WHAT IS A SEMI-PERMANENT MAKE UP?

Semi-permanent make-up, also known as micropigmentation, is a form of temporary cosmetic tattooing that utilizes pharmaceutical grade pigments that are applied with a tattoo machine beneath the surface of the skin.  Used to enhance, correct and contour eyes, brows and lips.  This pigment will stay in the skin for a number of years, gradually breaking down and fading over time.

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Am I a good candidate for Semi-Permanent Makeup?  As long as the procedure area is healthy, non-sensitive and non-irritated, you can receive tattoo services. If you have had previous surgical work or tattoo services in the area before, please send us a photo of your face in GOOD lighting (outdoor is usually best), so we we can see your lips prior to scheduling. Send an email to: estheticbydesign@outlook.com.au 

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WILL COSMETIC TATTOOING WILL COMPLETELY REPLACE MY REGULAR MAKE UP? 

 

This completely depends on the individual. Cosmetic tattooing is an enhancement, not a complete replacement for topical makeup. Healed pigment IN the skin will never fully replicate the vibrancy of color that topical makeup produces ON the skin.

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Many women are accustomed to bolder looks with makeup that cannot be successfully achieved without risking undesirable results. LESS IS MORE! The more your skin is packed with pigment particles, the less control you have over the color as your procedure ages with time. Soft and natural will always win!

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WHAT IS LIP BLUSH? & HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Will it look like lipstick?  NO.  It does not replace your lipstick.  It will however give your lips a natural, opaque and blushing of color (similar to a tinted chapstick).  Like "blush" on your cheeks, Lip Blush will add a tint of color and gently accentuate the shape and color of your lips.  You can still apply lipstick or any other lip product over your lip blush tattoo.  If you want a wake up with make-up look that doesn't "look" like you have makeup on, this is what this service provides.

As we lose collagen and elasticity in our skin, the natural color in our lips starts to break down and we lose our shape.  Making our lips appear smaller and dull in color.  Not only are you able to add color, but we can also help to camouflage minor asymmetries, scarring or hyperpigmentation.   We cannot tattoo outside of the lip tissue, so blushing will not change your lip size, but WILL create the appearance of fuller looking lips.  

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Results will vary from person to person, but on average, can last anywhere from 2-3+ years.  Each year you will see the color get lighter until it disappears.  It will gently fade out exposing the color of your own lips.  It is recommended to do a touch-up within 3-months of your initial session.   This is due to your body wanting to push out pigment in the healing process.  Because lip tissue regenerates so quickly, an "Annual Refresh" is recommended every few years or as desired for maintenance. 

Here are some factors will cause your semi-permanent tattoo to fade faster:

1. Oily skin

2. Retinol or Vitamin C

3. Iron deficiency

4. Sun exposure

5. Exfoliants

6. Exposure to salt water

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IS LIP BLUSHING PAINFUL?

It is slightly uncomfortable but completely bearable. The tattooing process lasts about three to four hours for the first appointment. We uses numbing cream (as your request) and gentle technique. Some are more sensitive than others and especially so if you do not follow the pre-care instructions. The process feels like having a sunburn that you keep touching.  Its uncomfortable, but tolerable for most people.  We use a Lidocaine pre-tattoo numbing cream to help with discomfort and a secondary Epinephrine based numbing agent throughout the session.   If you are nervous about pain, you may take 1- 2 Paracetamol (acetaminophen) 30 minutes before your appointment. DO NOT take Advil or drink a coffee before your appointment. Coffee and Advil will cause you to bleed lots and also make you more sensitive during the procedure.

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CAN I GET LIP BLUSH IF I HAVE DARK/COOL TONED LIPS?

Yes, however, on the first session we will have to colour correct your lips to cancel out the cool tones sometimes we need couple session to do this. This means the initial colour we tattoo MUST be orange!  If we are to tattoo any other color you risk darkening your lips further or having absolutely no results at all. When healed at 6 weeks, most if not all of the darkness in your lips will be covered and your lips will have a nudey-pink even tone. Note that results cannot be guaranteed and lightening or evening out dark lips may take a few sessions (as we've mentioned before). Under no circumstances will we tattoo a "NUDE" color on dark or cool toned lips. If you are unsure if you have dark or cool toned lips you can send us a picture of your lips in natural light to confirm. Lips too dark or thick will be rejected so please be sure to email pictures if your lips are extremely dark grey or black in color.

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DO I NEED A TOUCHUP?

Touchups are recommended for everybody. On touchup sessions, we can alter the shape and color of your tattoo or go bolder or fill in spots that didn't retain pigment as well as others during healing. Touchups will also add longevity to the life of your tattoo. A Touchup can be booked no sooner than 4 weeks of your last appointment. Please read the FAQ page to ensure you have waited long enough from laser treatments, filler or botox to have a touchup done. To book touchups or to find a specific spot that is not on the booking system please email us at estheticbydesign@outlook.com.au. Touchups will be an extra charge and the touchup fee does go up after a period of time after the initial appointment. Refer to the "touchup" page on this website to see the touchup fee pricing scale.

