Frequently Asked Questions
Contraindications
- Upcoming vacations
- Pregnant or nursing
- Diabetic
- Viral infections and/or diseases
- Epilepsy
- Pacemaker or heart conditions
- Had an Organ transplant
- Tendency towards keloids or scarring
- Auto-immune diseases
- Cancer or chemotherapy
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Skin irritations or psoriasis near the treated area (Rashes, Sunburn, Acne, etc.)
- Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
- Had Botox in the past 2 months
- Used Accutane in the past year
- Taken Doxycycline in the past 6 months
- Allergies to anesthetic (lidocaine) or epinephrine
- Extremely oily or problematic skin
Microblading, Powder Shading,
Ombré & Combo Brows
Microblading is the process of manually implanting pigment into the dermis, by means of a sterile, disposable tool that has several tiny needles that form a blade. This is the tool used to mimic your own brow hair and is what gives your brows that natural hair look.
There are those who will say that microblading is “semi permanent”, giving the impression it is not a tattoo. THIS IS FALSE!
Permanent makeup by any name such as nano strokes, micro strokes, semi-permanent, mircropigmentation, shading, blushing, etc are all considered a tattoo and thus permanent. Any time pigment is placed into the skin with any device, whether manual or machine, it is considered a tattoo.
Microblading is for both women and men and is for those who do not have oily skin. Oily skin is typically better suited for a Combo brows, Ombre Brows or Powder shading.
Powder brows technique is where the brow is darker at the tail and along the base of the brow and gradually fades to a pixelated look from mid brow to the top and towards the front of the brow. Your Beautiful by Design, LLC artist will create the desired fullness and custom design for your brows. A small mechanical tattoo pen is used to insert pigment. It is less dramatic than traditional ombré brow yet the effects will be waterproof, smudge-proof and completely realistic. This form of tattooing will last longer than Microblading, of course depending on the client’s skin type, lifestyle and various other factors.
Yes! Any time pigment or ink is deposited into the skin it is considered a tattoo.
No! Any brow hair that may be outside of the agreed upon brow shape, with your approval, will be tweezed or razored to enhance the new brow. You will be able to resume your normal routine 2 weeks after your appointment.
This is the ultimate brow treatment. It offers the best of both types of brows. Both microblading and powder brows are combined together to achieve a beautifully natural yet defined brow. The inner and upper brow is feathered with hair strokes while the tails are powdered to achieve the perfect definition. Hair strokes are also added around the outer line of the arch to soften the powdered tails. If you want the ultimate and most popular brow style then the ‘Combination Brow’ will suit you. Your Beautiful by Design, LLC artist will create the desired fullness and custom design for your brows. This is achieved using both a microblade and small tattoo pen like device to insert pigment.
Each client has a different level of pain tolerance. Every effort is made to keep clients comfortable. A numbing agent is applied for 20-30 minutes and applied periodically during the procedure to keep you as comfortable as possible. Not every client experiences the same level of comfort during their procedure but I am happy to say most of my clients say they feel little to nothing at all during their time with me.
The healing process for these services are a minimum of 10 days. You may experience swelling and tenderness for the first few days after your procedure which can be relieved with using ice packs for 10-15 minutes at a time. The brows will appear darker a few days post procedure and continue to lighten over the healing process. Once your brows are no longer flaking or peeling they may appear lighter, this is due to the new skin that has formed over the area. Once the skin begins to age it will reveal the true color of your new brows.
You must be 18 years or older to receive any permanent makeup services in the state of MN.
No. I do not preform any permanent makeup services on pregnant or nursing women. There is not enough data to show it is safe for you or your baby during this time.
Microblading should stay fresh and beautiful for 18-24 months. It is hard to predict the exact length of time. Each clients body and skin is different; therefore if you feel they have faded or aren’t quite as fresh as they once were you should reach out to find out if it is time for a refresh.
Powder Shading and Combo Brows last longer than Microblading for most clients and touchups should be done within 2-3 years.
