Questions
Frequently asked questions
The things people most want to know before booking. If yours isn’t here, text the studio.
General
Before you book
Is permanent makeup actually permanent?
No, and that’s a good thing. It’s a cosmetic tattoo placed shallower than a body tattoo, so it fades gradually over one to three years depending on the service and your skin. That lets your look change as your face and taste do.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream is used before and during the procedure. Most people describe brows as scratchy and lips as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful.
How many appointments will I need?
Two: the initial appointment and a touch-up about six to eight weeks later, once you’ve healed. After that, a colour refresh every year or two keeps results crisp.
How do I book?
Text a recent makeup-free, unfiltered, full-face photo in natural light to (408) 469-2671 so Mina can confirm you’re a good candidate. Then book online and pay the $20 deposit, which secures your time and comes off your total.
How should I prepare?
Skip alcohol, caffeine and blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E) the day before, stop retinol and acids on the area a week or two ahead, and don’t tint or wax your brows the week before. You’ll get the full prep list when you book.
When will I see the final result?
Around four to six weeks after each session. Everything looks darker first, then lighter, before it settles.
Can I work out after my appointment?
Avoid heavy sweating for the first week. Sweat can push pigment out while the skin is open.
Is the studio licensed?
What’s your cancellation policy?
A $20 non-refundable deposit secures your appointment and goes toward your service. If you cancel, the deposit is forfeited. To reschedule, give at least seven days’ notice.
Can I bring someone with me?
Guests and pets aren’t permitted in the studio, to keep it calm, private and clean for every client.
Can you guarantee my results?
No one honestly can. Healed results depend on your skin type, healing, lifestyle, skincare, sun exposure and how closely you follow aftercare. Following the pre-care and aftercare instructions makes the biggest difference.
Is permanent makeup safe for everyone?
For your safety and the best healing, clients must:
- Be 18 or older
- Not be pregnant or nursing
- Not have diabetes
- Not have HIV or an active skin disease or condition
- Not be prone to keloid scarring
- Not have a serious heart condition
- Not have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Be in good general health
- Not have had Botox in the past month
If you’re unsure whether a condition, medication, previous procedure or skin concern affects you, contact the studio before booking. Some situations need medical clearance first.
By service
Brows & lips
Does microblading hurt?
Most people describe it as scratchy rather than painful. A topical numbing cream is used before and during the procedure.
How long does microblading last?
Typically one to two years, depending on your skin, sun exposure and skincare. Oily skin and retinol or acid products fade it faster. A yearly colour refresh keeps it crisp.
Is the touch-up included?
The follow-up is its own appointment six to eight weeks later: about 90 minutes and $150 for brows. Almost everyone needs it: it’s where the healed result is perfected.
Can you fix microblading done somewhere else?
Often, yes. Cover-up ($50, about 10 minutes) and camouflage (from $50, about 20 minutes) are for older or unwanted work. Which one you need depends on how the old pigment has healed, so text a clear photo of it before booking.
What’s the difference between nano brows and microblading?
Both create hair strokes. Microblading uses a hand blade that cuts fine lines. Nano brows use a single needle on a machine that deposits pigment with less trauma, so strokes tend to heal crisper and last longer, especially on combination skin.
How long do nano brows last?
Typically two to three years, with a colour refresh when they start to soften.
Will powder brows look like a drawn-on block?
No. The front is kept soft and airy and the colour builds gradually toward the tail, so it reads as a light powder, not a stencil.
Are powder brows better for oily skin?
Usually, yes. Shading holds up where fine hair strokes tend to blur.
Who are combo brows best for?
Clients who want the realism of hair strokes at the front with the staying power and definition of shading, which also makes them a strong choice for combination skin.
Will my lips look bright after lip blush?
Very bright for the first few days, then they flake and look pale for a week or two. The true colour blooms back over weeks three to six. That’s all normal.
I get cold sores. Can I still get lip blush?
Usually yes, with preparation. Talk to your doctor about an antiviral before the appointment, because the procedure can trigger an outbreak.
How long does lip blush last?
Typically two to three years, less if you’re often in the sun without lip SPF.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how dark your lips are to start. Many people need more than one session before the colour looks even; Mina will give you an honest estimate when she reviews your photo.
Can I have lip blush afterwards?
Yes. Once the dark tones are neutralized, lip blush can add a soft tint on top.
Will my lips look orange?
Warm corrective pigment can look bright while it heals. As it settles, it cancels the dark tones rather than showing as orange.
Ready when you are
Book your appointment
Start by texting a makeup-free photo to (408) 469-2671. Mina will check your skin and confirm the right service before you book.