What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent Makeup, or 'PMU' is a totally safe form of aesthetic/cosmetic enhancement - sometimes referred to as micropigmentation - in which pharmaceutical grade pigments are implanted into the upper layers of the skin with a super fine needle(s) to act as a permanent tint effect on the skin, or the natural hair strokes to mimic hair. It can also add, or bring back colour to lips and be used to give the illusion of a thicker lash line, or to mimic eyeliner.

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What's the difference between Microblading/Hairstrokes and Permanent MakeUp?

Microblading creates ultra fine 'lines' in the skin, using a hand tool with a number of tiny pins on the end. These pins are run over the skin creating a cut/channel where pigment is then rubbed into. Sadly we don't offer this service as we found that even with the lightest of hand - it causes more skin damage than we are happy to knowingly inflict.
Instead, we use the digital method to create hair strokes just as crisp - or pixelated - with much less trauma! The machine method utilises the same, gentle machine we use to do our Ombre brow, with a small needle cartridge, which gently sews the pigment into the skin via controlled repetitions. Any type of hairstroke treatment is generally not suitable for many clients due to the client's hair growth pattern & the fact that the stokes are likely to blur or fail to heal well if you have one of many skin types. If you're unsure of your suitability please send us some up-close and very detailed images of your brow area so we can see your skin type and hair growth pattern. 

 

Permanent Makeup (all methods are considered 'Permanent'), is sometimes  known as 'The Digital' or 'Machine' Method, and works very similarly to conventional body tattooing - with a few exceptions! We generally use much smaller needles, in single configurations,  and use pigment which is less concentrated and more susceptible to fading over time! The machines that we use are top of the range and implant the pigment very softly via repetitions (the needle moving up and down) a number of times a second. This deposits tiny dots of pigment in the skin that we can then layer and build exactly how we choose to create a completely bespoke brow, with gradients of density and softness, vs definition and depth, in the exact way to best compliment you - our client!

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Ombre Vs Hair strokes?
Ombre refers to a style of brow which is created purely with shading techniques and does not include hair strokes. In our opinion, this style heals much softer than hair stroke brows as there doesn't have to be any edges or lines in and the fronts can simply fade to nothing...whereas hair strokes are either on or off, and cannot "fade to nothing". Ombre will always age nicer over time as hair strokes can develop gaps which need filling sooner.

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Ombre is not only our personal favourite, but much more suitable for the majority of skin types and lifestyles!

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PLEASE NOTE: Oily, porous, or mature skin can affect the results of hairstoke brows - it can heal more blurry or reject the pigment completely and cause damage to the skin, it can also fade faster. Because of this, we often advise against this option if you have this type of skin, and will recommend you opt for our Ombre brows as this method is suitable for all skin types. In addition, if you have a lot of natural hair, or are concerned about 'gaps', then Ombre would be the better option for you.

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What about ​Combo brows? 
Elite Aesthetics by Roxie's signature brow incorporating both hair strokes and Ombre/shading to add depth across the brow for a more "complete" healed look. Ideal for those who may be likely to still pencil over their hairstroke/microbladed brows. This style includes hair strokes so please be aware that your results may be affected if you have any of the skin types mentioned above and we may advise against it. Please check with us before booking.

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Who is Permanent Makeup for?
In short -  Permanent Makeup is for everyone! It's great for those with little to no natural brow hair to softly give more structure to the face, and it's great for those with existing brow hair that want to add definition. Permanent eyeliner or Babyliner is perfect for those wanting more eye definition without having to apply makeup every day, or to make the lashes appear fuller and darker. And Lip blush can offer a conventionally perfect set of lips that hint of colour it's been crying out for, or the lips with a broken vermillion border can be gifted their crispness back. 

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Permanent makeup has historically been seen as a vanity offering - however it is quickly being recognised as a means to save time. The busy girl or guy's best friend. 

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What if I've had PMU before? Can you go over it?

If you'd like to book in with us but have had permanent make up done elsewhere, you must send us pictures prior to booking in. This is so that we can ensure you are suitable for the treatment. These pictures must be taken with your back camera (not a 'selfie'), well lit, and with no makeup - they must also be in focus! We require a close up image of each brow (or liner/lips), and a full face picture so that we can assess symmetry.

Unfortunately we are unable to take on a high % of cover ups and most frequently we will recommend removal/lightening prior to re-treating the area in order to get the best result. This is to ensure the area is not over saturated with pigment and we can give you soft, flattering brows that are the best shape for your face. 
In some cases, the previous work is in line with our own style and has faded nicely meaning we can go over what is there.

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What does Permanent Makeup feel like? 
Does it hurt?! .. Permanent makeup - when done correctly - should be a little scratchy at most. Topical anaesthesia is available to increase client comfort. For Lip Blush and Permanent Eyeliner procedures these can be a little more uncomfortable towards the end of the treatment but we work with the client to ensure the least discomfort as possible. 

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How much does Permanent Makeup cost?
Each clinic will have their own pricing anywhere between £250-600+ based on their perceived skill level, experience, accolades, and general local area.
Here at our Bicester clinic - tucked away in an idyllic barn in Launton - we know that after 11 years of experience, multi national awards & industry awards judge, countless masterclasses to constantly improve skills and never remain complacent in an ever changing landscape, you'll find Permanent Makeup options from just £375 here at The Barn. You can also split this into multiple payments (enquire for more info).

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How long does Permanent Makeup last?
Permanent Makeup should be considered - as the name suggests - permanent. It will (if done correctly - should) fade. But it is unlikely it will fade to nothing especially when using Organic inks which are the preferred choice. We can use Inorganic or Hybrid inks which are designed to fade much faster however we find most clients opt for the longer lasting counterpart despite the fact it will soften and turn ashier over time (more grey). The value for money & the longevity of the treatment has seemed to win over having repeated colour boosts with short intervals and lots of pencilling in between. But the choice is yours!

Laser is gaining serious traction in the PMU world for its benefits in lessening these ashier tones and built up saturation. Not to mention their undeniable benefits in Brow corrective work. 

Typical timeline: New brows > 6 weeks later Touch up > 18-36 months later Colour boost > 18-36 months later Colour boost > potential low level laser to remove any grey tones or saturation > Go again

What's the aftercare for Permanent Makeup?
Each clinic will have its own protocols but here at our Bicester Permanent Makeup clinic we recommend that you clean the area 3x a day for 2-3 days depending on skin type, but otherwise keep the area dry until any flakes have naturally shed. This means no swimming after permanent makeup, no spa days for the next 7 days, no sun holidays immediately after as you'll be unable to protect them or apply SPF. See the guide HERE for more information.