Any of these services can be affected with the use of Retin A, Tretenioin Cream, Laser treatments, products such as Hydroquinone and/or skin lightening products. Both the sun and tanning beds will also affect how your brows fade over time. You should avoid these type of products and make sure to use a sunscreen with an spf of 50 around your brow area to keep your brows looking amazing!
All brow services require a two step appointment process. Your initial appointment and your perfecting appointment. You will need a minimum of 2 appointments in order to ensure your brows are the true color and shape. Your appointment must be no sooner than 6 weeks and no later than 3 months.
Lifestyle is a huge factor in your healing process. Avoiding things that lighten the skin, the sun, smoking, drinking heavily, greasy foods and supplements or vitamins that thin your blood such as fish oil, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, vitamin. Avoiding over the counter meds such as aspirin, Motrin or Advil are recommended, unless ordered by a doctor. Things that contain caffeine are also things to avoid, coffee, tea and energy drinks are in that category. Please let me know if you are taking prescription medications that affect your heart or thin your blood.
Your brows will look fuller and beautiful when you leave. Over the next 7-10 days your brows will go through a few changes, they will begin to appear darker in the first few days and gradually fade through the natural shedding process which takes about 7-10 days.
Clients who have extremely oily skin, microblading might NOT work well for you. Because of the constant production of oil it can cause the pigment to heal lighter and fade much quicker. The end result will be a fuzzy hazy look rather than the crisp clean lines you see initially. You may be a better fit for an “Ombre or Powder Brow”.
This is a two-step appointment process. For best results, all clients need two sessions. The second session should be scheduled 6 weeks after the initial procedure but not longer than 3 months, to perfect the shape, color, and density of the brows. Please understand that eyebrow color intensity will be significantly darker and sharper within the first few days of the procedure, but fade (approximately 30-50%) over the healing period. (2-4+ weeks)
Yes. Men can benefit from Microblading just as much as women can.
Appointments can be made through our online booking system or by calling 320.360.5605.
Eyeliner
Permanent Eyeliner is a great way to enhance your eyes. Not only does it eliminate the need to apply your eyeliner everyday it can give your eyes the appearance of being bigger and brighter. Pigment is implanted into the skin along the lash line and depending on the style you are desiring, can be brought onto the eyelid a bit to give a more dramatic eyeliner look.
It is preferred that you send me a photo of how you currently wear your eyeliner. Sometimes the desired look you are wanting is not achievable. Once you are in the studio a design will be drawn based on your desires as long as it is not outside the area we can tattoo.
You must be 18 years or older to receive Permanent Makeup in the state of MN.
No! Beautiful by Design, LLC does NOT perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women. There is not enough evidence proving it is not harmful to you or your unborn baby.
Eyeliners vary in pain for each client. As with all permanent makeup procedure no clients reaction is the same as another’s. Eyes are more of a psychological problem than a pain problem. Many people are under the impression that eyes are the most painful of all the permanent makeup procedure but that isn’t the case. Most clients have little to no discomfort and are able to go about their daily activities immediately after the procedure. A pre-numbing agent is applied after the initial outline is done and a secondary numbing agent is used periodically throughout the remaining procedure.
All eyeliner clients should avoid working out, drinking alcohol, taking vitamins or supplements that thin your blood, unless prescribed for 24 hours prior to your appointment, Stay out of the sun and tanning beds for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Stop smoking, clients who smoke will not have good results with this type of service.
There will be swelling. The swelling may last up to 48 hours. The color will appear darker the first week. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. No need to go into hiding. It is recommended that you do not drive for at least 8 hours after the enhancement.
Please stop using any and all lash serums for a minimum of 1 month prior to your permanent eyeliner procedure. These types of serums are stimulants and they will make your eyelids too fragile and vascular for cosmetic tattooing. As a result, your eyelids will bleed and bruise. After your eyeliner procedure is completed, you should wait 4 weeks to start your serum usage again.
It is normal to experience some swelling and tenderness immediately following your procedure. This usually subsides within a few hours and can be treated with the gel packs you are sent home with. The first week following your treatment, the pigment will appear much darker than how it will appear once the eyes have healed. During the first 7-10 days post procedure, the skin naturally exfoliates and sheds. During weeks 4-8 when the skin completes healing, you will see the pigment become more visible. A perfecting session should be scheduled 8-12 weeks after your first initial appointment and is necessary in order to achieve that richness of color, achieve symmetry, and density in the shape.
