One of my most asked questions is "How long does Permanent Makeup last?" So let me help you understand.
Permanent Makeup is classed as "semi-permanent" because the ink gradually fades over time, rather than overnight. This also means that the ink won't stay bold and dark. Factors such as your skin type, your aftercare and your lifestyle routine all have a part to play in the longevity of your Permanent Makeup treatments.
Why does it not last forever?
The professional pigments I use in my treatments are designed to gradually break down and lighten over time. Rather than fading into an unpleasant shade of grey, green, red or orange, they remain their true colour that will slowly break down and fade as time goes on.
What factors affect how long Permanent Makeup lasts?
1.Your colour and pigment choice
If you pick a natural colour for brows such as a light brown or grey, once healed they will look lighter and subtle. This is great for grey or fair-haired women as it blends naturally into the face. Whereas if you went for a darker brown or black, it would heal lighter but would still remain dark, which is great for women who love dark brows, have dark hair or love a dark liner. The same goes for Lip Blush and Lip Liner — the brighter the pigment, the bolder the results.
2.Sun exposure
If you're someone who loves to spend their time sunbathing on holiday or sitting in the sun regularly, your Permanent Makeup would be more prone to fading quicker. Wearing sunscreen and a hat can help prolong this from happening.
3.Age
Your age can have a huge impact on how your treatments last. Younger skin tends to regenerate quicker which leads to pigment fading faster. Middle-aged skin often has good longevity which tends to allow the pigment to hold for a good course. Mature skin has a slower cell turnover which allows the pigment to appear and last longer.
4.Skincare and skin type
If you're using regular exfoliants and retinoids or having regular facial treatments, this can contribute to faster fading. Having an oily based skin type can sometimes cause pigment to soften due to the oils constantly sitting on the face.
5.Aftercare
It's important that you follow all the aftercare advice given as it will show in your healed results. Ointment is provided for free, to apply following your treatment. Alongside a list of do's and don'ts that is advised for you to follow.
Great aftercare leads to great results.
Why your free top-up appointment matters
Having your follow-up appointment ideally 6–8 weeks later — with 6 weeks as the minimum, or up to 12 weeks if you're away or can't make that window — allows me to add to any patches of pigment lost through healing. This is also a great opportunity for you to decide if the colour is right for you! Whether or not you'd like to go darker this time as you were playing it safe the first time, or you're happy to continue with your original chosen colour.
What is a colour boost, and when should you have one?
A colour boost is like a maintenance appointment — we refresh the colour, your shape and all the little details. Colour boost appointments tend to vary from 12–24 months after your original treatments. Everybody is different; some women like to keep their pigment strong and others don't mind the faded colour.
Maintaining your Permanent Makeup is crucial to keeping it looking natural and soft throughout the years to come. It gives you a chance to change up the colour if you wish, and maybe your style too.
If you're thinking about Permanent Makeup but still have questions, get in touch for a free consultation to discuss any worries or thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.