When choosing a permanent cosmetics or microblading artist, it's essential to make sure they are skilled, professional, and hygienic. Here are 8 things to look for:

1. Certification & Licensing

What to check: Ensure the artist is licensed and certified by a recognized body. Many regions require specific training or certifications in permanent makeup and microblading.
Why it matters: Certification shows that the artist has undergone proper training and understands skin anatomy, safety procedures, and sanitation practices.

2. Experience & Specialization

What to check: Look at the artist’s portfolio to see how many years they’ve been practicing and their level of expertise in the specific procedure you want.
Why it matters: An experienced artist is more likely to deliver consistent, high-quality results. Specializing in specific procedures, like brows, eyeliner, or lip blush, ensures they are skilled in the art form you want.

3. Before-and-After Portfolio

What to check: Request to see a portfolio of before-and-after photos of previous clients, especially those who have similar skin tones or preferences.
Why it matters: Real-life results will give you a better idea of the artist’s work. Pay attention to things like symmetry, color consistency, and how the shape fits the client's facial features.

4. Hygiene & Sanitation Practices

What to check: The artist should follow strict sanitation protocols—using disposable needles, sterilizing equipment, and maintaining a clean working environment.
Why it matters: Hygiene is critical to preventing infections. Ask how they disinfect tools and equipment and if they use single-use materials for each client.

5. Consultation & Communication

What to check: Look for an artist who takes the time to have a thorough consultation before the procedure, discussing your expectations, concerns, and desired outcome.
Why it matters: A good artist listens to your preferences and explains the process in detail. They should also be open to any questions and provide clear aftercare instructions.

6. Customer Reviews & Testimonials

What to check: Research online reviews and ask for testimonials from previous clients.
Why it matters: Reviews provide insight into the artist’s professionalism, customer service, and the quality of their work. Positive feedback from others can help you gauge the artist’s reputation.

7. Pain Management & Aftercare

What to check: Inquire about how the artist manages pain (e.g., numbing creams) and the aftercare process.
Why it matters: A skilled artist will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible during the procedure and will guide you in maintaining the results afterward to avoid infections or fading.

8. Realistic Expectations

What to check: Ensure the artist provides realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome, healing time, and maintenance.
Why it matters: Permanent makeup and microblading aren’t “one-and-done” procedures. Expect touch-ups, and be sure the artist gives clear information about how long the results will last and how to maintain them.

If you follow these steps, you’ll have a much higher chance of getting the results you want! Is there a specific type of permanent makeup you're considering, like brows or eyeliner?

How do I take care of my new microbladed eyebrows?

Congratulations on your new microbladed brows! ✨ Proper aftercare is essential for good healing, color retention, and crisp results. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide you can follow.

First 7–10 Days (Healing Phase)

Day 1 (First 24 hours)

Gently blot brows every 1–2 hours with a clean, dry cotton pad to absorb lymph fluid.
Keep brows clean and dry.
Apply a very thin layer of aftercare ointment if your artist provided one (less is more).

Days 2–7

Clean brows once daily with lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser (or as instructed by your artist).
Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Apply a rice-grain amount of aftercare ointment.
Expect itching, flaking, and scabbing — this is normal.

🚫 Do NOT:

Pick, scratch, or peel scabs
Use makeup on brows
Get brows soaking wet (no swimming, hot tubs, or long showers)
Sweat heavily or exercise intensely
Use skincare products on brows (retinol, acids, exfoliants)
Tan or expose to direct sun

What’s Normal During Healing

Brows may look too dark at first
Color may fade 30–50%
Patchiness is common
Hair strokes may disappear temporarily and reappear

Healing is a process, not instant perfection.

After 10–14 Days

Light flaking should be finished.
You may resume light activities.
Continue avoiding exfoliants, retinol, and chemical treatments on the brow area.

Long-Term Care (After Healing)

Always apply SPF 30+ to brows when in the sun
Avoid chemical peels, lasers, or microneedling over brows
Use gentle skincare around the area
Schedule your 6–8 week touch-up (very important!)

When to Contact Your Artist

Signs of infection (excessive redness, swelling, pus)
Uneven healing or major color loss
Questions about touch-ups or fading

mary tanneberg-hisel 3/23/20 mary tanneberg-hisel 3/23/20

Is it Safe Doing Permanent Makeup During this Time?

We are going through one of the most challenging moments in history, and none of us had experienced it before. A moment in history where the world is paralyzed by a virus, no one can imagine that a tiny microbe, that only with electronic microscopes can be visualized, can cause immense damage to humanity, the COVID-19.

This article originally was seen on buypermanentmakeup.com and written by Dr. Sandra Cardona on March 19, 2020.

I have received calls that motivated me to write this blog today and shared this important information.

I am not an authority of the public health department; however, I will share with you all the measures that must be taken in the doctor's offices at this time.

Take into account the geographical location where you are, and so you can assess your possibilities.

Click here to see a map with COVID-19 cases by state.

At the moment, there are many cities and counties with restricted mobility, with a mandate to shelter at home; this may be happening in your town or not.

But when it comes to places where there are no these restrictions, all precautions must be taken.

I have always told my students that they must treat all clients as if they were HIV positive. At this time, we must manage all people as if they were COVID-19 positives because, unfortunately, many people do not have any symptoms and can transmit the virus; this includes you too.

Offices must stay cleaner than ever, continually cleaning all surfaces
The appointments should be spaced so that there are no people in the waiting room and not allow companions
Review, study and implement the Occupational Safety and Health Standards by OSHA
Remove all pamphlets and magazines from tables in waiting rooms
Do not shake hands
Everybody must wash their hands properly

Permanent makeup is a procedure where we are in very close contact with our clients.

Remember that the droplets of saliva transmit the virus. The masks do not prevent the person who uses it from contracting the infection, but rather prevent them from transmitting it. So if you decide to perform a procedure, both you and the client should wear masks.

It would be irresponsible to tell you that it is safe. This is a personal decision between you and your client.

This situation has forced many people to postpone appointments and has become a severe financial problem but your life is first. It is a difficult time for you as it is for us.

I suggest that you take this time to study, review topics that are in doubt, practice on synthetic material to perfect your technique.

What some people are doing is stocking up on the products they need so that when activities resume, they have the necessary supplies.

Take care of yourself and take care of others.

Stay healthy.

Dr. Sandra Cardona