As with all tattoos the pigment will remain in your skin forever, but will fade over time. I usually recommend that after your perfecting session you should return within 1-3 years. Most procedures last beyond this time but clients experience healing results differently. Everyone’s body and their healing process is not the same. What may last 10 years for one client may only last a year for another.
Any of these services can be affected with the use of Retin A, Tretenioin Cream, Laser treatments, products such as Hydroquinone and/or skin lightening products. Both the sun and tanning beds will also affect how your brows fade over time. You should avoid these type of products and make sure to use a sunscreen with an spf of 50 around your brow area to keep your brows looking amazing!
Lifestyle is a huge factor in your healing process. Avoiding things that lighten the skin, the sun, smoking, drinking heavily, greasy foods and supplements or vitamins that thin your blood such as fish oil, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, vitamin. Avoiding over the counter meds such as aspirin, Motrin or Advil are recommended, unless ordered by a doctor. Things that contain caffeine should also be avoided such as, coffee, tea and energy drinks are in that category. Please let me know if you are taking prescription medications that affect your heart or thin your blood.
The color will fade over time. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency.
It is important to wear protective sunglasses and hats when in the sun as well as when using a tanning bed, goggles should be worn over eyes while tanning to prevent premature fading of your eyeliner.
If you are planning an MRI, please inform the technician that you have had an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo.
Lifestyle is a huge factor in your healing process. Avoiding things that lighten the skin, the sun, smoking, drinking heavily, greasy foods and supplements or vitamins that thin your blood such as fish oil, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, vitamin. Avoiding over the counter meds such as aspirin, Motrin or Advil are recommended, unless ordered by a doctor. Things that contain caffeine should also be avoided such as, coffee, tea and energy drinks are in that category. Please let me know if you are taking prescription medications that affect your heart or thin your blood.
This is a two-step appointment process. For best results, all clients need two sessions. The second session should be scheduled 4-6 weeks after the initial procedure to perfect the shape, color, and density of the brows. Please understand that eyebrow color intensity will be significantly darker and sharper within the first few days of the procedure, but fade significantly (approximately 30-50%) over the healing period. (2-4+ weeks)
Touch up appointments are optional. We suggest that if you want to maintain your eyeliner so that it always looks its best, plan on scheduling a touch up in 1-3 years.
Appointments may be made via our online booking system or by calling 320.360.5605.
Lips
It is a form of lip blushing that gives an opaque lipgloss look, leaving a beautiful light colored lip that’s ready for your favorite lipgloss. It gives your lips more definition and can give the appearance of a fuller lip.
Lip Blush is a new form of permanent lip treatment. Lip blush treatment enhances the natural shape of your lips, giving them that extra symmetry and boost of color. Lip Blush gives your lips up to 30% more volume that will last for years, unlike fillers. It is an extremely popular form of permanent make up treatment provides more dimension to your lips as well as a natural looking tattoo.
Full lip tattoo is more like a lipstick look. It is not as translucent as an Aquarelle or Blush lip tattoo. It will stay in the lip longer and will be more bold once healed.
Permanent lip liner is simply a mild form of tattoo that’s placed on the lips. It is the implementation of color around the vermilion border of the lips, where often, as we age, the contrast and definition is lost.
You must be 18 years or older to receive Permanent Makeup in the state of MN
No! Beautiful by Design, LLC does NOT perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women. There is not enough evidence proving it is not harmful to you or your unborn baby.
Lips are the most sensitive area to receive permanent makeup. When having this service we do everything we can to make it as comfortable and pain free as possible but as with all other procedures no two clients are a like so what one client feels as opposed to the next client can not be predicted. Rest assured that every effort is made to minimize any discomfort you may feel.
All lip clients should avoid working out, drinking alcohol, taking vitamins or supplements that thin your blood, unless prescribed for 24 hours prior to your appointment, Stay out of the sun and tanning beds for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Stop smoking, clients who smoke will not have good results with this type of service.
