Understanding When and Why You Should Get Permanent Makeup Touch-Ups

Permanent makeup offers a convenient way to enhance your natural features with minimal daily effort. Whether you have lip blush, brows, or other enhancements, maintaining their fresh and vibrant look requires occasional care. One key part of this maintenance is the touch up session. Many people wonder when and why they need a touch up after their initial permanent makeup procedure. This post explains the reasons behind touch ups, the ideal timing, and what you can expect during the process.

Lip Blush procedure

Why Permanent Makeup Needs Touch Ups

Permanent makeup is designed to last longer than traditional makeup, but it is not truly permanent. Over time, the pigment fades due to several factors:

• Skin type and texture: Oily skin tends to fade pigment faster than dry skin.

• Sun exposure: UV rays break down pigment molecules, causing colours to lighten.

• Lifestyle habits: Frequent swimming, exfoliation, or use of certain skincare products can speed up fading.

• Natural skin regeneration: The skin naturally sheds and renews itself, which gradually removes pigment.

  
  

Because of these factors, a touch up is necessary to restore color intensity and shape precision. Without it, your permanent makeup may look patchy, uneven, or dull.

When to Schedule Your First Touch Up

The timing of your first touch up depends on the type of permanent makeup you have and how your skin reacts. Generally, the first touch up is scheduled 8-12 weeks after the initial procedure. This period allows the skin to heal fully and the pigment to settle.

For example:

8-12 week touch up

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• Brows: After the first session, the brows may appear darker and more defined. As healing progresses, some pigment flakes off, and the true color emerges. The touch up fills in any gaps and perfects the shape.

• Lip blush: Lips heal quickly but may lose some pigment during the peeling phase. A touch up ensures even colour and smooth edges.

  
  

Waiting too long to get a touch up can make it harder to achieve the desired look because the pigment may fade unevenly.

Signs You Need a Touch Up

Even after the first touch up, permanent makeup requires periodic maintenance. Here are signs that indicate it’s time for another session:

• Fading colour: When your brows or lip blush look noticeably lighter than when first done.

• Uneven pigment: Areas where pigment has faded more than others, causing patchiness.

• Shape changes: If the original shape has softened or blurred.

• Seasonal changes: After summer months or increased sun exposure, pigment may fade faster.

  
  

Most people find they need a touch up every 12 to 18 months to keep their permanent makeup looking fresh.

What Happens During a Touch Up

A touch up is a shorter procedure than the initial session but follows similar steps:

1. Consultation: The technician assesses your current pigment and skin condition.

2. Colour adjustment: They may adjust the pigment shade to match your preferences or skin changes.

3. Application: Using a tattoo machine we apply pigment to faded or uneven areas.

4. Healing: The touch up area heals faster since the skin has already adapted to the pigment.

   
   

Touch ups are generally less uncomfortable and quicker, often taking 60-90 minutes depending on the area.

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Tips to Extend the Life of Your Permanent Makeup

To reduce the frequency of touch ups and keep your permanent makeup looking vibrant, follow these tips:

• Use sunscreen: Protect your brows and lips from UV rays daily.

• Avoid harsh skincare products: Ingredients like retinol or acids can fade pigment faster.

• Limit exfoliation: Be gentle around treated areas to avoid pigment loss.

• Stay hydrated: Healthy skin holds pigment better.

• Schedule regular check-ins: Even if you don’t see major fading, a professional can spot early signs and recommend touch ups.

  
  

Special Considerations for Lip Blush and Brows

Both lip blush and brows have unique characteristics that affect touch up needs:

• Lip blush: The lips have thinner skin and more movement, which can cause faster pigment fading. Touch ups may be needed more frequently, especially if you use lip products or exfoliate often.

• Brows: Brow pigment tends to last longer but can fade unevenly due to hair growth and skin oils. Touch ups help maintain crisp lines and natural-looking hair strokes.

  
  

Discuss your lifestyle and skin type with us to create a personalised touch up schedule.