Your guide to perfectly healed cosmetic tattooing

Christchurch Cosmetic Tattoo Bookings | Brows, Lips & Eyeliner

Permanent makeup (PMU) is a team effort between you and your artist. Following your pre-care and aftercare instructions is essential, because if they aren’t followed your results may not heal properly, and it will be noticeable in the final outcome

Prep instructions

  1. NO BLOOD THINNING or PHOTOSENSITIVE MEDICATION: Including antibiotics. Ensure you’re not taking any medication that prevents you from having treatment. NOT SURE? Please email or contact us prior to booking if you’re ensure.

  2. No medication conditions that prevent you having treatment (SEE BELOW)

  3. LIP BLUSH Come with hydrated lips, no chapping or peeling lips, do a lip scrub a day prior if needed. COLDSORES? If you get coldsores go to your pharmacy and get antiviral tablets to take before and after to prevent outbreaks. Lip blush will often stimulate them so plan your appointment accordingly.

  4. EYEBROWS: Ensure not active skincare (AHA’s, BHA’s and retinols have been used on the brow area), no botox within 2 weeks, and the area is HYDRATED with moisturiser the week prior.

  5. ALL AREAS: No caffeine for 24 hours priors, no alcohol 24 hours prior, no Aspirin/anti-inflammatories (within 48 hours), plus drink plenty of water before your appointment

  6. No Botox or filler within 2–4 weeks of your appointment, For Lip blush no filler 4 weeks prior, for brows/eyeliner no botox within 2 weeks prior

  7. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunburn

  8. No waxing, tinting, or laminating the brows 48 hours prior

  9. Arrive with clean skin - no makeup on the treatment area

  10. Bring any inspiration photos, or book a consultation first if you’re nervous. Coming on the day with what you know you want will help you be less nervous

Once you book, 5 minutes later you will receive TWO forms via email. A medical/consent form, then an Aftercare Form. Please fill both out immediately.

Medical Contraindications to treatment:

  1. Pregnant or breastfeeding

  2. Under 18 years old

  3. Currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation

  4. Active cancer (without medical clearance)

  5. Blood-borne diseases (e.g. active hepatitis or uncontrolled conditions)

  6. Uncontrolled diabetes, some diabetics need Doctors sign off

  7. Autoimmune conditions sometimes need Doctors sign off to go ahead

  8. Epilepsy (uncontrolled)

  9. Haemophilia or bleeding disorders

  10. Taking blood thinners (Warfarin, Heparin, etc.)

  11. Severe heart conditions

  12. Pacemaker (for some machine types)

  13. Coldsores (active or healing) must be fully healed

  14. Active skin infections, rashes, psoriasis or eczema in treatment area

  15. Open wounds or sunburn in treatment area

  16. Keloid scarring history

  17. Recent Accutane use (within 6–12 months)

  18. Doxycycline or Isotretinoin in the area

  19. Recent facial surgery (within 6 months)

Aftercare Instructions

Cosmetic Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is essential for pigment retention, healing quality, and overall results. Cosmetic tattooing is a two-step process, and how you care for your tattoo during healing will directly impact your final outcome.

What to Expect During Healing

  • Day 1–3: Colour will appear darker, bolder, and more defined.

  • Day 3–7: Light flaking or peeling will occur. (Depending on age and some skin types this can be up to 10 days)

  • Day 7–14: Colour may appear lighter or slightly patchy.

  • Week 4–6: True healed colour becomes visible.

Do not panic during the peeling phase — this is normal.

General Aftercare (All Areas)

For 7–10 Days:

  • Gently blot with clean tissue if fluid appears (first 24 hours only).

  • Apply a thin layer of aftercare balm given (rice-grain amount). For Nano brows and Eyeliner we dry heal so ignore this step.

  • Keep the area clean and dry.

  • Do NOT pick, scratch, or peel.

  • No swimming (pools, ocean, spas).

  • No saunas or steam rooms.

  • No heavy sweating or intense gym sessions.

  • No makeup on the treated area.

  • No skincare (retinol, acids, exfoliants) on the area.

  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning.

Cleaning Instructions

Morning & night:

  1. Gently cleanse with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free cleanser. GO AROUND YOUR NEW TATTOO

  2. Pat dry with a clean face towel or paper towel.

  3. Apply a very thin layer of aftercare balm.

Less is more — over-applying ointment can suffocate the skin and affect healing.

Brow Tattoo Aftercare

  • Expect light flaking (not heavy scabbing).

  • Brows may look uneven during healing — this settles.

  • Avoid brow lamination for 4 weeks post-treatment.

  • Avoid tinting for 2 weeks.

Lip Blush Aftercare

  • Lips may swell slightly for 24–48 hours.

  • Colour will appear bright initially.

  • Keep lips hydrated with balm at all times.

  • Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods for 3–5 days.

  • Use a straw for drinks where possible.

  • If prone to cold sores, continue antiviral medication as prescribed.

Eyeliner Tattoo Aftercare

  • Mild swelling is normal for 24–48 hours.

  • Dry heal, so no balm given

  • Sleep slightly elevated the first night.

  • No lash extensions until fully healed (2 weeks minimum).

  • Avoid mascara for 10–14 days.

Long-Term Care (After Healing)

To maintain your results:

  • Always wear SPF on brows.

  • Avoid regular chemical peels over the area.

  • Avoid laser treatments directly over tattoo.

  • Book your 2nd touch up appointment at 6–8 weeks later

How long does it last?

  • Brows = 12-18 months do a touch up/colour boost, some people get 2 years before needing this.

  • Lips = 18-24 months

  • Eyeliner = 12 months the first time, 18-24 months after your first annual colour boost

  • Nano brows/|Hyper realism brows = 8-12 months