PRE-CARE & AFTERCARE
A simple guide to help your skin heal beautifully.
Permanent makeup is a two-part process:
what we do in the studio and how your skin behaves before and after the appointment.
Think of your skin as the canvas.
The more prepared and cared for it is, the softer, more even, and longer-lasting your results will be.
Below is everything you need to know to help your cosmetic tattoo heal naturally and beautifully.
GENERAL PRE-CARE (ALL SERVICES)
These guidelines apply to any permanent makeup appointment.
48 Hours Before
• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, fish oil, Vitamin E, etc.) unless medically necessary.
• If prescribed, consult your doctor first.
24 Hours Before
• No caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, energy drinks)
• No alcohol
Caffeine + alcohol can increase bleeding and affect retention.
2 Weeks Before
• You must be off antibiotics
• Avoid chemical peels, exfoliants, and active skincare (retinol, Retin-A, acids) near the treatment area
• Avoid sunburn or fresh tanning — please do not arrive with red, peeling, or irritated skin
Day Of Your Appointment
• Avoid workouts and sweating
• Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin on the area being tattooed
⭐️ BROW PRE-CARE
(For Ombré Powder Brows)
4 Weeks Before
• No Botox in the forehead or brow area
This ensures accurate mapping and prevents shifting during healing.
2 Weeks Before
• Pause all retinols, acids, or exfoliating products around the brows
• Avoid chemical peels and resurfacing treatments
• No brow waxing, threading, or tinting
💋 LIP BLUSH PRE-CARE
Soft, even color starts with hydrated, well-prepared lips.
Cold Sore Prevention (Important)
Lip blush may trigger a cold sore outbreak (even if you’ve only had one before)
If you have any history of cold sores, it is highly suggested to:
• Take antiviral medication (Valtrex or Acyclovir)
• Start 48 hours before your appointment
• Continue for 5 days after
4 Weeks Before
• No lip filler (and avoid filler for 4 weeks after your appointment)
2 Weeks Before
• Pause retinols, acids, anti-aging or acne products around the mouth
• Must be off antibiotics
1 Week Before
• Apply lip balm throughout the day to keep lips soft and hydrated
Dry, chapped lips = uneven healing.
24 Hours Before
• No caffeine
• No alcohol
Day Of
• Arrive with clean, product-free lips
• Avoid heavy sweating
👁 EYELINER PRE-CARE
4 Weeks Before
• Stop all lash growth serums (GrandeLash, BabeLash, Latisse, etc.)
These can cause sensitivity and affect pigment retention.
Lash Extensions
• Must be removed before the appointment
• You may reapply them 2 weeks after the procedure
Contact Lenses
• Please remove contacts before the appointment
• Avoid wearing contacts for 48 hours after
Eye Surgery
• No recent eye procedures (LASIK, cataract, blepharoplasty, etc.) within 12 months
Day Of
• Arrive with clean eyes, no mascara, liner, or skincare
AFTERCARE — ALL SERVICES
Your tattoo will go through several phases before settling into the final healed color.
For the first 7–10 days, please avoid:
• Heavy sweating
• Saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga
• Swimming or soaking the area
• Makeup directly on the tattooed area
• Picking, peeling, scratching
• Retinols, acids, exfoliants near the area
• Direct sun or tanning
Healing takes patience but trust me it’s all worth it!
⭐️ BROW AFTERCARE
• Gently blot lymph fluid for the first 24 hours
• Light flaking is normal. Please do NOT pick
• Color will look darker at first, then soften as it heals
• Brows may appear patchy during peeling, this is normal
Your brows will settle into their true shade over 4–6 weeks.
💋 LIP BLUSH AFTERCARE
• Gently blot lymph fluid if needed
• Keep lips moisturized with the aftercare product provided
• Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods for the first 7 days
• Drink through a straw for the first 7 days
• Avoid stretching the lips (kissing, big bites, etc.)
• Avoid toothpaste directly on the lips
Lips typically go through multiple color phases: dark → light/patchy → revived color around 6-8 weeks.
👁 EYELINER AFTERCARE
• Keep the eye area dry
• Avoid rubbing, touching, or picking
• No mascara for 7 days
• Pause lash serums for 4 weeks
• Expect light swelling — this is normal and temporary
THE HEALING PROCESS
Everyone heals differently, but most clients experience:
Day 1–3 • Darker and bolder
Day 4–7 • Flaking, peeling, or patchiness
Week 2–3 • “Ghosting” phase (color appears lighter)
Week 4–6 • Color returns and softens into the final shade
Permanent makeup is always a two-step process.
A touch-up at 6–12 weeks perfects the shape and color.
LONG-TERM CARE
To help your tattoo age gracefully:
• Apply SPF daily
• Avoid chemical peels, anti-aging products, or acne care products, directly over the area
• Protect the tattoo during laser facials
• Expect a color refresh every 1–3 years, depending on lifestyle & skin type
💌 Questions? Reach out anytime:
Email: info@inkedcosmeticsllc.com
I’m here to make your experience simple, comfortable, and stress-free.