FAQs
What is permanent makeup?
Also known as cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation, permanent makeup is the process of depositing pigment beneath the surface of the skin using tiny, sterile, disposable needles to create the look of hair strokes or shading. The result is meant to enhance the natural features of your face!
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! Payment plans are available upon request. Here is the structure:
- Book your appointment online using the online booking tool.
- Send an email to hello@refinedfacesbyamy.com quoting “Payment Plan” in the subject line.
- You will receive an invoice to pay a 50% deposit towards your service to pay online. This amount will be deducted from the total cost on the day of your appointment.
- Show up for your service and pay the remainder of the cost.
- Leave with your new permanent makeup!
Notes:
- Deposits are refundable until 48 hours before your appointment. If you choose to reschedule, cancel, or no-show with less than 48 hours notice, the deposit will be forfeited.
- 48 hour cancellation policy applies. With less than 48 hours notice or a no-show, a fee for 25% of the cost of your service will be invoiced to you. Payment will be required in order to reschedule your appointment.
- Smaller instalments are available upon request. Please note any special considerations in your email.
- Deposits can also be paid in-person by cash or debit if preferred. Please note this in your email if required.
How long does it take to heal?
Depending on the area being tattooed (i.e. brows, eyelids, or lips) the surface layers of your skin will usually heal within 14 days. However, the layers beneath the surface of the skin require about 6 weeks to heal. You’ll be provided with detailed information about the healing process at your appointment, but just know that it will take a full 6 weeks to see the true colour of your tattoo after.
Will I need a touch up after my appointment?
Permanent makeup is almost always a 2-step process, and most clients require a touch-up at or after the 6 week mark. The touch up appointment allows us to perfect any areas that may have faded unevenly during the healing phase. After that, you’ll receive recommendations about maintenance touch-ups based on the procedure you’ve chosen and your skin type. If you plan to keep your permanent makeup looking fresh long-term, plan to come back for maintenance touch-ups every 12-24 months!
How long is the appointment?
This depends on the procedure, your skin type, and your desired results! We always book at least 3-4 hours for appointments, though some procedures may be finished in 2.5 hours or less. This allows ample time for us to review your intake forms, go over your expectations, pre-draw the design (if applicable) and numb the area before starting! Check out our services page for more details about this and remember that it isn’t a race to the finish line – our main goal is to focus on quality to provide you the best results possible. Expect to clear a few hours from your schedule on the day of your appointment!
How long does it last?
Although permanent makeup requires touch-up appointments to maintain the optimal shape, density, and colour of the tattoo, this does not mean that it is a semi-permanent procedure. It takes several years for permanent makeup to fade completely and depending on the procedure completed, pigment colour used (lighter colours fade faster) and your skin type, regular maintenance touch-ups are recommended anywhere from 1 year for some brow services, up to 5 years for lip blush.
There are many factors that influence the lifespan of your permanent makeup. Clients with oily skin will require more frequent touch-ups. Extended exposure to sunlight and regular use of skin treatments including laser facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Retin A and Glycolic Acid skin care products will cause the tattoo to fade more quickly.
Ultimately, you should understand that although cosmetic tattoos do fade over time and we use special pigments and needles to achieve delicate results that will age gracefully, it’s still called permanent makeup for a reason!
What can I expect at my appointment?
The finer details of your appointment will vary depending on which service you are receiving, but you can expect the structure of our time together to look like this:
- Paperwork
- Consultation, discussion of procedure and aftercare
- Pre-draw design using non-permanent materials
- Pre-numbing (you can skip this step!)
- Tattooing (we always use numbing throughout the procedure to ease discomfort, even if you choose to skip the pre-numb)
- Final reveal
- Checkout & book touch-up appointment
What's the difference between microblading and powder brows?
Microblading is the permanent makeup term that most people have heard of, however there are some better techniques
Microblading creates the look of individual hair strokes by using a handheld blade to create small cuts in the skin in which pigment is deposited.
Powder brows are created using a small, single needle and a permanent makeup tattoo machine to create pixels of pigment in the skin that heal to mimic the look of brows that are filled in with makeup, as most people would do daily. This can be very soft and airy, or bolder depending on your preference. Totally customizeable!
Microblading is not recommended for anybody with oily or combination skin, as the hair strokes can blur out over time. It is not ideal for sensitive skin, mature skin, or people who scar easily because of the nature of the trauma caused by the blade. This service is more invasive to the skin than powder brows.
For people who really want the look of hair, “Nano Brows” create hair strokes in the skin using special, small needles and a permanent makeup tattoo machine. This technique is more delicate than microblading and can offer better healed results for colour & longevity, however the best recommendation for oily & combination skin as well as mature skin (40 years and older) is always powder brows.
What is your cancellation policy?
48 hours notice is required to reschedule or cancel appointments. With less than 48 hours notice or a no-show, a fee for 25% of the cost of your appointment will be invoiced to you. Payment will be required in order to reschedule your appointment.
For prepaid 6 week touch-up appointments or complimentary in-person consultations that do not normally incur a charge, failure to provide sufficient notice will result in a $50 fee that must be paid before rebooking.
When thinking of cancelling or rescheduling, please know that I totally understand! Life happens, minds change, and I am so respectful of this. I don’t need a reason as to why you are cancelling, just a simple call, text, or direct email letting me know will suffice. This prevents me from wasting single-use materials during my setup for your appointment, and allows me to try and fill the space with a client who would like to get in!