As a necessary precaution, we require ALL of our should be taking an antiviral med starting 3 days prior to your appointment. You can also buy over the counter Lysine. This recommendation is to avoid any kind of cold sores that can be brought on by having this procedure. Precautionary Antiviral meds will need to be prescribed by your doctor
A minimum of 8 weeks post-filler is required before your Lip appointment. Filler after your appointment can change the shape of your new lip tattoo.
Together you and your artist will discuss which color best suits you based on your natural lip color and your desired end result. Lips fade significantly from your original tattoo, but once your lips are healed, you can wear any lip color you want to over the top of your new tattoo. There are so many colors today and with some of the new design lines you can purchase the matching lip and liner color so that if you choose so, your lips can look just as they did the day you received your new lip tattoo.
You lips will look slightly larger and a bit swollen, each clients reaction to the treatment is different and varies from client to client. To minimize the swelling immediately after your procedure a gel pack will be placed on your lips. The immediate color will look more like lipstick which will fade approximately 50% or more over the first several days. Your lips will feel dry and puffy and have an appearance of a fuller lip, much like you have had filler implanted. This all subsides within the first few days.
Each clients healing process is different but in general within the 7-10 days lips will begin to feel less full and should be done peeling. Some clients experience shedding for several weeks after their procedure. This is rare but does occur. Keeping your lips moisturized will help with the feeling of dryness and any discomfort you might feel.
As with all tattoos the pigment will remain in your skin forever, but will fade over time. I usually recommend that after your perfecting session you should return within 1-3 years. Most procedures last beyond this time but clients experience healing results differently. Everyone’s body and their healing process is not the same. What may last 10 years for one client may only last a year for another.
Any of these services can be affected with the use of Retin A, Tretenioin Cream, Laser treatments, products such as Hydroquinone and/or skin lightening products. Both the sun and tanning beds will also affect how your brows fade over time. You should avoid these type of products and make sure to use a sunscreen with an spf of 50 around your brow area to keep your brows looking amazing!
Your perfecting session should be no sooner than 8 weeks. Most Lip color treatments requires more frequent touch-ups than other permanent makeup procedures due to the fact that your lips are very vascular and your body metabolizes that lip color at a much faster rate than the brows or eyes. Most clients return 1-3 years for a refresher.
Lifestyle is a huge factor in your healing process. Avoiding things that lighten the skin, the sun, smoking, drinking heavily, greasy foods and supplements or vitamins that thin your blood such as fish oil, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, vitamin. Avoiding over the counter meds such as aspirin, Motrin or Advil are recommended, unless ordered by a doctor. Things that contain caffeine should also be avoided such as, coffee, tea and energy drinks are in that category. Please let me know if you are taking prescription medications that affect your heart or thin your blood.
This is a two-step appointment process. For best results, all clients need two sessions. The second session should be scheduled 8 weeks after the initial procedure to perfect the shape, color, and density of the liner. Please understand that the color intensity will be significantly darker and sharper within the first few days of the procedure, but fade significantly (approximately 30-50%) over the healing period. (2-8weeks).
Touch-up appointments beyond your perfecting appointment are optional. For best results touchups 1-3 years after the perfecting session is recommended.
The color will fade over time. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency.
If you are planning an MRI, please inform the technician that you have had an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo.
Lifestyle is a huge factor in your healing process. Avoiding things that lighten the skin, the sun, smoking, drinking heavily, greasy foods and supplements or vitamins that thin your blood such as fish oil, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, vitamin. Avoiding over the counter meds such as aspirin, Motrin or Advil are recommended, unless ordered by a doctor. Things that contain caffeine should also be avoided such as, coffee, tea and energy drinks are in that category. Please let me know if you are taking prescription medications that affect your heart or thin your blood.
To determine whether or not you are a candidate for an Aquarelle Lip Tattoo, please email photos of your lips to info@beautifulbydesignmn.com. Once received and assessed to see if you are a good candidate you can either book online or call 320.360.5605.
