FAQ’s

The most commonly asked questions about permanent makeup!

  • Permanent makeup, otherwise known as microblading, powder brows, brow feathering, microshading, lip blush, eyeliner tattoo and many other names is all a form of cosmetic tattoo. Ink is implanted in the skin using a manual or machine tool to create a makeup-like enhancement. It does fade over time, but since molecules of ink will always be in the skin it should be considered permanent.

  • Some great reasons to get permanent makeup for brows, lips, or eyeliner include: to save time in the morning, fill in over-plucked eyebrows, balance asymmetrical eyebrows, give depth to sparse or light colored brows, replace hair loss (due to Alopecia, hormone changes or chemotherapy), to give definition to your eyes, to give the appearance of thicker lashes, color to pale lips, balance slightly uneven lips, or if you want waterproof makeup.

    There are some medical contraindications for permament brows, lips and liner. These people are not good candidates: anyone pregnant or in the first three months of nursing, Accutane use during the last 6 months, chemotherapy during the last 6 months. Other contraindications include allergies to tattoo pigments, hemophilia, problems healing, active staph or MRSA infection, uncontrolled blood pressure, current covid, cold or flu, active psoriasis or eczema on area to be treated, and keloid scarring on face.

    Some conditions need a doctor’s clearance. Please alert us to allergies to topical numbing, sensitivity to epinephrine, or metals. Nitrile gloves are used during the procedure.

    For eyeliner- no current eye infections/sty, or eye pressure issues. For lips- if you’ve had a cold sore get a Valtrex presciption from you Dr. No lip filler in the past month.

    *Please consult with your doctor and obtain a doctor’s note if you have any of the following conditions: insulin dependent Diabetes, epilepsy, current or recent chemotherapy treatments, organ transplant, artificial heart valves, heart conditions, blood or liver disorders/diseases, past stroke, or low iron.

  • Depending on the style, brows last 8 months to 18 months before a touch up. Lips last 12 to 18 months, and liner lasts 12 to 36 months depending on color.

    At this time the color won’t disappear, but will be faded or lose definition. If you keep reaching for your liner to fill in, it’s time for a touch up!

  • The first session is 2.5 hours for most services. Top only eyeliner will be about 1.5 hours. Lipstick look lips are 3 hours.

  • Please visit the Services page for current pricing.

  • Microblading is done with a manual tool and it meant to mimic the look of hairs. Powder brows is done with a machine and layers tiny dots of color that we call pixels to give the effect of more density. Both add fullness to the brows. Microblading is best for younger, dryer skin tyles. Powder/Ombre brows suit many skin types.

  • Alayna uses numbing before and during all procedures. Most clients find powder brow technique to be virtually painless. There is a sunburned feeling by the end of the session. Microblading and machine hairstrokes can be more pinch-y in some places, but are still low on the pain scale. Eyes and lips are different for each person. Some think eyeliner just tickles or itches, and others are sensitive. Lips can be very tolerable or more sensitive as well. Alayna keeps numbing handy during the whole treatment in case of discomfort.

  • Maybe! It depends if you like the current shape, and how faded it is. Most new clients need two sessions, but if you no longer have access to your previous artist don’t hesitate to reach out. If you have previous PMU please email a clear photo in natural light if possible to alayna@harlequinbeauty.com

  • Alayna recommends bringing goal photos, photos of how you like to fill in your brows, brow/lip colors you like, or other things that help show your goals. Bring your ID. You may want to dress comfortably and bring something warm to layer, since you’ll be lying still for a while. A water bottle and ear buds can be helpful too.

  • Maybe! Alayna has her brows, lips, and baby liner done. On a daily basis she just adds mascara and concealer. But depending on mood, she’ll add eyeshadow, a brighter lip color, etc. Her philosophy on permanent makeup is that is it to enhance natural beauty and not necessarily to replace ALL makeup.

    People with light brow hair may still get their brows tinted or use a quick swipe of a tinted brow gel. You may want to build on top of your brows for an evening out (but now you have a great guide already there!), or add a thicker line on top of your baby liner. Makeup is an accessory and permanent makeup is the perfect starting point for daily wear!

 Business FAQ’s

  • Due to the long appointment times, please do any rescheduling 48 hours prior to your appointment so we can try to fill the space. Your booking fee covers one reschedule. After that you may need to pay another booking fee. A no-call no-show will forfeit the booking fee and be required to pay another.

  • The service times are quite long for permanent makeup services, and most artists only see 3-4 people in one day. The booking fee helps ensure only serious clients that are excited about their permanent makeup appointment schedule, and prevents no-shows. The booking fee is applied to your total, and is transferable to another person if you change your mind. The transfer would have to be for the same appointment time.

  • Alayna holds many certificates (over 27), including advanced certificates, sanitation, and Blood Borne Pathogens training. She is insured and only uses single use disposable items during the procedures. The needle cartridges are all single use and membrane protected. All of the artists are certified and insursed. For more info, see our artist bios.

  • Kids and pets are awesome but please don’t bring them to the studio. This should be an opportunity for self care and distractions should be limited to get the best results. Please limit work calls during your procedure.

  • Yes! If you are an experienced artist and interested in one on one or group training please reach out. Classes can be customized to fit your needs. Advanced group classes are in the works. The beginner program teaches powder brows, eyelash enhancement, and lip blush and includes home study for 100 hours total.

  • Please call us. We may need to reschedule your appointment if you will be over 15 minutes late.

  • If you don’t show up, or cancel last minute there is a cancellation fee which varies by service to protect our artists.