FAQs

30 mins ​ Your free, no-obligation consultation gives you the chance to:​ • ask lots of questions • discuss options for shape, colour & technique • ensure there’s no medical reason why you can’t have permanent makeup • complete a patch test If you’re ready to book after our chat - there's no pressure to do so - we arrange a time for your main appointment and you pay a £50 booking fee to secure your preferred time and date. This fee is non-refundable, but is then taken off the cost of treatment ​ Notes: • Consultations can be carried out over the phone or via video call if it's more convenient than meeting in person (a patch test can be posted out) • If you’ve previously had permanent makeup done by another artist, a face-to-face consultation is usually required to assess whether treatment with me is an option. It isn’t always possible to work over existing permanent makeup if I didn’t perform the original procedure, so each case is evaluated on an individual basis with free advice provided.

2-3 hrs (depending on the treatment) After taking before photos so you have a record of your transformation, we get down to the most important part of the process; creating a shape you love and custom mixing a colour to perfectly compliment your skin tone and hair colour. We take our time and you’re fully involved. A template is drawn on for brows and lips using your natural features as a guide. I use measuring tools for symmetry, then perfect the shape by sight. It’s not usually necessary to pre-draw eyeliner but we’ll always discuss thickness and style before starting. Once you’re 100% happy, I apply a numbing cream which takes 20 minutes to take effect. We use this time to fill out your consultation form. ​Now we’re ready to get started! ​I apply a secondary anaesthetic as I work which numbs the area further. Most people comment it’s nowhere near as painful as they were expecting and relax in to the treatment very quickly. There's natural breaks throughout the treatment, but if you need to stretch your legs or go to the bathroom at any time it's no problem.  I then show you your beautiful new look, take some after pics and we chat through your aftercare in full.

1-1.5 hours (included in the cost) We call it the 6-week top-up, but it can be booked anytime in the 6–12 weeks after your main appointment. This session gives us the chance to review how the pigment has settled in the skin, address any inconsistencies and refine the colour if needed.  It’s important to remember that permanent makeup is a two-step process. My approach is to keep the initial appointment light and natural, giving you the option to build on the result at your top-up (which most clients choose to do). This allows you time to adjust and gradually enhance the look across both sessions. Once your top-up is complete, you’re all set! If any additional work has been carried out, aftercare should be followed again as advised.

It’s a cosmetic tattooing procedure also known as 'semi-permanent makeup' or 'micropigmentation'. Ink is implanted in to the upper dermis layer of the skin using a specially designed tattooing pen to mimic the look of traditional makeup. It’s less invasive than traditional tattooing and uses softer pigments, created exclusively for permanent makeup and designed to fade naturally over time.

Permanent makeup is suitable for all ages including those who have: • over-plucked or sparse brows (or no brow hair at all) • a desire to look their best with minimum effort everyday • a busy lifestyle and no time to apply makeup • an active lifestyle and want to look good at the gym, pool etc. • allergies to traditional makeup • visual impairment or dexterity issues making it difficult to apply makeup • hair loss due to alopecia, chemotherapy or other medical issues You must be over 18. A medical consultation is carried out to assess suitability as certain conditions may require further discussion or prevent treatment going ahead. The treatment isn’t suitable for anyone pregnant or breast feeding.

There are so many! ​ Permanent makeup: • boosts confidence in your appearance • adds shape and definition • makes you look younger (defining a lost lip-line or adding an arch to shapeless brows gives an instant, youthful lift) • helps with asymmetry (i.e. one brow sits naturally higher than the other) • allows you to wake up every day with professionally applied, natural looking makeup • saves you precious time every day • doesn't budge or smudge during exercise, swimming or sun-bathing

The procedure is considered permanent because the pigment remains stable under the skin and can't be washed off; however, as the skin is constantly shedding and renewing, colour boosts are required to maintain the look long term (which is why some refer to it as ’semi-permanent').

This is determined by a number of factors unique to you including age, lifestyle, skin type, medications and sun-exposure. As a guide, colour boosts are usually required every 2+ years to keep the treatment looking fresh. I’ll always give honest advice about whether a colour boost is needed - there’s no benefit in doing it too soon; we work together to determine when’s the right time.  If circumstances change and you decide not to return for a colour boost, rest assured you won’t be left with anything you’re obliged to maintain long term. I work in a way that gives a lovely natural fade over time.

Numbing cream is used to limit any discomfort.; most people report feeling only a light scratching sensation. Some actually find it relaxing and fall asleep! Obviously this varies depending on the individual's threshold, but any slight discomfort you may feel is more than worth it!

