Getting permanent makeup—whether brows, lips, or eyeliner—is exciting. But many clients accidentally sabotage their results before they even walk through the door. From dry skin to poor timing, a few small missteps in your pre-care routine can lead to poor pigment retention, uneven healing, or results that fade too fast.
Let’s fix that.
Here are 7 permanent makeup pre-care mistakes to avoid—so you walk in prepared and leave with beautiful, lasting results.
1. Skipping Gentle Exfoliation
One of the simplest ways to improve pigment retention? Prepping your skin with a gentle exfoliation 2–3 days before your appointment.
If you show up with dry or flaky skin, pigment won’t settle evenly. Think of it like painting on a bumpy surface—some areas absorb color, others don’t. A light scrub removes dead skin so your technician has a smooth, clean canvas to work on.
Don’t exfoliate on the same day as your appointment—it can leave the area irritated or scratched, which affects how well the pigment holds.
2. Booking Too Close to a Big Event
Your brows, lips, or eyeliner will take time to heal—and it’s best not to rush the process.
Avoid scheduling your appointment too close to a major event like a wedding, vacation, or photo shoot. You may experience redness, flaking, or temporary unevenness while healing. Give yourself a good 2 weeks to let your skin heal and the color soften.
Healed results look better—and you’ll feel more confident showing them off.
3. Ignoring Skin Prep Guidelines
We know—you’re excited about your appointment. But skipping skin prep (or brushing it off as optional) is one of the most common reasons for poor healing, uneven pigment, or results that don’t last as long as they should.
The truth is, what you do in the days before your appointment matters just as much as the work we do during it. Things like exfoliating gently, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy products or treatments help create the perfect canvas for pigment.
It’s not about adding extra steps—it’s about giving your skin the best chance to respond well, heal smoothly, and hold onto color beautifully.
4. Using Skincare or Products That Interfere with Tattooing
Some skincare ingredients—like retinol, glycolic acid, or exfoliating serums—can make your skin more sensitive or reactive. Others thin the skin, which increases the risk of poor healing or pigment not settling correctly.
Stop using retinoids, acids, or chemical exfoliants on the treatment area at least 7 days before your appointment. Also, discontinue lash or brow growth serums at least 3 weeks before—these products can increase blood flow and make your skin more reactive.
And let your technician know if you’re using anything medical-grade.
5. Drinking Too Much Water Right Before
Hydration is important, especially in the days leading up to your appointment—it supports healthy skin and helps numbing agents work more effectively.
But if you drink a large amount of water (or coffee!) right before your appointment, you’ll likely need a bathroom break mid-session, which can interrupt the process.
It’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference to your comfort during the session.
6. Caffeine or Alcohol the Day Of
Excess caffeine can make you jittery—and that can make fine work like eyeliner or lip tattooing more difficult. One cup of coffee is fine, but try to avoid overdoing it.
Alcohol is a no-go. It thins the blood, increases swelling, and affects how well your skin holds pigment. Avoid heavy drinking 24 hours before your appointment.
7. Asking for the Wrong Look
One of the most overlooked pre-care mistakes? Coming in with unrealistic or overly dramatic style requests—like jet-black brows, super thick shapes, dramatic eyeliner, or heavily over-lined lips.
We get it—everyone has a vision. But not every trend works for every face, and the wrong request can affect how satisfied you are once it’s all healed. That’s why part of pre-care is having realistic expectations and trusting your artist’s guidance.
We’ll always recommend starting with classic shapes and soft, natural tones. These age beautifully, heal better, and leave room for enhancements in future sessions.
Permanent makeup should highlight your natural beauty—not take it over. The goal is fresh and effortless—not Friday night on a Sunday morning type of look.
Final Advice
Pre-care isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s also about how you prepare your mindset. Whether it’s avoiding last-minute caffeine jitters, giving your skin time to heal before a big event, or being open to professional advice, a little prep goes a long way.
When you come in with realistic expectations and healthy skin, we can deliver results that look beautiful, heal well, and last longer. Permanent makeup is a journey—and starting it right makes all the difference.
FAQ: Preparing for Permanent Makeup
What is PMU?
PMU stands for permanent makeup. It includes procedures like powder brows, nano brows, microblading, eyeliner tattoos, lip neutralization and lip blushing.
Can I wear makeup to my permanent makeup appointment?
No. Please arrive with a clean, makeup-free face.
Why avoid retinols?
They can thin and sensitize the skin, increasing the risk of irritation and poor pigment retention.
How far in advance should I schedule before a big event?
Allow 2 weeks of healing time before a big event.
Should I exfoliate beforehand?
Yes—but do it daily for 2–3 days before your appointment, not the day of your appointment.
Ready to Take the next step? Let’s get you booked in.
Click here to schedule your appointment online
or call 289-839-0258 and we’ll be happy to book it for you.
Colour Clinic | 627 Lyons Ln, Unit 201, Oakville, ON
Written by Marcie McManus – Founder, Cosmetic + Medical Tattoo Specialist
