Semi-permanent makeup is cosmetic tattooing. This specialized technique is often referred as ‘micro- pigmentation’. The procedure involves depositing coloured pigment into the upper reticular layer of the skin’s dermis.
DOES SPMU WORK ON EVERYBODY'S SKIN?
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Semi-permanent makeup results can be unsuccessful on some skin types. This included clients with large pores and oily skin. In some cases, an additional 3rd top up treatment maybe required at a additional cost. With that in mind, it is strongly inadvisable to tattoo an area more than 3 times within the period of a year. I can never guarantee results but I always use my best judgments to obtain the best results possible.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP AND TATTOOING?
The purpose of Semi-permanent makeup is to enhance the natural features of a client. Semi-permanent makup is softer and subtler – it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments. The pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over time as the client’s natural colouration and facial changes occur.
WHAT DOES THE PROCESS INVOLVE?
Your first step will be to make an appointment with Ara for a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs and the procedures which you are interested in. Ara will discuss the shape that would be most flattering to your face as well as the colour which will harmonize with your skin’s undertones. Ara is an artist and is very skilled at blending pigment for a client’s skin tone. Ara will show you some before and after photographs to give you an idea of how the procedure can transform you and give more youthfulness to your facial features.
On the day of the procedure Ara will spend time planning the design before the needlework commences.
SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP -WHAT IS IT?
give a client time to adjust to the look of having their facial features refreshed with colour.
HOW ARE THE SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP PROCEDURES PERFORMED?
Permanent cosmetics procedures can be performed using various devices, the pen or rotary machine (includes the digital rotary machines) and the non-machine or hand device. The process includes a consultation, the application of the pigment, and at least one or more follow up visits for evaluating the healed design work and colour of the pigment.
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WHO BENEFITS FROM SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP?
People who meet minimum age requirements and have the ability to heal properly from minor wounds can benefit from the liberating benefits of semi-permanent cosmetics. Interest in this service spans the young to the more mature; those who desire a soft, natural enhancement to their appearance. It is especially valuable to people who can’t wear traditional cosmetics due to allergies and skin sensitivities; active people who want to look their best for sports activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, aerobics; and those who don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics. Semi-permanent makeup also benefits the vision impaired who have difficulty applying their own cosmetics, others with dexterity related conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke survivors, and busy people who don’t have time to spend applying and refreshing makeup throughout the day and evening.
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WHAT TYPE OF PERMANENT COSMETIC PROCEDURES CAN BE DONE?
Permanent Cosmetic procedures can be very subtle or dramatic depending on what you are looking for. Ara offers the following treatment: Eyebrows, Eyeliner Top and Bottom, Lip liner, Lip blush and Lash Enhancement.
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ARE PERMANENT COSMETIC REALLY PERMANENT?
Permanent cosmetics procedures are considered permanent because pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo or colorant (pigment) in general, fading can and often does occur, requiring periodic maintenance referred to as colour re-enhancement or colour refreshing. The scientific structure of pigments and the requirement for periodic refreshing is identical to that of tinted hair colour; decorative paint colours that are exposed to the sun and other environmental elements; and may fade over time.
The requirement for periodic maintenance is a good opportunity to revaluate one’s colour and design preferences. While the concept of permanent, without any change, may seem like a perfectly good idea, think about how your tastes have changed over the years. From time to time likely you have made subtle or dramatic changes in your clothing preferences, your hair colour and style, and if you wear topical makeup, those colours may have changed as well. The fact that most people will require periodic colour refreshing of their permanent cosmetics is a great time to revaluate your overall appearance profile and determine if any changes are appropriate. Longevity varies from person to person depending on their life style (sun exposure); the colour(s) used for the permanent cosmetic procedure, and are also thought to be affected by topical products applied to the skin.
Permanent cosmetics are a form of cosmetic tattooing which should be thought of as being “permanent”, however as is also true of body tattoo work, the degree of “permanency” varies with each individual.
Colour can fade due to many factors, including over-exposure to the sun, a person’s own body chemistry, and the degree of care taken to maintain the work. Any process involving the skin such as facials, peels, or certain medications such as Accutane can adversely affect colour integrity.
CAN I GET SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP IF I AM PREGNANT OR NURSING?
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As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.