No. As much as possible we follow your natural brow line, only removing hairs lying out-with the new shape. If, for example, you have flat brows and want to create an arch, we may have to remove a few hairs from under your natural brow line to achieve a lifting affect.

In the 24 hours before your treatment avoid consuming: • alcohol • large amounts of caffeine • ibuprofen and aspirin (if required for medical reasons this must be disclosed prior to your appointment) ​All the above can affect or thin your blood, and in turn affect pigment retention. Stop the use of retinol based facial products for a minimum of a week before treatment.  Please avoid having an active tan from sunbeds or sun exposure before your appointment, as tanned skin can affect both the treatment and the healed results. I ask that you inform me of any medical changes that have arisen since your consultation which may affect the treatment.  Brows:   • waxing / threading / plucking prior to your appointment is fine, but please leave a minimum of 24 hours between this and your appointment • tinting should be carried out a minimum of 48 hours before your appointment, but ideally a minimum of 7 days before so the colour is settled  Eyeliner: • lash extensions must be removed at least a week before your appointment and not reapplied until at least 2 weeks after your top up • contact lenses must be removed; please wear glasses to your appointment if needed • use of lash growth serum containing prostaglandin should be stopped for a minimum of 8 weeks prior to your appointment Lips: • if you've ever had a cold sore, you must be willing to obtain your own prescription for preventative anti-viral medication (Aciclovir tablets) as this will greatly reduce the chances of an outbreak. If this affects you, I'll provide all the necessary information at the consultation stage • it’s essential to keep lips well moisturised in the weeks leading up to your appointment by staying well hydrated and using a good lip balm, with extra brownie points for adding a lip scrub to your regime!

The treatment at first appears darker and bolder than the healed result. You may experience slight redness and swelling, but this will subside quickly. Brows and lips will appear a lot brighter / warmer immediately afterwards. Don't panic! The colour fades and the shape softens significantly during the healing process; it's important to remember this and not be concerned. It takes time to acclimatise yourself with a new look, particularly with eyebrows where there was little or no hair before. You may want to avoid making social plans in the days immediately after your treatment as it’s not uncommon to feel a little self-conscious (it's also natural for the treatment area to flake as it heals). It's also important to remember permanent makeup is a two-step procedure. After your first treatment you may notice slight inconsistencies; this is perfectly normal and can be balanced at your 6-week top-up appointment, which is the perfecting stage.

Healing times vary from person to person; as a general rule the surface of the skin should be fully healed after 2 weeks. It’s perfectly normal for the treatment area to flake slightly during this time and feel a bit dry. Underneath the surface of the skin takes longer to heal which is why we schedule your top-up 6 weeks after the initial appointment.

Full aftercare instructions (verbal and written) are provided at the time of treatment, along with aftercare balm to aid the healing process. The treatment area should be kept dry during the healing period. Sweaty exercise, heat, swimming and full sun exposure are to be avoided for 2 weeks after your treatment.

It's all to do with the method of application. Both are types of micropigmentation (the implantation of ink in to the skin) and come under the cosmetic tattooing umbrella. I favour a digital machine over a microblade (which is a manual hand tool with a bladed end), as I find it less invasive to the skin and it can be used artistically on all skin types to create natural brows, eyeliner and lips. Microbladed brows generally don't last as long so more regular top ups could be needed, although lots of factors contribute to the longevity of the treatment. Microblading isn't suitable for oily skin as the pigment is unlikely to hold. ​ Different artists favour different methods and techniques. It's advisable to look at lots of before and after pictures, focusing on the look you want to achieve, not just the method of application.

There are removal options (laser and solution based removal).; however, this is hopefully a conversation we'll never need to have! I work very naturally, building the colour up gradually over your two appointments. I'm highly trained and experienced, and a huge amount of care and attention goes in to every aspect of your treatment, ensuring I know exactly what you want to achieve before we start - so there are no surprises. If you've had a treatment done elsewhere that you're unhappy with, I may be able to offer advice on removal options.

I accept all payment methods (cash, bank transfer, debit and credit cards, Apple / Google pay etc.) Gift vouchers are available for any amount. Please contact me (https://joevanspermanentmakeup.co.uk/#contact)for more information.

Yes. Gift vouchers can be made up for a specific amount or a full treatment, and come ready to gift in a lovely envelope. Please contact me (https://joevanspermanentmakeup.co.uk/#contact)for more information.