FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT BROW TECHNIQUE I WANT?

That’s perfectly ok! There will be factors such as skin type, age, and lifestyle that will usually help guide us in one direction. The same amount of time is set aside for all 3 techniques to ensure that the proper amount of time is allotted in the event that we choose to go with a different technique that is better suited for you.

With your preferences and skin type in mind, I will suggest the best technique or combination of techniques to get you to your desired look. All brow techniques can be applied as soft or as bold as requested.

Microblading is your hair, plus more hairs. Shading aka “powder” will give a shadow on the skin in a more natural way than what can be achieved with makeup. Combination uses a mixture of the two techniques and is my most requested brow look!

But here are a few things to consider:
• Skin that tends to be more oily has better results with shading.
• Brows with large missing areas may need a combination of microblading and powder to mimic a more realistic look to an empty surface.
• Brows with dark coarse hair may also need shading to match the opacity and density of the natural brow.
• Thin, aging, mature skin lacking in elasticity is best suited for shading.
• Very fair skin with very light hair is also best suited for shading to achieve an undetectable color match. Deeper skin tones and very melanin rich skin will also have better visibility with shading over microblading.
• Normal to dry skin yields predictable results from both microblading or shading, or a combination of both techniques.
• Microblading is very natural and will add the illusion of more hair and dimension to the brow, but is not a substitution for makeup.

We suggest starting a brow inspiration folder of the brows you love, both makeup and other PMU to show Vanessa at your appointment. These are super helpful during in the consult at the beginning of your appointment.

If you’d like to do a phone consult prior to booking or have questions, you can call the studio at 610-616-5996.

GIVE ME THE DEETS! WHAT DOES THE PMU PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Upon arriving to your appointment, you will fill out your intake and consultation form. Please be sure to bring a valid ID to your appointment. Afterwards, your artist will look over your paperwork and chat with you about what is it your specifically looking to achieve and check out any inspiration photos you have saved to prepare for your appointment. After the consult, your artist will take your before photos and begin the process of drawing out your perfect shape! We typically spend about 30 minutes on on the pre-draw, otherwise known as mapping. Once you love the shape, your artist go over color selection for you and swatch the pigment on your forehead. Once color and shape have been agreed on, we then begin the tattoo process! Typically a “first pass” is done and then topical numbing is used to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. After the actual tattoo procedure is finished we take your after photos of your new PMU and book your second session! Happy, feeling yourself dances are highly encouraged!

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR A COSMETIC TATTOO?

Being well prepared for your appointment is crucial for the healing of your new PMU! This consists of reading over all pre-care and aftercare instructions prior to scheduling as well as familiarizing yourself with them periodically leading up to your appointment. If directions are not followed, your appointment may have to be rescheduled. Please see policies for more information regarding rescheduling.

HOW LONG IS A PMU APPOINTMENT?

Appointment times will vary depending on the area being tattooed. Below is a general time estimate for each service.

  • BROWS: First appointment 2.5-3 hours / Second appointment 1.5 hours

  • LIPS: First appointment 4 hours / Second appointment 2 hours

  • LASH LINE: First appointment 2 hours / Second appointment 1.5 hours

  • FRECKLES: 1.5 hours per appointment

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

415 West Main St Unit #103

Lansdale, PA 19446

Stellar PMU is located in the heart of lansdale with a large, off-street and free parking in the back lot of the building. Stellar PMU is just a short walk from the Lansdale septa train station. We are right on Main St. with easy access to an array of bustling small local businesses including Stove & Tap, Round Guys Brewing Company, Scent & Sip, Izu Sushi, Backyard Beans Coffee Shop, & many more.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?

We are a BY APPOINTMENT ONLY private studio.

MONDAY: CLOSED

TUESDAY: 11AM - 7PM

WEDNESDAY: VARIES

THURSDAY: 11AM - 7PM

FRIDAY: 11AM - 7PM

SATURDAY: 11AM - 6pm

SUNDAY: CLOSED

WHAT IS COSMETIC TATTOOING?

Cosmetic Tattooing, also called Permanent Makeup, PMU or Micropigmentation, is the process of implanting pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of a tiny, sterile, disposable needle to produce the appearance of cosmetic makeup or to enhance the natural features of the face. Stellar PMU has performed over 1000 permanent makeup procedures and specializes in the most natural healed results.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COSMETIC TATTOOING AND STANDARD BODY TATTOOING?

Body tattoos are meant to last a lifetime. Cosmetic tattooing is soft and subtle. The permanent makeup industry uses very different pigments for cosmetic tattoos vs. body tattoos. Cosmetic pigments are made up of smaller molecules and are designed to fade over time, as it is implanted at a lighter depth into the the skin compared to traditional body tattooing. This allows Stellar PMU to enhance your features in a natural, subtle looking way while also having the reassurance that we’ll be able to tweak your shape and color over the years! 

DOES COSMETIC TATTOOING HURT?