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HOW LONG DOES EACH PROCEDURE TAKE?
The initial procedure will generally take approximately between 2 to 3 hours which includes are records; photographs; desired design and colour; the procedure to perform; and the aftercare requirements to discuss. Follow up or colour refresher procedures usually do not require the same amount of time.
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IS IT PAINFUL?
Most people experience some minor discomfort. This will vary according to each individual’s pain threshold. This can be discussed at the consultation.
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IS THE END RESULT IMMENDIATELY VISIBLE?
No. The first week, the pigmentation is significantly darker than the final result. Within the first week of healing the intensity of the colour will become 40-60% softer. Due to the natural cell renewal, the end result of pigmentation will be visible after a period of approximately 3 to 5 weeks.
IS PERMANENT MAKEUP SAFE?
Yes.
For every treatment a new sterile needle is used which will be destroyed immediately after the treatment.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE IT?
Although the procedure is considered permanent, these procedures do have flexibility in changing colour and shape to some extent. Colours will appear darker immediately following the procedure but will soften and lighten during the healing process. The healing time is different for each individual and procedure. It’s very important to realize that often the new procedure represents something very different; at times colour where there was no colour at all or very little. It takes time to become used to a new look (very often this applies to eyebrows which were sparse and unnoticeable before the permanent cosmetic brow procedure.) Eyeliner colour is more evident due to the contrast to the skin colour. Lip colour can take up to six weeks to reflect the final colour.
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DO THIS PIGMENTS POSE ALLERGY PROBLEMS?
People can develop an allergy to anything at any time however pigment allergies are considered extremely rare. Should this occur please consult your doctor.
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WHAT'S A TOUCH-UP AND DO I NEED ONE?
Sometimes the colour is not perfect after the initial procedure heals. Permanent cosmetic procedures are a process and at least one follow-up to the initial procedure should be scheduled. It is recommended that any required detail work to the original procedure be performed no sooner than four weeks after the original procedure. The minimum standard for follow-up detail work for lip procedures is six weeks. Lips have a different healing time than procedures performed on other parts of the face due to their delicate nature. The time frame will vary depending on the health profile and age of the client, but these are good minimum standards for consideration.
WHAT IS A LASH LIFT?
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The lash lift procedure has revolutionized old, inadequate perming techniques. Using silicone pads instead of perming rods, this new technique can lift, straighten or curl, and lengthen your own natural lashes to create a brighter, fuller, wide eyed look. No need for extensions and the associated aftercare, this will last you 6-8 weeks.
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HOW DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR THE TREATMENT?
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Please come in make up free (no eye makeup or mascara). If you wear contacts, they must be removed.
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CAN A LASH LIFT BE USED TO COMPLIMENT OTHER TREATMENTS?
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Yes! A lash Lift is enhanced when you use an eyelash growth product, or a semi-permanent mascara. While your lashes grow longer, our process controls straight or overly curly lashes by giving them a uniform lifted look.
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IS A LASH LIFT THE SAME AS AN EYELASH PERM?
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No the Lash lift is a new, improved procedure, overcoming the ‘over curled’ look of its predecessor . Whilst the chemical procedure is identical to a perm, the difference is in the results. By ditching the old fashioned perm rollers which curled back the lashes to the extent of the ‘dolly look’, the silicone pads used for this new procedure lifts the lash from the root in either a straight or curled, upwards fashion that produces length and a bright eyed enhanced look.
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DOES THE LASH LIFT PROCEDURE HURT?
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​No the procedure is totally painless. You will have your eyes closed for the entire treatment and although it may feel a little strange being unable to open your eyes for this time, it offers you a chance to relax during the treatment.
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IS THE PROCEDURE SAFE?
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Yes. Lashes are lifted onto our specially shaped lifting pads before products are applied.
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WILL A LASH LIFT DAMAGE MY NATURAL LASHES?
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No. Your lash procedure will be performed with the utmost care and proper technique. The product never touches the skin during the process. Redness around the eye may occur due to the product removal process (wiping the eyes with cotton rounds) but should disappear within a few minutes after the procedure.
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HOW LONG DOES A LASH LIFT TAKE?
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Lash lift takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
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HOW LONG WILL A LASH LIFT LAST?