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LIP BLUSH:  Is a 2+ step process.  Lips heal very quickly and change color dramatically from your initial session to the "healed" results.  They will lighten about 50% once fully healed vs what they look like when you've finished your first session.  And they change again and again over 4-6 weeks as they continue to fully heal.  Trust the process!  Lip Blush typically lasts 2-3+ years.   We recommend an Annual Refresh (done within 2 years of your 1st session, at a discounted 50% off the current rates, for our CURRENT CLIENTS who have received tattoo work by me).  A great way to keep your cosmetic tattoo work crisp. 

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CAN I STILL GET LIP BLUSH IF I HAVE LIP FILLER?

Yes! in no way does having Lip filler interfere with the process of tattooing lips or the results. Not that lip filler and lip blush appointments MUST be at least 6 weeks apart from each other.

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AM I ABLE TO HAVE THIS TREATMENT?

You may NOT have this procedure if :

1. You are under 18

2. You are pregnant or breastfeeding

3. Have been on Accutane within the past year

4. Have HIV or Hepatitis or any other infectious or viral diseases

5. Undergoing Chemotherapy

6. You are Epileptic

7. You are taking medications that may affect how your skin responds to blood clotting and healing.

8. You develop infections easily

9. If your previous tattoo is too dark or thick (please email us at estheticbydesign@outlook.com.au a photo for coverup.

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PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING A COSMETIC TATTOO PROCEDURE?

 

• Have Diabetes and are under a doctor's care

• Have been in remission from cancer for 1 year

• Have high blood pressure

• Using blood thinning medications

• Have seborrheic dermatitis

• Have a skin disorder that may interfere with the procedure and/or healing

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ALLERGIES?

If you are allergic to LIDOCAINE, Epinephrine (other numbing agents) or tattoo ink, we cannot perform any Cosmetic Tattoo services on you.  Lido & Epi are some of the types on numbing agents we use.

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COSMETIC TATTOOING IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ANY CLIENT WHO ARE/HAVE: 

 

• Pregnant or nursing

• History of Keloids or Hypertrophic scarring Diabetic (require doctor’s note) 

• Chemotherapy (consult your doctor) 

• Viral infections and/or diseases 

• Epilepsy, Pacemaker or major heart problems 

• Organ transplant or Skin irritations 

• Psoriasis near the treated area 

• Flushed/red skin, Rosacea, Eczema, Dermatitis, acne in your brows, sun damaged skin sunburn etc.

• Sick (cold, flu, etc.) 

• Accutane in the past year 

• Botox 3-4 weeks before and after appointment

• Heart conditions, Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure, Poor general health. 

• Any treatment, medication, or illness that compromises the immune system is likely to interfere with healing, making you NOT
  a good candidate for cosmetic tattoo procedures.

• All clients must be 18+ for any tattoo service w/a valid photo.

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HOW CAN I PREPARE?

• Do not consume caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours prior to your appointment to prevent excessive pain and bleeding.

• Do NOT TAKE ADVIL or other blood thinners such a Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E and/or Ibuprofen unless medically necessary, 48-72 hrs prior to your procedure. Extra strength Tylenol can be taken if you have low pain tolerance.

• Avoid exercising the day of the procedure.

• Do not take or get any chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, vitamin E, retinols, fish oil, at least 4 weeks before your appointment.

• If you have a history Herpes or cold sore, take anti-vitals such as Acyclovir1 week before and after the procedure.

• Do not wax or bleach two weeks prior to the procedure.

• Please read the aftercare and arrange your schedule accordingly to the healing stage. There is downtime for every procedure.

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For Lip Blush:

• If your appointment is booked during an outbreak of cold sores on your lips the procedure may not be done. Please be aware that you have the simplex virus herpes, you may awaken an outbreak following this treatment. It is highly recommended to take an anti-viral medication such as Zivorax / Acyclovir 5 days before, then the day of. Then 5 days after or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.

• Do not get lip injections 6 weeks before and after this treatment.

• Keep well hydrated drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day as well as moisturising the lips from a few days before.

• Exfoliate the lips by means of a tooth brush pr sugar scrub.

• You should keep away from direct sunlight and tanning beds for three to four days before.

• Avoid this  procedure during your menstrual cycle as you are often more sensitive.

• Arnica tablets can be taken before and after the procedure to assist with healing.

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On the appointment date, we will consult about shape and color before we start the tattoo. Tattooing will not start until the final design is drawn for you and agreed on.

