What Is Permanent Makeup?
A Guide For First Timers | Bloom Beauty Studio, Toronto
Have you noticed how permanent makeup has become everywhere lately? It’s not just a trend anymore. It’s becoming a go-to beauty solution for women who are done with spending time touching up their appearances throughout the day.
What’s driving this wave of interest isn’t just convenience (though waking up with perfect features is definitely a win). It’s the shift in how women are thinking about beauty overall. For many of my clients (women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond), PMU isn’t about looking “made up.” It’s about feeling put-together, polished, and more like yourself…without the extra effort.
But what EXACTLY is permanent makeup, and is it right for you?
Good news, if either of those questions brought you here, you’re in the right place. This post breaks down everything you need to know about permanent makeup, how it works, and whether it might be right for you.
What Is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup (also called PMU or cosmetic tattooing) is a beauty service where a trained artist uses tiny needles and pigments to enhance your natural features. Think: fuller-looking brows, more defined lips, or a subtle eyeliner that stays put 24/7. That’s right, no more smudged brow pencils after a workout, reapplying lip liner before every Zoom call, or worrying if your eyeliner is even on both sides. It’s one of those quiet luxuries that saves time, simplifies your routine, and helps you feel just a little more put-together every single day.
Some people think it’s going to look extreme or unnatural, but that’s not true. It doesn’t mean bold, harsh makeup. In fact, most modern permanent makeup is all about soft, natural-looking results, which is what I do in my studio here in Toronto.
How Does Permanent Makeup Work?
PMU artists use a handheld device (much gentler than a traditional tattoo machine) to implant pigment just below the surface of the skin. The pigment fades gradually over time, giving you a long-lasting but flexible result — no harsh lines or permanent colour shifts.
The process is safe, slow, and carefully customized to your face shape, skin tone, and personal preferences. We always start with a detailed consultation and mapping session so you can preview the shape before anything is done. You'll have complete input on colour, shape, and style. Nothing is ever one-size-fits-all.
Most appointments take about 2–3 hours, including prep time. After your initial session, there’s a healing phase (usually 7–10 days) where the pigment softens and settles into the skin. Once your skin has fully healed, a perfecting touch-up is sometimes needed after 6–8 weeks to refine the shape and colour.
A touch-up is sometimes needed because everyone’s skin holds pigment a little differently. Things like skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare can all affect how well the colour heals. Some clients retain pigment beautifully after just one session, while others may need a few small tweaks to perfect the shape or tone.
What Are the Different Types of Permanent Makeup?
When people hear “permanent makeup,” they often think it’s just brows but there’s actually a whole range of techniques designed to enhance different areas of the face in very natural, subtle ways. From soft hair-stroke brows to tinted lips and lash-line definition, each treatment serves a different purpose depending on your features, goals, and daily routine.
Let’s discuss the different types of permanent makeup I offer because every face, lifestyle, and comfort level is a little different, and your PMU should reflect you, not a trend. Each technique is designed to save time, boost confidence, and blend beautifully with your natural features without looking “done.”
Eyebrows
Let’s start with brows. Easily one of the most impactful treatments I offer. Whether yours are sparse, uneven, or just time-consuming to fill in every day, there’s a PMU solution that can give you natural-looking definition without the effort.
Nano brows are created using a fine, single-needle machine to mimic realistic hair strokes, one by one. They’re ideal if you’re looking for a super soft, natural finish, like your brows, just fuller and more balanced. I love this technique for clients who want a very subtle enhancement or who have gaps from overplucking.
Powder brows, on the other hand, give more of a soft, shaded makeup look. It’s like the effect of a tinted brow gel or powder diffused at the front and gradually building more definition toward the tail. Powder brows are great if you’re used to filling in your brows with makeup and want a little more structure that still heals beautifully soft.
And for those who want a bit of both? That’s where combo brows come in. Combo brows blend the hair-like strokes of nano with the soft shading of powder, usually with strokes at the front and shading throughout the body and tail. It’s the best of both worlds — natural at first glance, but with a little more shape and depth. This is a popular option for clients with thinner or uneven brow growth who still want a defined but believable look.
Every brow treatment is completely customized to your face shape, skin tone, and style preferences. My goal is always to enhance your natural beauty, not overwrite it.
Lips
Lip blush is one of those quiet beauty secrets that makes a huge difference. It’s not about creating a bold or dramatic lip. In fact, most of my clients don’t want that at all. Instead, lip blush softly defines your lip shape and restores colour that may have faded over time. It gives you that healthy, fresh-faced tint that makes your lips look more balanced and vibrant, even without makeup.
This treatment is amazing if your lips have lost some of their natural pigment, especially around the border. It can subtly correct asymmetry and make your lips appear fuller, all without changing your natural lip shape. It heals soft and sheer, like a tinted balm that doesn’t wipe off.
Eyeliner
If you’ve ever struggled to get your eyeliner even (or to keep it from smudging by noon), you’re not alone. That’s where eyeliner comes in.