Eyelashes
Eyelash Extensions are individual strands of natural or synthetic fibers made to enhance the natural eyelashes. When applied, eyelash extensions lengthen and thicken your own natural eyelashes often giving you darker, thicker and full lashes. The single strands or volume fans are applied to each individual eyelash, one by one. With proper application, lash extensions look and feel completely natural.
When applied properly,, eyelash extensions can last the length of the natural growth cycle of your own eyelashes. Depending on your activity and day-to-day routine, refills should be required every 2 to 4 weeks.
Beautiful by Design only uses professional grade adhesive which never comes in contact with your skin. The eyelash extension are placed approximately 1mm away from your skin, leaving enough natural lash to breathe and to ensure the lash is not being applied to the skin rather than an individual lash.
It is not recommended that you apply mascara to your Eyelash Extensions. If you feel you need to have mascara on your new lashes you can purchase a water based mascara to do so.
You should minimize getting your eyelash extension wet for the first 48 hours of wear. After that 48-hour period, the adhesive used to apply your eyelash extensions is now secure enough to allow you to do things as usual. However, keeping away from extensive contact with steam such as in saunas and certain facials is recommended so that it doesn’t loosen the adhesive bond.
It is my recommendation that you wait for 48 hours. Using facial wipes or a wash cloth on your face is the best alternative. For clients with sensitivities, it is suggested to wash within the first 12 hours of application. It is recommended that you use a gentle foaming face wash or washes that do not contain oil.
After cleansing your eyelashes with the provided lash cleansing brush, brush your extensions with a clean mascara wand and use a lint-free cloth to gently apply pressure to the top of your extensions while keeping your eyes closed. For an even gentler way to dry your lashes you can use an eyelash extension fan. Using the fan to lightly blow air onto your extensions dries them in no time and will help to keep the shape! After manually drying or fanning, don’t forget to brush again with a clean mascara wand.
- Avoid getting lashes wet for the first 24-48 hours
- Avoid hot steamy showers, bathtubs, hot tubs or saunas.
- Use Eye Makeup Cleansing cloths, pads or a gently wash cloth to remove any eye makeup.
- Use a gentle Foaming Lash Wash or a mild antibacterial foaming cleanser along with your lash brush to cleanse the lashes.
- Do not perm eyelashes or manually curl. Avoid fires.
- Brush with a clean mascara wand daily.
- TIP: Sometimes mornings are a mess! Sleeping on silk or satin pillows can help this. You can start by washing your lashes in the morning and gently brushing the top side of the extensions with a finger placed beneath. If too much tugging is noticed, send me a text or call.
Currently, the FDA is not regulating eyelash extensions because the eyelash extensions are applied to the natural eyelash hairs and do not touch the skin. The application process is very safe and is pain-free. Some clients consider the process relaxing and even sleep through the appointment.
The application process for lash extensions can very depending on how many natural lashes the client has. Typically an initial appointment can be from 2 -3 hours for a full set of lashes and 60-90 minutes for a fill. You will lay comfortably on a massage table with your eyes closed while relaxing ambient music is played in the background. You can also bring your own earbuds if you choose to listen to your own music. During application, your lower lashes will be covered and the extensions will be applied only to your upper lashes one at a time.
Your technician will consult with you to understand what type of style you are interested in and what look will work best with your natural lashes and eye shape. The overall look of the lashes can range from very natural to very full!
You will be asked to wear no makeup for your appointment. If you are coming from work or another function in which you need to wear makeup I ask that you remove the makeup prior to arrival as the cleaner your lashes are the better your final results will be. You should use a gentle Foaming Lash Wash or an oil-free makeup remover to cleanse your lashes prior to the appointment as well to remove any leftover mascara. Lashes should not be permed or manually curled at the time of appointment.
We do offer a service to have the extensions removed involving a short thirty-minute appointment in which we apply a gel, cream or wax remover. The remover of choice is applied on top of the extensions without touching the skin and allowed to sit for 10 minutes. Once the adhesive is dissolved the extensions are gently wiped away with lint free applicators exposing the natural lashes. After all extension have been removed I will use a gentle Foam Lash Wash to remove any left over product.