Pillar guide
Cosmetic Tattooing: Brows, Lips and Eyeliner
Microblading creates fine, hair-like strokes using a manual blade, giving the most natural texture but fading faster and suiting drier skin best. Powder brows use a machine to create a soft, shaded effect like applied makeup, which lasts longer and suits oily skin better. Combination brows blend both, using strokes at the front and shading through the body of the brow.
Choosing between brow techniques
- Hair stroke brows: fine, hair-like strokes for a soft, realistic finish. Most natural, but retention is poorer on oily or thick skin.
- Powder brows: a softly shaded effect creating the look of applied brow makeup. Generally holds better across more skin types.
- Combination brows: strokes blended with shading for dimension and a fuller, more structured appearance.
Skin type genuinely drives this decision. Oily, thick or mature skin holds crisp individual strokes poorly, which is why a shaded or combination approach is often recommended.
Lip tattooing
Lip tattooing improves colour, definition and symmetry, ranging from a soft natural blush through to a more noticeable lipstick effect. It is tailored to your skin tone and features.
Naturally darker lip pigmentation may require colour neutralisation before the desired shade can be achieved, which affects the number of appointments needed. Existing lip filler also influences the approach.
Eyeliner tattooing
Eyeliner tattooing defines the eyes and enhances the natural lash line, from subtle enhancement through to a more defined liner. It uses pigments formulated for the delicate eye area and provides smudge-resistant definition.
Why the follow-up appointment is not optional
Skin retains pigment differently from person to person. The first appointment establishes shape and colour, and the follow-up assesses how your skin actually held the pigment and refines the result.
Nearly all cosmetic tattooing requires this second session. Treat it as part of the treatment rather than an upsell, and budget time for it when you book.
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Common questions
How long does each treatment last?+
Eyebrow tattooing typically lasts 12 to 24 months, eyeliner tattooing 1 to 3 years, and lip tattooing 2 to 3 years. Longevity depends on your skin type, lifestyle and sun exposure.
Will it look too dark at first?+
Yes. Cosmetic tattooing typically looks darker and more defined for the first week while healing, then softens considerably. Knowing this in advance prevents unnecessary panic on day 2.
Who is not suitable?+
Cosmetic tattooing is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, while taking Roaccutane, or with uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, a history of keloid scarring, active sunburn in the area, or poorly controlled diabetes. A full consultation and patch test are required.
Keep reading
All treatments require an individual consultation and suitability assessment. Results vary between individuals. Information on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.