Achieving flawless lashes and immaculate permanent makeup can feel like the ultimate beauty win. But, as with any investment, they require a little tender care to ensure your new look stays as stunning as the day you left the salon. Neglecting aftercare is akin to buying a luxury car and skipping the maintenance – eventually, the wheels will come off. To help you protect your latest enhancements, here’s a guide to post-treatment care, peppered with tips to ensure your lashes flutter flawlessly and your makeup stays put.
Lashes: Handle With Care
The First 24 Hours: Hands Off!
Much like a freshly baked soufflé, your lashes need a bit of time to settle. The first rule of lash aftercare? Don’t touch! Resist the urge to poke, rub, or pull – your lashes are in a delicate phase and can easily lose their curl or shape. Keep water at bay for at least 24 hours, as moisture is no friend to freshly applied lash extensions.
Skip the Mascara
You’ve invested in lash extensions to simplify your routine, so ditch the mascara! Applying mascara to extensions is the equivalent of adding an extra layer of wallpaper to an already perfectly painted room – unnecessary and counterproductive. Not only can mascara damage the delicate lash fibres, but removing it can tug at your extensions, causing premature shedding.
For professional lash treatments and maintenance advice, it’s worth consulting the experts at Designer Lashes. They provide invaluable guidance to ensure your lashes look their best for as long as possible.
Say No to Oil-Based Products
Oil-based beauty products may be fabulous for your skin, but they’re the sworn enemy of lash glue. These products break down the adhesive, leaving you with less-than-lovely lashes. Opt for water-based cleansers and makeup removers instead to keep everything intact. Your lashes will thank you by staying in place for longer.
Comb and Conquer
A little daily brushing with a clean lash wand is all it takes to keep your extensions looking full and fluffy. Gentle combing helps to separate the lashes, preventing any unsightly clumping. Think of it as your lash care ritual – a small task for big results.
Permanent Makeup: Patience is a Virtue
The Healing Process: Less is More
When it comes to permanent makeup – whether it’s eyeliner, brows, or lips – the key to healing is patience. In the first few days, you’ll notice some scabbing or flaking. Don’t panic! This is entirely normal and part of the process. The golden rule here? Hands off! Picking at scabs is not only tempting but also damaging – it can lead to patchy pigmentation and uneven healing.
Moisturise, but Don’t Overdo It
Your technician will likely recommend an aftercare ointment, and it’s crucial to apply it as instructed. However, over-moisturising can suffocate the healing skin and disrupt the pigment setting process. Apply just enough to keep the area from drying out, but don’t drown it in ointment.
Sun Protection is Essential
Your freshly inked skin is more sensitive than usual and needs protection from UV rays. Sun exposure can cause the pigment to fade or discolour. Invest in a good broad-spectrum SPF and avoid direct sunlight where possible – think of your skin as a priceless painting that needs protecting from the sun’s harsh glare.
Waterproof, but Not Invincible
It’s true – one of the benefits of permanent makeup is that it’s smudge-proof, but that doesn’t mean you should be cavalier. In the first week, keep your brows, liner, or lips away from excess moisture, swimming pools, and steamy showers. While it’s tempting to dive right in, especially after a morning gym session, you want to give your skin the best chance to heal smoothly.
For expert advice on caring for permanent makeup, Designer Permanent Makeup offers comprehensive guidance and touch-up services to help you maintain that perfect look.
The Golden Rule: Listen to Your Technician
Remember, your technician knows best. They’ve spent years perfecting their craft and will provide aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment. It might feel like a lot to remember at first, but following these guidelines ensures your lashes and permanent makeup stay flawless for as long as possible. Think of it this way: their job is to create magic, and yours is to maintain it.
Long-Term Care: Little Things, Big Results
Once the initial healing period is over, it’s easy to forget that ongoing care is still essential. For lashes, regular touch-ups every two to three weeks will keep them looking their best. For permanent makeup, top-up sessions may be required after a few months to ensure the pigment remains vibrant.
A few key habits to develop include:
- Gentle Cleansing: Always use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser to avoid disrupting the lashes or pigment.
- Avoiding Excessive Heat: Whether it’s a sauna, hot yoga, or a sun-soaked holiday, remember that extreme heat can weaken lash adhesive and fade permanent makeup over time.
- Regular Hydration: Hydrated skin heals better and retains pigment longer. Drink plenty of water and consider a good moisturiser to keep your skin glowing and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Lashes and permanent makeup are more than just beauty treatments; they’re confidence boosters that save time and simplify your routine. Caring for them may require a little effort, but the reward is well worth it. By following these aftercare tips, you’ll ensure your enhancements look fresh and flawless for as long as possible.
So, treat your lashes and permanent makeup like the treasures they are. After all, in the world of beauty, a little TLC goes a long way – and trust us, your reflection will thank you for it.