit in order to perfect desired shape, color, and fullness. The second session takes place 5 – 10 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. 

How much time does a lip blushing procedure take to complete?

For the first session, the entire procedure should take no more than 3 hours. During this session, the technician will map, shape and style the lips for client approval. We then follow with pigment color selection. Once the client is satisfied with the choices, we begin the numbing for the procedure.

The client is to come in for a follow up visit in order to perfect desired shape, color and fullness. The second session takes place 5 – 10 weeks after the initial session. This session will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. 

How long does permanent makeup take to heal?

The area will be slightly red after the procedure and color will appear very dark. In the following days, the area will continue to be dark and you will notice light peeling. This is normal for the procedure and part of the healing process. Do not pick at the sloughing as this may damage the skin, as well as the outcome of the pigmented area. The color will fade by up to 40% – 50% as it heals. It takes approximately 10-14 days for the areas to heal over enough to safely apply makeup again. You’ll notice the color is very light about two weeks after healing. This is due to the tissue still healing from the inside out even though the surface of the skin is healed. It takes about 1 month for the color to fully mature. *These procedures DO NOT impair driving or working during healing stages.

Is the touch up session necessary?

A touch up session after 5 -10 weeks is recommended, but not mandatory, as everyone heals differently and outcomes may vary. Premature peeling, washing, sweating, as well as excessive oil production may cause pigment to heal patchy in some areas and will need to be refilled. Pigment color can be adjusted, brow thickness and more strokes can be added. Each permanent makeup service includes one complimentary touch up session to refine your brows, eyeliner, or lips to ensure they look perfect.

*Individuals with oily skin, thyroid disturbances, and/or blood pressure medications often require an additional touch up session- on top of the complimentary retouch. (*additional fees apply beyond the 1 complementary touch up session provided)

Can I get my touch up sooner than 5 weeks? 

Touch up sessions should not be performed earlier than 5 weeks after the initial PM session as pigment color has not fully matured. Most importantly, this helps to prevent damage to the skin, by allowing tissue the required time to heal completely. 

Are “permanent makeup” procedures painful?

The pain level is considered mild to none. Prior to the procedure your technician will apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area. It may be reapplied during the procedure to help keep the client comfortable. Everyone responds differently to anaesthetic. Topical anesthetics used may contain: Lidocaine, Prilocaine, Benzocaine, Tetracaine and Epinephrine. 

*If you experience difficulty numbing at the dentist/doctor, the topical anesthetic will likely react similarly.

What are the pre and post care instructions?

*In order to achieve the best results, it is imperative to follow the pre and post care instructions.

PRIOR to initial procedure, clients are advised of the following:

• Consults are required for ANY permanent makeup service.

48 Hours PRIOR:

• Avoid alcohol ,Tylenol/Aspirin, vitamins and/or foods that may thin your blood ( cinnamon, spicy foods, peppers, horseradish, garlic, grapefruit, ginger, etc….)
• Stay hydrated and keep the area moisturized with fragrance free/dye free lotion.

1 Month PRIOR Avoid:

• Retinol/RetinA/ Retynol
• Anti-aging/wrinkle skincare
• Anti-acne skincare
• Tanning
• Waxing
• Facials
• Face Scrubs
• Harsh Chemicals
• Chemical Peels
• Brow Lamination
• Lash Lift/ Tint
• Botox
• Filler Injections
• Extended sun exposure

AFTER your procedure, clients MUST follow these instructions: 

• 3 Hours after: clean area with cotton rounds provided, containing green soap or saline solution. Very gently wipe in a rainbow motion, in direction of hair growth, with little pressure. 
• Brows/lips: Quickly rinse off green soap with cool water & pat dry with paper towel. 
• Eyes: no need to rinse off saline solution.
• Do not immerse the procedure area in water until the sloughing stage is complete (typically 7-10 days). Avoid showering or steam during this time. When cleaning or washing your face, be sure to avoid the procedure area.
• Do not put makeup on/around the area for a minimum of 10 days. Treat the area as if it was an open wound. Using makeup too soon may cause infections. *Be sure to use clean tools when reintroducing makeup to the procedure area.  *A fresh tube of mascara is recommended after eyeliner has healed.
• Avoid alcohol, Tylenol/aspirin, vitamins and/or foods that may thin your blood for 24 hours after procedure. (IE: cinnamon, spicy foods, peppers, horseradish, garlic, ginger, grapefruit, etc..)
• Brow area will feel slightly itchy as it heals and will start to lightly peel. Do not peel or pick at the sloughing as this can affect the outcome and pigmentation.
• Do not go swimming, tanning or into saunas for at least 1 month after retouch.
• Avoid sweating if possible. It pushes pigment out of the pores.  *Please note: this is why we do not recommend these procedures for those experiencing night sweats.  *NO working out!
• A light layer of fragrance free/ dye free lotion may be applied 2-3 times a day or as needed to prevent cracking/splitting (IE: Vanicream, Aquaphor, CBD oils/creams). *LESS is more – apply VERY thin layers so it can breathe/heal. *If it feels tight when you smile/frown, reapply moisturizer!

Until 1 Month AFTER Retouch – Avoid:

• Retinol / RetinA / Retynol 
• Anti-wrinkle/aging skincare
• Anti-acne skincare
• Tanning/Extended sun exposure
• Waxing
• Facials
• Face Scrubs
• Harsh Chemicals
• Chemical Peels
• Brow Lamination
• Lash Lift/ Tint
• Botox
• Filler Injections 
• Pools/saunas/hot tubs (extended soaking)

Permanent makeup is not suitable for the following candidates:

• Suffer from night sweats
• Using Accutane / Spironolactone / oral acne medications
• When using spironolactone topically for acne may cause skin to thin
• Have heart conditions or using heart medications
• Have skin disease or irritations
• Have had Botox in the last month
• Have gotten a deep tan, chemical peels, facials, lash lift/tint, brow lamination, etc in the last month.
• Allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine. *Numbing is required for eyeliner but not required for brows and/or lips.
• Serious medical conditions may require a physician’s note.
• Have ever had a tumor/growth/cyst in the area of treatment.
• While pregnant 
• Breastfeeding clients can undergo PM at their own discretion. We suggest discussing it with your doctor first. Permanent makeup is still considered a tattoo, and just like with wine or sushi consumption, it is a personal choice to do so during this period.

*We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone whom we deem not suitable for this procedure for any reason. Our technicians make the decision to proceed with the permanent makeup procedure on an individual basis, of their own discretion. 

Risks and complications?

We take all proper precautions for a safe session by using sterilized equipment, new needles and in a sanitized environment. Should clients follow our pre and post care instructions, there should be minimal risks/ complications. Although allergic reactions to the pigments are rare, it could be possible for certain individuals. We suggest a pigment patch test during the consult, for individuals who have high skin sensitivities or are sensitive to:

• Topical makeup products
• Dyes (*Permanent Makeup pigments do NOT contain PPE)

What if I do not like it?

As with all cosmetic procedures, individuals should not make their choices lightly. We always recommend clients do their research, understand the procedure and compare different artists’ work and portfolio when making their decisions. Our brow technicians will do their utmost to shape and style the eyebrows to the clients satisfaction prior to the procedure. Every effort will be made to achieve an even appearance, but please realize our faces are never perfectly symmetrical. Desired changes can be altered during the touch up session. Color correction can also be adjusted during the touch up session. 

Still have more questions?

Should you still have more questions or inquiries, feel free to give us a call or message at 507.320.2118 to set up a complimentary consultation. If we are showering a client with VIP attention, please leave a message and we’ll contact you asap.