How to prepare for semi-permanent makeup

Start with a consultation

Semi-permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattoo. It deserves more thought than choosing everyday makeup, because the pigment stays in your skin. A consultation helps work out whether your skin, existing colour and preferences make treatment appropriate.

A consultation does not commit you to treatment. The NHS advises taking time to decide, and says you can walk away if you are not completely comfortable.

If you have had semi-permanent makeup before, a consultation is required. Existing pigment needs to be assessed before any plan is agreed.

Choose the look thoughtfully

Think about how you want your brows or lips to look with and without everyday makeup. Bring examples of your own routine rather than expecting a photograph of another person to be reproduced.

Sian offers microblading, nano brows, combination brows and ombré or powder brows, plus lip blush, sheer lips and ombré lips. The starting point is your existing brows or lips, skin and preferences, not a technique chosen from a photograph alone. Lip colour treatments add colour and definition; they are not designed to add volume.

Ask to discuss shape and colour before treatment. Cosmetic tattoo pigment can remain for a long time, so a subtle choice still deserves careful thought.

Arrange assessment and patch testing

The clinic’s existing policy requires a patch test at least 48 hours before treatment. Skin reactions are not always immediate; the NHS explains that contact reactions usually appear within a few hours or days. This is one reason a patch test is done ahead of treatment.

A patch test cannot rule out every reaction. Tell Sian about allergies, medicines, skin conditions, past pigment reactions and existing cosmetic tattoos. Mention pregnancy or breastfeeding too.

Please complete your consent form at least 24 hours before your appointment, and bring a list of any medication and medical conditions.

Lip blush and cold sores

For lip blush, explain any history of cold sores in advance so suitability and appropriate advice can be considered. The NHS notes that cold sores are contagious from the first tingle until they have completely healed.

If you have an active cold sore or feel one starting near your appointment date, contact the clinic before you travel. Do not start preventative medicines without advice from a qualified prescriber.

The days before your appointment

Ask what, if anything, you should change in your routine before treatment. This might include skincare products, brow tinting or other treatments near the area. Follow the advice you are given rather than general tips online.

Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from the healthcare professional who prescribed it. If you become unwell, or the skin in the area is irritated, broken or sunburnt, contact the clinic to check whether to go ahead.

On the day, allow enough time so you do not feel rushed. Ask how discomfort is managed and what breaks are possible.

Agreeing the design on the day

Before any pigment is placed, the intended shape and colour should be discussed and agreed. Take time to check the design in a mirror from different angles.

You do not have to accept a shape just because it has been drawn. Ask for changes, or ask to stop and think. Consent for treatment and consent for photographs to be used publicly are separate choices.

Check your timing

Allow for healing and early colour changes. Fresh pigment can appear stronger than the settled result. Tenderness, swelling and changes at the skin surface may follow, and colour can later look lighter or less even before it settles. Retention differs between people.

Ask how much recovery time to allow before an important occasion, when a follow-up would be considered and whether it is included in your price. The clinic’s price guide lists follow-ups at 4–8 weeks and 8–16 weeks as separate prices. Avoid planning around an assumed immediate final colour.

Prepare your aftercare questions

Ask about cleansing, makeup, water exposure, exercise, sun and the products you can use during healing. Make sure you understand what not to pick or rub and who to contact with concerns.

Contact the clinic if redness, pain or swelling is increasing, or if there is discharge or another concern. Seek urgent medical help if you feel very unwell.

Understand the longer-term commitment

The term semi-permanent does not guarantee complete disappearance. Pigment may persist or change tone, and removal can be difficult. The FDA notes that complete removal without scarring may be impossible.

Discuss colour boosts and existing pigment before agreeing a plan. Infection, allergic reactions, scarring and unwanted colour are possible risks. If you ever need an MRI scan, tell the radiographer about your cosmetic tattoo; the FDA advises this rather than avoiding a recommended scan.

The decision should reflect both the appearance you want now and the care it may require later.

Questions to ask at your consultation

• Which technique do you suggest for me, and why?
• How will the colour look fresh, while healing and once settled?
• When will my patch test be, and what would mean postponing?
• Can you work with my existing pigment, or would that not be suitable?
• What aftercare will I need, and for how long?
• Is a follow-up included, and what does a colour boost cost?
• What training do you have in this treatment?
• Who do I contact if I have a concern while healing?

New sets of brows or lip blush are from £195, and the £10 consultation and patch test booking fee is deducted from your treatment cost. Your exact cost is confirmed at consultation. See the price guide, how consultations work and your safety and care.