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A Lash Lift can last 6-8 weeks but can vary from person to person. There is no need for any maintenance appointments in between but you will need to have the process repeated every 6-8 weeks to lift the new hair growth. There are some situations that may cause the lift to drop/weaken prematurely such as swimming, use off harsh products or heat. If you find that your lift does not last the full 2 months, you can repeat the treatment after a minimum of 6 weeks of having the initial treatment, but not before.​
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CAN I WEAR MAKEUP AFTER MY LASH LIFT?
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Yes, but it is advised that you leave your lashes untouched for at least 24 hours after your treatment. You may find that there is no need for mascara anyway, but if you wish to make your lashes even fuller, a non-waterproof mascara is advised as the removal of waterproof mascaras can be harsh on the lashes and weaken the lift. We have a mascara especially formulated for lash lifts. This is available to purchase in the salon.
DO I NEED TO PREP BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?
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Prior to your appointment, try your best to arrive without any eye makeup, do not curl your lashes or wear mascara the day before and the day of your appointment. It will help minimize the cleanup time and more time for lashing.
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WILL IT RUIN OR CAUSE MY NATURAL LASHES TO FALL OUT?
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Based on the growth cycle of eyelashes, when applying lashes, lash stylist are trained to look for adult lashes to attach the individual synthetic lashes. Young (baby) lashes are left to allow them to fully develop and when it comes times to re-lash, we have new strong lashes to bond to. Lash extensions will not cause your natural eyelashes to fall out. Remember that your natural lashes have their own life cycle of falling and growing – like the hair found elsewhere on your body. It's hard to notice small lashes falling out, but when attached to a thicker, longer lash they become much more noticeable! Once the extensions are removed, your own eyes may appear smaller, your natural lashes, shorter and sparser because you've been accustomed to a full set of longer, thicker lashes.
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TP APPLY LASH EXTENSION?
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Lash extensions are applied while you are lying down with your eyes closed on a comfortable spa bed in a serene setting. This usually takes about 1.5 hours for a full set of lashes, but also depends on the set of lashes you decide to get. After prepping your lashes, your bottom lashes are protected with a gel eye pad, lash extensions are then applied 1-to-1 with medical grade adhesive. It is a really relaxing, non-invasive treatment and most of our clients take the time to catch up on their beauty sleep!
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HOW LONG WILL MY NEW LASHES LAST?
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Your new lashes will last between 14 to 45 days depending on your skincare routine and your own natural lash life cycle. To maintain the full look of your lashes, it will require you to maintain refills every 10 - 14 days.
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE COMING IN FOR LASH REFILLS?
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We recommend getting refills every 10 - 14 days. If you wait too long your extensions will fall out and you will require a full set. Factors such as exposure to humidity, steam or touching your eyes a lot may cause the extensions to fall quicker. Refills can take from 45 - 60 minutes, depending on the state of your remaining lashes. A good sign of when you need a refill is when your extensions are 30%-50% gone.
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CAN I APPLY MASCARA TO MY LASH EXTENSION?
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Yes, however you must only apply water based mascara. DO NOT USE OIL-BASED OR WATER-PROOF MASCARA. Waterproof mascara and any type of oil based mascara dissolves the bonding agent of the extensions and causes them to fall out sooner. Also, take care in washing off all eye makeup. Only use a water based eye makeup remover.
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CAN I SWIM, SHOWER OR EXERCISE WHILE WEARING LASH EXTENSION?
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Yes. The bonding agent we use is waterproof and allows you to shower, swim, exercise. However we recommend that you DO NOT WASH your eye area for at least 24 hours after the initial eyelash extension application. This allows the bonding agent to fully dry and prolong the life of your extensions.
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HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY NEW LASH EXTENSION?
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Do not get your lashes wet for at least 24 hours after application
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Do not go tanning for 24 hours after application
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Use an oil-free eye makeup remover
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Try not to run water directly on your lashes
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Do not rub, pick or pull your eyes
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If using mascara, use water based formulas
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When applying mascara avoiding the root area.
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Avoid using an eyelash curler
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Try to avoid exposure to heat, steam, sauna and friction
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Receiving chemical treatments, such as eyelash tinting or perming
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Receiving irritating eye area treatments, such as strong chemical peels, skin re-surfacing procedures, eyebrow waxing or laser treatments