While pain is minimal to none for most clients, topical numbing is used for during the appointment to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and there are factors such as being close to or on your cycle that can affect your sensitivity level. Please see PRE-CARE section to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a pain-free appointment by following all instructions.

HOW LONG DOES PERMANENT MAKEUP LAST?

Stellar PMU takes pride in being honest with their clients. While cosmetic tattoo procedures are considered permanent, it is designed to fade over time and will typically need a touch-up every 1-3 years. Frequency of touch-ups depends on a number of factors including: the pigment color used (lighter colors fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any skincare with active ingredients such as AHA’s or BHA’s come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results can not be guaranteed as each unique skintype will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. For example, oily skin types require touch ups more often. Mature skin is thin and requires very light pressure, which can prevent pigment retention. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make changes accordingly.

Touch-ups are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring 2 visits. The initial procedure followed by a touch-up procedure 6-8 weeks later. Previously tattooed eyebrows may require an additional appointment and rarely achieve similar results to those who have no previous tattoo work. Stubborn or problematic skin may require an additional session as well.

DOES STELLAR PMU WORK OVER PREVIOUSLY TATTOOED AREAS?

In some cases, we at Stellar PMU can revive traditionally tattooed eyebrows but not always. Cover ups depend on the current color, age of the previous tattoo and if excessive scar tissue is present.

Darker, or more saturated previously tattooed eyebrows are harder to cover. This is because the new PMU will not be able to retain in the skin because of the amount of pigment still present, resulting in the new work disappearing into the previous tattoo. Think of this like drawing on black paper with a black pen, you wont see much. If the issue is to adjust the color from blue back to brown, we can potentially do a color correction.

Pink or orange previously tattooed eyebrows have a better chance for a successful cover up but that does not mean everyone will have successful results. If the old tattoo has left the skin scarred there is a great chance the Microblading will not hold. Scar tissue tends to reject pigment in a lot of cases. If you need cover up work please email a photo prior to booking. Please see Stellar Permanent Makeup’s policies for more information.

HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS ARE NEEDED?

Two treatments are always needed, at least 6-8 weeks apart. Sometimes just one treatment is sufficient, but a touch-up appointment is recommended to help with the longevity of your brows by layering pigment over two sessions. With most procedures, the color looks dramatically lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second treatment, we will assess the color retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment.

WHAT FACTORS WILL AFFECT MY COSMETIC TATTOO?

  • Sun exposure: The sun fades the pigment faster so sun block may be used to prolong your enhancement.

  • The regeneration of skin cells: The longer the regeneration takes, the longer the pigment holds. Anti-aging skincare also speeds cellular turnover, so be sure to avoid having "active" skincare make contact with your brows.

  • The speed at which the skin absorbs the pigment: The slower the absorption, the longer the pigment will hold.

  • The choice of color: Some colors fade quicker than others, e.g. a blonde color will fade quicker than a dark brown color.

  • The area of treatment: Enhancements to the face, for example, fade more quickly due to constant exposure.

WHO IS NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PERMANENT MAKEUP?

Stellar PMU will not perform permanent makeup on anyone that is not a suitable candidate. Cosmetic tattooing is not suitable for the following:

  • Using Accutane

  • Have heart conditions or using heart medications

  • Have diabetes (will require a physician's note)

  • Have skin disease, irritations, or are prone to keloids.

  • Taking antibiotics for active infection.

  • Have had Botox in the last 2 weeks

  • Have gotten a real tan in the last week

  •  Have had a chemical peels in the last 3 weeks

  • Allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine

  • Anyone who has any serious medical conditions may require a physician's note. 

  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Anyone using an eyelash/brow growth serum on area to be treated. You may still get the procedure if you stop using the serum 3 weeks before your procedure.

HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT STELLAR PMU?

Appointments at Stellar PMU can be made directly through our website or booking page. Please note that a $150 booking fee is required to schedule and secure your appointment and is deducted from the total price of your permanent makeup service. This booking fee is to ensure that you are serious about your appointment and is non-refundable. If you miss your appointment, you will forfeit your deposit. Please see our policies for more information.

WHAT IS STELLAR PMU’s CANCELLATION POLICY?

Please see our policies page for information regarding cancellations, no-shows, and rescheduling.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I NEED A TOUCH UP?

Stellar PMU requires that in order to schedule a yearly touch up appointment, your brows must be at least 60% faded. This is in order to ensure the best results for your cosmetic tattoo long term. If you schedule a yearly touch up and do not need one upon arriving, you will forfeit your booking fee. If you are unsure if you are ready for a touch up, please email contact@stellarpmu.com.

WHAT ABOUT TIPPING?

This is a question we get often! While it is customary to tip on a cosmetic tattoo, similar to other personal care services such as a regular body tattoo, or getting your hair/lashes done - it is 100% at your discretion. A great alternative option that is always very appreciated is leaving a google review!

Stellar Permanent Makeup reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who is deemed not suitable for a cosmetic tattoo procedure.