Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t let the name mislead you! 

A topical anesthetic is used before and during your appointment to alleviate any pain. Everyone has different pain tolerances so the feeling will differ for everyone. Most of my clients fall asleep or are extremely relaxed during their appointments.

If you have existing cosmetic tattooing done by another artist, I may be able to enhance or correct it, provided it has faded by at least 70%.

Placing ink over ink will not take away the eventual need for laser removal, rather it prolongs the need for it while increasing the amount of laser sessions needed in the future

All clients with previous work must email clear, well-lit photos to vainpaintats@gmail.com so I can assess whether the area can be worked over or if you need laser removal.

Booking without disclosing prior tattooing will result in refusal of service and loss of deposit.

I’m here to help you achieve the best results, but I need full transparency to do so safely and effectively!

Cosmetic tattooing is a multi session process and requires a touch up appointment 4-8 weeks from your initial appointment. Cosmetic tattoo ink is formulated differently to traditional tattoo ink. Being made of smaller colour particles and heavily diluted whereas traditional tattoo ink is much more concentrated. I can add colour but I cannot take away, so I prefer to work in layers between 2 sessions to keep your results looking as natural as possible. Your first session will always heal lighter.

All cosmetic tattooing is permanent. Semi-permanent tattooing is a myth. Cosmetic tattooing is designed to fade overtime to keep it looking as natural as possible but it will never truly disappear. I recommend my clients to return for a colour boost appointment every 1 - 3 years to keep your cosmetic tattoo always looking fresh. If you feel you do not need a colour boost, then thats fine! Everybody metabolises tattoo ink differently and some clients may have faster fading results than others. 

Eyebrow tattooing can last anywhere between 9 months to 3 years before you may need a refresh.

Lip tattooing is permanent as it cannot be removed easily, however you will still need to refresh your colour every 2-5 years as the colourants in the ink with eventually dull.

Eyeliner tattooing can last 2-5 years. If you have chosen your eyeliner colour to be black, I recommend coming back when the ink has greyed. I always mix red into my black inks to boost up the warmth so they stay as black as possible for the longest time possible.

Your lifestyle, skin type, medications, hormones and environment will effect the longevity. 

Factors that can affect the longevity of your cosmetic tattoo are:

• Too much sun exposure - Fades the colour of the pigment just like regular tattoos so make sure to use SPF!
• Lighter colour choices - Lighter toned colours fade quicker than darker pigment.
• Aggressive skincare - Using retinols and acids in your skincare routine means the pigment will fade quicker.

You can bring at least one friend to your appointment but please be aware that they may not be able to sit with you and may have to wait in the waiting area. I work with other artists and bringing too many friends will crowd the shop and make it uncomfortable for everyone to do their jobs.

Please also do not bring your children or babies to your appointment.

I am very passionate about the ink I use and I try my best to use the highest quality ink available on the market. The last thing I want is my clients having poorly aged cosmetic tattooing due to poor ink quality. I'm looking at you grey eyebrows!

For eyebrows I use: Hanafy and Biotek

For lips I use: World Famous, Eternal Ink and Mara Colours

For eyeliner I use: Brovi, Dynamic Triple Blk and Hanafy

For non-laser removals I use: THink Aesthetics Glycolic Pigment Remover

Initial Appointment is your first appointment. This appointment includes a consultation, mapping of the area using your facial features and natural brow growth, design process, tattoo and aftercare instructions.

Touch Up appointment is your small second appointment, where the design and tattoo from the Initial Appointment is perfected. This is also where any changes to the shape and colour can be made. This appointment is booked 4-8 weeks after your Initial Appointment. 

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Colour Boost Appointment is your colour boost 1-5 years after your Initial appointment. This appointment keeps your cosmetic tattoo fresh and brings the colour back to life. These appointments are discounted for my existing clients only.

I need to see the natural shape and growth of your brows as I work with what you already have.

However, if you have quite bushy eyebrows, please get a wax or threading 1 week prior.

Please refrain from tinting, applying henna, or laminating your eyebrows for at least four weeks before your appointment. 

Cosmetic tattooing is NOT semi permanent, this is a myth and marketing ploy. In saying that, tattoo ink is always fading regardless whether it is a traditional tattoo or a cosmetic tattoo. Cosmetic tattoo ink is made of smaller colour particles suspended in a diluent which is injected into the outer most layer of your skin (The epidermis). Due to this, depending on environmental factors and your skin type, the ink fades MUCH quicker compared to traditional tattoo ink which is much more concentrated and injected much deeper into the skin which is why they last a lifetime. The fading aspect of cosmetic tattooing gives you the opportunity to play with shape and colour and adjust as makeup trends change. Depending on your skin type and your chosen service, you can expect your results to last anywhere from 9 months to 3 years before a refresh is needed.

Theres a reason its called permanent makeup.

Australian law states you have to be 18 for any tattoo work. NO EXECPTIONS, including parental or guardian consent. You will need to provide a valid ID the day of your appointment.