Why It Pays to Choose Quality Over Cost | Bloom Beauty Studio, Toronto

Let’s be real, permanent makeup isn’t like buying a new lip gloss or getting a haircut.

This is pigment going into your skin, on your face, that you’ll wake up to every single day. Choosing the discount option might feel smart in the moment… until you’re left with permanent makeup that’s uneven, too dark, too bright, scarred, or needs to be removed.

At Bloom Beauty Studio in Toronto, we’re often correcting the work of undertrained artists who offered “too good to be true” prices. This blog is here to gently explain why permanent makeup is not the place to bargain shop, and what you should really look for instead.

Why Is Permanent Makeup Expensive?

Quality permanent makeup costs more, and for good reason. You’re not just paying for brows or lips; you’re investing in your face, your safety, and your confidence. And that goes far beyond the work itself. You deserve more than just good results. You deserve a thoughtful, professional experience from start to finish. Every step matters, and every detail is designed to support you in feeling your best.

Your dollars should go towards:

1. A clean, health-inspected studio where you can fully relax, knowing your safety is the priority.
No guessing, no sketchy setups. Just a calm, professional space designed for real skin and real comfort.

2. A licensed, certified artist who continues to train, learn, and stay current with the safest techniques.
This industry is constantly evolving, and I believe your artist should be too.

3. High-quality pigments that heal true to your tone. No weird fades, no surprises.
Your results are meant to last and stay beautiful over time, not shift into unexpected colours.

4. Safe tools that meet hygienic standards and follow Canadian health protocols.
Reducing the risk of infection, cross-contamination, and other complications.

5. A thoughtful consultation process that includes mapping, shape design, and colour matching tailored just for your face.
No one-size-fits-all shapes here. Everything is personalized, and nothing happens without your input.

6. Full aftercare guidance, so you’re never left guessing.
I’m here to support you through the healing process and beyond, because great brows (or lips, or liner) are a journey, not just a session.

Client reading my aftercare instructions

Is It Ever Okay to Go to a Cheaper PMU Artist?

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to save money, but price should never be the only factor in a decision this important.

Cheaper doesn’t always mean worse… but cheap + undertrained + unsanitary? That’s a serious risk.

Ask yourself:

Would I choose a plastic surgeon based on who’s running a special?
Do I really want to risk scarring, infection, bad shape, or pigment that turns grey or red over time?
How much would it cost to remove or fix a bad result, financially and emotionally?
Will I feel confident walking out of that appointment… or anxious about what might go wrong?
Does this artist’s portfolio and hygiene practices give me a full-body yes or hesitation?

Before you book based on price alone, ask yourself: is saving a few dollars worth the risk of ending up with results you’ll regret, need to be removed later, or worse, something that can never be fully fixed?

What Could Go Wrong With Cheap Permanent Makeup?

Here are real issues we’ve seen (and corrected when possible):

Brows that heal grey, red, or blotchy
Permanent scarring
Poor symmetry or uneven shapes
Pigment too deep, leading to brows aging poorly
Incorrect techniques are used on mature or sensitive skin
No aftercare support, you’re on your own if something goes wrong

The worst part? These issues are challenging and costly to resolve, and can be emotionally draining for the client.

Can Permanent Makeup Ruin Your Face?

This is a big question, and the honest answer is: Yes, if done poorly.

Unskilled artists can give you an unflattering shape, go too deep, use the wrong colour, or cause trauma that leads to permanent scarring. This isn’t meant to scare you. It’s to empower you to choose someone who treats your skin like it matters (because it does).

Permanent makeup done poorly. The brow shape is uneven. Wrong selection of colour which has left red residue once healed.

More bad results I was hired to fix. Microbladed brows on the wrong skin type leaving uneven results and scar tissue.

Can Bad Permanent Makeup Be Fixed?

Sometimes, but it’s not simple.

Corrections require laser removal, saline lightening, colour neutralization, and multiple sessions. It’s almost always more expensive (and stressful) than just getting it done right the first time.

Some pigment may never fully come out. And while we do offer correction work at our Toronto studio, we always tell clients:

“If you’re unsure, wait. Research. Choose someone you trust.”

Before and after of fixed work. Top image shows brows fading to a grey/green hue. Bottom photo brows have been corrected and neutralized back to her natural colour.

The brow on the right is grey, and lost shape. The brow on the left I restored her shape and colour.

What’s Included in the Price of Quality Permanent Makeup?

When people research permanent makeup pricing, they often compare artists based on the photo of the results immediately after the procedure. However, what you should be looking at are photos of healed results, as well as other paramaters that keeps you feeling informed and safe throughout the process.

A higher price usually means you're working with an experienced artist who understands the nuances, not just how to deposit pigment, but how your skin holds it, how facial structure affects design, and how to create results that suit your face, not just a trend.

It also means:

– A full consultation and personalized approach tailored just for you
– Single-use, sterile tools that protect your skin and your health
– High-quality pigments made specifically for PMU (not traditional tattoo inks that are not meant to be used for permanent makeup)
– A clean, Toronto Public Health–inspected studio where you can fully relax
– Detailed aftercare instructions and healing support, because great PMU doesn’t stop when you leave the chair

It’s not just about “getting brows, lips or eyeliner.” It’s about trusting the person working on your face, and knowing they’re trained, prepared, and entirely focused on helping you feel amazing in your skin.

How Do I Know If a PMU Artist Is Legit?

Before you book anywhere, do your research! Some things to ask yourself about the artist you're considering:

✅ Do they show healed results, not just fresh ones that haven’t settled yet?

✅ Are they certified, insured, licensed, and trained in current PMU techniques?

✅ Is their studio clean, professional, and health-inspected?

✅ Do they have real client reviews and authentic before/after images?

✅ Are their photos unfiltered and unedited, so you can trust what you're seeing?

✅ Do they take time to consult, educate, and answer your questions, or do they rush you into a service?

If the answer to any of these is no, I recommend you trust your gut and keep looking.

Is Permanent Makeup Worth the Price?

If it’s done right? Absolutely.

You’ll save time every morning, feel more polished even without makeup, and enjoy the confidence of knowing your brows, lips and eyes are just right.

It’s low-maintenance beauty that lasts for years, and when done properly, it’s never something clients regret investing in!

Shaded eyeliner: before and after (healed)

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a red flag when choosing a PMU artist?

No portfolio, vague pricing, no mention of licensing or healed results, and pushy sales tactics are all signs to walk away.

Are Groupon PMU deals safe?

Not always. In my experience, artists who advertise on Groupon are new artists, looking to create a portfolio, and new artists lack experience.

What should I look for in a portfolio?

Healed results, a range of skin types, consistent symmetry, and brows/lips/eyes that look like real people, not filters.

Is it okay to ask about sanitation and licenses?

Yes, and any reputable artist will be proud to show them.

Your Face Deserves Better Than A Bargain. Let’s Do It Right.

Permanent makeup can be a life-changing confidence boost or a costly regret. If you’re on the fence, take your time. Ask questions. Book a consultation and get a feel for who you’re working with.

At Bloom Beauty Studio in Toronto, we treat your face like a canvas, not a sales opportunity. We’ll never rush you into a decision, and we’re always here to guide you with honesty and care.

Ready to learn more or book a consult? DM us anytime or use the booking link below. No pressure, just trusted advice from an expert who cares.

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Is Cheap Permanent Makeup Worth The Risk?