PRE + POST CARE
GOOD WORK STARTS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT.
A little prep goes a long way.
Permanent makeup is a team effort. We’ll handle the artistry, technique and details. Your job is to arrive with healthy, happy skin that’s ready to be worked on.
Following these instructions helps minimize unnecessary irritation and gives your skin the best opportunity for beautiful, even healing.
FOUR TO SIX WEEKS BEFORE
Give your skin a break from the heavy hitters.
Avoid aggressive exfoliation, chemical peels, laser treatments and other resurfacing treatments in or near the area we’ll be working on.
If you regularly use retinoids, exfoliating acids, pigment correcting products or prescription skincare, let us know before your appointment so we can give you instructions specific to your service.
Never discontinue a prescribed medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.
If you’re receiving Lash Enhancement, discontinue lash growth serums at least 6 weeks before your appointment.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
Avoid Botox, filler and other cosmetic treatments in or near the treatment area for at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning. We cannot tattoo skin that is sunburned, irritated or compromised.
If you become ill, begin antibiotics, steroids or a new medication close to your appointment, reach out to us. We may need to reschedule depending on the circumstances.
48 HOURS BEFORE
We want your skin calm and your bleeding minimal.
Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before your appointment and limit excessive caffeine the day of your procedure.
If you take aspirin, NSAIDs, blood thinners or other medications that affect bleeding, do not stop medically necessary or prescribed medication for your appointment. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about whether your medication can safely be paused.
Skip intense workouts for 24 hours before your appointment.
And hydrate. Your skin will thank you.
A LITTLE EXTRA PREP.
Because brows, eyes and lips each need something different.
POWDER BROWS
Come with your brows however you normally wear them. Seeing your everyday brow gives us a little insight into what you like.
If you wax, thread or tweeze, do so at least 72 hours before your appointment to allow any irritation to settle.
Avoid tinting your brows for approximately 2 weeks before your appointment.
And remember, you do not need to grow your brows out for us.
LASH ENHANCEMENT
Lash extensions must be completely removed before your appointment.
Discontinue lash growth serums at least 6 weeks prior.
Arrive without eye makeup, and plan to remove your contact lenses before we begin. Bring your glasses if you’ll need them afterward.
If your eyes are irritated, inflamed or experiencing an active infection, we’ll need to wait until they’re healthy again.
LIP BLUSHING
Hydrated lips are happy lips.
Keep your lips moisturized in the days leading up to your appointment and gently exfoliate as needed. We cannot work over lips that are severely dry, cracked, irritated or actively peeling.
If you have ever had a cold sore or fever blister, lip tattooing can trigger another outbreak. Speak with your healthcare provider before your appointment about whether preventative antiviral medication is appropriate for you.
THE DAY OF
Come with a clean face and clean skin in the treatment area.
Wear something comfortable, eat beforehand and give yourself enough time to enjoy the experience without rushing.
We’ll take care of the rest.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT.
THE GOLDEN RULES
Your permanent makeup is fresh, and now we let your skin do what it does best: heal.
For the first 7–10 days, treat the area gently.
Use only the aftercare products and instructions provided to you.
Keep the area clean and avoid unnecessary touching.
Let flakes and dry skin fall away naturally. No picking, peeling or scratching. Removing them prematurely can affect pigment retention and may increase the risk of scarring.
Avoid makeup, skincare and sunscreen directly on the healing area until the surface has healed.
Avoid excessive sweating, saunas and steam rooms during the initial healing period.
Avoid swimming, pools, lakes and hot tubs for at least 10 days.
Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure while healing.
Avoid facials, chemical peels, lasers and other resurfacing treatments near the area for at least 4 weeks.
For brows, avoid waxing, threading or other grooming directly over healing skin until exfoliation is complete.
AND THEN…WE WAIT.
Permanent makeup can be a little dramatic while it heals.
It may look darker before it gets lighter.
It may flake.
It may look uneven for a few days.
And there may even be a stage where you wonder where the color went.
All normal.
The surface typically looks healed within about 5–14 days depending on the service, but the pigment underneath continues to settle.
Give your permanent makeup approximately 4–6 weeks before judging the final color and retention.
SOMETHING FEEL OFF?
We’re still here.
Your relationship with Illume doesn’t end when you leave the studio. If you have a question during healing or something doesn’t look or feel right, reach out to us directly.
We would always rather hear from you than have you sitting at home Googling yourself into a panic.