This treatment gently adds definition right along your lash line, making your eyes look more awake and your lashes appear fuller. It’s subtle, but powerful. Some clients opt for just a lash enhancement (a super fine line right in the lashes), while others prefer a soft eyeliner with a bit more visibility. Either way, it’s completely customized to your eye shape and style.
It’s especially helpful if you have sensitive eyes, wear glasses, or just want to wake up looking a little more refreshed without reaching for a pencil every morning.
What about Mircoblading? Why don’t you offer that?
Microblading is probably the most well-known term when it comes to permanent brows, and I totally get why people ask about it first. But here’s the thing: just because it’s the most familiar option doesn’t mean it’s the best one for your skin.
Microblading uses a manual blade to create tiny cuts in the skin where pigment is deposited. While it can give the illusion of hair strokes, it’s not always gentle, especially over time. Because it cuts the skin, it can lead to more trauma, scar tissue, or patchy fading, especially if touch-ups are done too frequently or your skin isn’t suited for it (like oily or mature skin).
That’s why I’ve chosen not to offer microblading at Bloom Beauty. Instead, I focus on machine-based techniques like nano, powder, and combo brows, all of which are far more versatile, less invasive, and better for the skin long-term. The results are just as natural (often more so), and the process is much gentler and more precise.
Your skin health matters just as much as your results, and I always want to prioritize both.
Why Nano Brows is superior to Microblading.
How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last?
Despite the name, permanent makeup isn’t permanent, and honestly, that’s a good thing.
While the pigment does stay in the skin for years, it fades gradually over time. This gives you the flexibility to make adjustments as your features, preferences, or even style trends change. What feels right in your 30s might look a little different in your 40s or 50s, and PMU gives you room to evolve with that.
On average, most treatments last between 1–3 years before a color boost is needed. Factors like your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and skincare routine can all affect how long your results hold. For example, oilier skin types might fade a little faster, while dry or balanced skin often retains pigment longer.
I always recommend a refresh when you start to notice softening or fading — not because it disappears completely, but to keep everything looking fresh and balanced. It’s a little maintenance for a lot of ease.
The beauty of it all is that your PMU never locks you in. You’re in control, and I’m here to help you adjust it over time so it always feels like the best version of you.
Is Permanent Makeup the Same as a Tattoo?
Not exactly.
Traditional tattoos go deeper into the skin and use stronger pigments that last forever. PMU stays more superficial, uses softer pigments, and is designed to fade naturally over time.
This means your results evolve with you, and can be adjusted as your preferences change.
Does Permanent Makeup Hurt?
Most clients say it feels like light scratching or tweezing. We always use a high-quality numbing cream to keep you comfortable throughout the session.
If you're nervous about pain, that’s completely normal. We’ll walk you through everything beforehand and check in with you often during your appointment.
Is Permanent Makeup Safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained, certified artist in a clean, licensed environment.
At Bloom Beauty Studio, we’re proudly Toronto Public Health–inspected, use sterile single-use tools, and work with only high-quality, safe pigments. Your comfort, safety, and trust come first.
Who Is Permanent Makeup Good For?
Permanent makeup is for anyone who wants to look more polished, feel more confident, and spend less time getting ready without putting on makeup.
Maybe your brows have thinned over the years or never quite grew in evenly. Maybe your lip colour has faded, or eyeliner just doesn’t go on the way it used to. You might find yourself reapplying makeup throughout the day, avoiding workouts or humid days because things smudge or melt off, or simply feeling like your reflection doesn’t quite match how you feel inside.
PMU is a beautiful solution if you’re looking to save time in the morning, feel more confident without makeup, and simplify your routine without sacrificing the things that help you feel put-together. It’s especially helpful if you have a busy lifestyle, sensitive skin, vision issues, or just want to reclaim a bit of ease in your day.
Many of our clients are women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, professionals, moms, caregivers, and creatives, who aren’t chasing trends, but are choosing comfort and confidence. For them, this isn’t about looking made-up. It’s about waking up with natural definition, seeing themselves in the mirror, and not having to think twice.
Permanent makeup doesn’t change who you are, it just supports you in showing up as your best, low-maintenance self.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions I get from clients, along with answers, to help you feel informed and confident.
Can I still wear makeup on top of permanent makeup?
Absolutely! PMU gives you a natural base. You can still apply regular makeup over it when you want a more dramatic look.
What’s the healing process like?
Most clients experience minor redness, flaking, and soft fading over the first 7–10 days. You’ll receive a full aftercare kit and easy instructions to follow.
Will it look fake or too dark?
Not with us. Our style is subtle, face-first beauty. Your colour will soften as it heals into something soft and natural-looking.
Can permanent makeup be removed?
Yes, though most people choose to let it fade naturally. Saline removal and correction options are also available.
Do I need to live in Toronto to book an appointment?
We’re based in Toronto and proudly serve clients from across the city (and beyond). If you're nearby, we’d love to welcome you into the studio.
Thinking About PMU? Let’s Chat First.
It’s normal to have questions. Permanent makeup is a big decision, and we’re here to make it feel simple, safe, and exciting.
If you're local to Toronto and curious about PMU, book a free consultation. I offer no-pressure consultations to walk you through everything, including healing, pain, and realistic results.
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