• Achieving a beautiful and long-lasting result requires patience after the tattooing procedure, as healing can come with a few typical side effects. These effects include swelling of the tattooed area and a significantly darker color than the final result. These two factors can be so impactful that, despite prior reading and professional guidance, about 25% of clients still become quite alarmed. Swelling of the eyes and lips, being sensitive areas, is a natural part of the pigmented skin process. The degree of swelling varies by individual, but it typically subsides within 12-36 hours. The darker color results from the skin’s natural healing process, which causes a brownish scab to form. Think of a scratch from a sharp object on your arm: after 1-2 days, a thin, brownish-red, dry scab appears on the surface. As the pigment settles and oxidizes in the air, it mixes with the brownish tissue fluids, creating a stronger color. It’s important to note that the thickness of the scab during healing can vary by individual and also depends on the tattooing method used. For example, feathered eyebrows typically scab less than shaded ones. The good news is that after 4-8 days, the dark scab layer will peel off, and the intense effect will diminish, though the final color shade will not yet be visible. It takes at least 3-4 weeks for the color to fully settle and for the depth and final shade to be established. Therefore, there is no point in worrying in the first weeks about the color being too strong or too faint, as the healing process is still ongoing. Besides these two concerns, a slight tightness, and mild pain in the eyes and lips for the first 12-24 hours after the tattooing can be expected, which is entirely normal.

The longevity of makeup tattoos is determined by when a color refresh is needed. Typically, we say that “How long does makeup tattooing last?” ranges from 1.5 to 4 years, depending on the area. Even then, the tattoo is still visible but becomes less pronounced, faded, and lighter. Those who enjoy it often wish to renew it repeatedly. Renewals involve color adjustments, color changes, and minor shape modifications.

We like to know how what goes into our bodies and skin affects our health. With the evolution of makeup tattooing, the tools, materials, skin products, and pigments used have all undergone significant advancements. The hygiene protocols applied during tattooing have also become appropriately stringent. The tattooing machines are sophisticated, and with proper use, they cannot cause scarring on the skin. Pigments used are strictly controlled for uniform quality and composition. Europe has exceptionally strict regulations, ensuring that pigments made here are well-protected. Furthermore, the REACH 2022 regulation, effective from January 1, 2022, has further tightened the composition requirements for tattoo pigments. It is also recommended to check with the specialist if the chosen pigment complies with these regulations. The most important aspect is that it does not cause allergies or contain harmful substances. Many pigments are now also synthetically produced, resulting in purer and more stable quality. The latest manufacturing technologies offer a wide range of colors, and numerous chemists specializing in this field work to produce increasingly excellent pigments annually according to the needs of tattooing professionals and their clients. The tattooing process has also expanded with many disposable accessories, such as needles, needle modules, needle tips, microblades, pigment trays, protective and covering textiles, and specific procedures for disinfecting the skin and tools. Therefore, using modern technologies, makeup tattooing has no health risks and can be safely performed, with proper hygiene practices, adequate information, and skin testing minimizing the risks of diseases and complications.

The second most common fear is, “What if I don’t like it?” On average, a woman spends one to two years contemplating a decision about makeup tattooing. During this time, she envisions what shape and color she can wear long-term, but the permanence of makeup tattoos raises concerns about being unable to remove them if disliked. This fear is best alleviated by the specialist and their references. A beautiful and high-quality makeup tattoo is not just the result of the application but also involves comprehensive needs assessment, personalized planning, precise outlining, and proper color selection. This combination ensures that the outcome is predictable, and the client can see what to expect during the planning phase. A specialist who cannot guarantee this leaves room for client dissatisfaction. Since makeup tattoos are always done in two sessions for perfection and durability, it is possible that the client might be disheartened after the first session if the result is not as expected. If the pigment has not fully adhered to the skin in some areas or there are minor deviations due to facial movements, it may give the impression that the work is not flawless. Accepting that makeup tattoos are completed fully during the second, correction session significantly reduces this fear. During the correction session, adjustments can be made to both the shape and color, and color can be added to lighter areas. Sometimes, specialists also recommend making decisions about small stylistic details only during the correction session when the healed state is visible. For example, this might include precisely determining the length of the eyebrows.