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CAN YOU COVER UP AN OLD TATTOO?

We do not do coverups of lips. 

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DOES THIS PROCEDURE TRIGGER COLD SORES?

This procedure can trigger cold sores for carriers of the herpes simplex virus. To prevent cold sores from flaring up it is recommended to go to your family doctor and get Zovirax or another antiviral medication prescribed to take 5 days prior procedure, the day of, and 5 days after. Note that a cold sore outbreak can alter the healed results of the tattoo.

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DO YOU HAVE A CANCELATION LIST?

We does not have a cancelation list or waitlist.

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DOES IT HURT? AND WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

It is a tattoo.  There will be some discomfort.  However, topical anesthetics are used to maximize your comfort during the cosmetic tattooing procedure ... But of course, pain tolerance varies from client to client. NOTE:  receiving the procedure during your menstrual cycle may increase your sensitivity as well.  We begin by applying topical numbing cream is applied and takes approx. 20-25 minutes to take effect. Then we draw an outline of the desired shape until you are agreed with the shape.   We begin with an outline of the desired shape with the tattoo machine to open the skin.  The  tattoo (in most cases) is barely felt at this point.  Additional numbing agents are used throughout the procedure to attempt maximum comfort. Most clients describe the pain level as a 0-2 out of 10. Some even fall asleep.

 

By the end of the procedure, the numbing cream is wearing off and you're feeling a slight sting (sort of like a sunburn), and the skin is irritable and sensitive to touch due to the vibration of the machine and stretching of the skin to ensure clean, crisp tattoo work. (for me, this is the most uncomfortable part of the whole process ... the last 10-15 minutes or so). BUT ... we are almost done ... Just a few finishing touches are usually needed at this point to attain desired results.

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WHAT IF I'VE HAD HAD MY LIPS TATTOOED BY SOMEBODY ELSE? CAN I STILL BOOK WITH YOU?

We do not touchup other artists' work or work over previous work done by another artist. I only work on natural lips that have not been tattooed before. If you have a previous tattoo, you can send in a photo of them to estheticbydesign@outlook.com.au to be advised. In very rare cases, I do take clients who have had previous work that is undetectable, but a lot of the time I cannot and will not work over other artists work.

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Please do not arrive to your appointment if you have a previous tattoo without consulting first as I may have to cancel the appointment and the deposit will be forfeited on the spot. 

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AM I CONSIDERED A DARK LIP NEUTRALIZATION OR A LIP BLUSH?

If your lips are two-toned, cool, brown, dark looking, you will need to have a neutralization procedure.

If you are still not sure, send a photo of your lips in natural lighting via email to estheticbydesign@outlook.com.au to confirm.

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HOW CAN I BOOK?

Booking is done through this website through the "Book Online" page and $ 99 deposit is required to secure a space.

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HOW CAN I PAY?

We takes cash, e-transfer, credit card, zippay and after afterpay.

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WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

We are located at The Capitol Apartments, Level 2/35 Peel Street, South Brisbane, 4101.

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HOW MUCH ARE TOUCHUPS?

For all services, Touchups booked within 3 months of the last session are $150, Touchups within 6 months are $200, Touchups within 12 months are $250, Touchups within 24 months are $375, Clients who haven't had a touchup within 24 months will be need to be assessed before booking

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HOW DO I BOOK A TOUCHUP?

Please email us directly at estheticbydesign@outlook.com.au. The price list is on this website for touchups, if you are looking to book a touchup and you haven't had one in 3+ years, you will need to email a picture of your lips to us to determine if they need a complete redo.

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HOW TO CARE YOUR LIPS AFTER NEUTRALISATION?

1. No smoking. If you were a smoker and continue on smoking, the lip colour usually turn to dark again. The nicotine and tar sits on the skin and discolour the lips, if you start smoking after the neutralisation treatment.

2. Keep it moisturised. Chapped lips and constant peeling of the skin lips cause the colour to fade, especially when the lips bleed due to dehydration.

3. Avoid alcoholic drink. This can also change the colour over time.

4. Use lip moisturiser with SPF to protect hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Other factors that can change your lip colours after neutralisation: heavy medications, such as antibiotics, undergoing chemotherapy, low quality lip products.

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HOW LONG WILL I TAKE TO HEAL?

Everyone is different and healing times vary according to your health. Generally speaking the skin surface will heal in under a week, and the basal layers (underneath layers) of the skin take a little longer. This said, there is no real down time as long as you follow the Post Care Instruction.

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LIP TATTOO HEALING PROCESS 

 

• Day of service: It’s really normal for your lips to feel swollen, tight, tender (similar to a sunburn). 

• Days 2 : Your lips will  start to look darker as the thin protective film develops (not a scab).  Lips will typically heal 30-50% lighter than what you see immediately upon finishing the tattoo.  They will not heal this color so do not panic!  Leave your lips alone! Scratching, picking etc will cause irritation, can cause scarring and uneven pigment retention.   The film will stay intact for a few days and will start flaking away when the skin underneath is ready. 

• Days 3-4: The skin is flaking and scabbing. Try not to scratch or pull the film off prematurely. The colour also has faded substantially.

• Days 5-6: My lips feel almost normal.  When lips are fully sloughed, the ink implanted will look around 50% lighter, the colour will have neutralized (and be less orange/red) now that you're seeing the pigment IN the skin and not sitting ON top of the skin. The flaking is almost gone.

• Day 7: My lips have completely healed but the colour is much lighter than after the procedure. 

• Your lips currently are in the healing/repairing process.   Although you will feel as though your lipss are healed at this point, they are not  there yet and need to be treated with care for the next 4-6 weeks as your skin is still regenerating and needs time to fully heal. 

• Weeks 4 - 6: As the skin regeneration process continues, you will see the color and definition returning.  The color may feel a little light, compared to the 1st day of application ... but this is what a TOUCHUP is for.   

• Most people tend to start out lighter (afraid of going too dark) and decide that they want to boost the color a little bit at touch-up.  It is easy to add more pigment and go darker at the touch-up.  It is not possible to go lighter without removal.

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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER GETTING LIP BLUSHING?

For me personally, I had big swelling (which is typical), but again, everyone reacts differently.  Some don't swell at all and others can look as if they just stepped out of the plastic surgeon's office with fresh lip injections.  In my experience, the swelling and numbness completely fade within 24-48 hours.

Immediately after your appointment, your lips will appear super bright and stained, but don’t panic!  This color will fade up to 50% once fully healed.  After 4-7 days,  the color seen at your initial appointment will have sloughed off and you will notice a light, milky color.   

KEEP YOUR LIPS MOISTURIZED all day, every day for the next few days.  You will be given a take-home aftercare kit that will include your lip ointment.  You will need to coat them with a thin layer of ointment many times throughout the day.  Please avoid eating or drinking spicy, citrusy, or salty foods, and it's also best to wait at least 4-days before working out again to preserve the ink.  As you work your way through the healing process, by day 3 or 4 , your lips will become dry and start the shedding phase. The biggest thing to remember is not to pick or bite your lips.  As tempting as it is, you have to let your skin shed and flake off on its own — otherwise, you could lose your color.  After 30 days, your color will be completely developed, and you'll see your final results.   Soft & naturally blushed.

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WHAT FACTORS WILL AFFECT MY COSMETIC TATTOO?

Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during your appointment will greatly affect how your body retains pigment. It actually will push pigment out of the skin while trying to apply the tattoo.  And, while this is not entirely in our control, it is important that you follow prep instructions to help minimize bleeding.  This includes avoiding blood thinning medications, alcohol and caffeine before your procedure.

 

• Smoking: Smokers may notice that their tattoo will fade faster

• Anemia/iron deficiency: Your body will absorb these iron based pigments more quickly.

• Sun exposure: Increased exposure to the sun will cause premature fading.

• Color of pigment: Lighter colors fade more quickly than darker colors.

• Strong immune systems

• Exfoliants & resurfacing agents (glycolic, salcylic, aha etc).

• Oily skin 

 

**   As with every tattoo, we recommend avoiding pools, salt water, and extreme sun exposure for at least 2-weeks following your appointment, so make vacation plans accordingly!

**   Please make sure you are healthy enough to be tattooed before scheduling an appointment! 

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SCHEDULING & SALON POLICY?

• A NON-REFUNDABLE RESERVATION FEE of $100 is required when booking a new appointment. This fee will be applied to your balance the day of your appointment. The remaining balance can be paid in CASH, ZIPPAY, AFTERPAY or credit card on the appointment day.

• Once the deposit is paid, your appointment date will be secured.

• Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Cancelling your appointment for any reason will result in losing your fee amount. Please be sure you are serious before booking.

• PLEASE BRING PHOTO I.D. It is required by State Law at time of the appointment.

• NO GUESTS OR CHILDREN are allowed.  To maintain Safety & Sanitation precautions, they will not be allowed in the treatment room. Only the person receiving the tattoo is permitted inside. No exceptions.

• PLEASE BE ON TIME! 10+ minute late arrival will result in loss of fee and a rescheduled appointment.

• 72 hours notice (3 business days) is required to cancel and reschedule appointments.  (*Business days are Monday-Saturday, CLOSED Sundays).

• There is never any guarantee working on delicate facial skin as everybody heals differently. Results may vary depending on the individuals: skin type, skin health, lifestyle, medications, general health and skin care products used. Please understand this before booking.

• Prices are subject to change without notice.

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

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