Permanent Makeup Touch-Up: Keep Your Look Fresh and Defined
Sandy Osterlade
Senior Permanent Makeup Artist
April 25, 2025
To maintain the longevity of your permanent makeup, regular touch-ups are essential. Learn why touch-ups are important for keeping your brows, eyeliner, and lips looking as perfect as the first day.
Why You Need a Permanent Makeup Touch-Up
Permanent makeup can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and the area of the face. Over time, the pigment can naturally fade due to factors like sun exposure, skin regeneration, and everyday wear. A touch-up ensures your permanent makeup stays vibrant and well-defined. Whether it’s brows, eyeliner, or lips, a touch-up refreshes the colour and shape to ensure your look remains flawless.
Even with great aftercare, touch-ups are a normal part of the permanent makeup process. They allow the artist to adjust the shape, density, and intensity of the pigment to match your evolving preferences or needs. This helps keep your permanent makeup looking fresh without compromising the natural look.
When Should You Book Your Touch-Up Appointment?
Generally, a permanent makeup touch-up is recommended between 6 to 12 months after the initial procedure, depending on how your skin reacts and the area treated. For example, eyebrows may need a touch-up sooner than eyeliner or lip blush because of their exposure to oil and natural wear from facial expressions. If you notice fading, uneven colour, or areas that need more definition, it’s time to schedule a touch-up.
Don’t wait too long to schedule your touch-up appointment, as delaying it too long may require a more intensive session to restore your makeup. Regular touch-ups can help maintain the integrity of the pigments and keep them looking as natural as possible.
What to Expect During Your Permanent Makeup Touch-Up
A touch-up session is generally shorter than the initial application. Your artist will assess the work done during the first session and address any areas that need more pigment or shape adjustment. Most clients report that touch-ups are more comfortable than the initial procedure, as the skin has already undergone the healing process. However, some slight tenderness may still occur.
Before your touch-up appointment, it’s important to follow the same aftercare guidelines as you did after the first treatment. Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, or anything that could irritate your skin. Your artist may also recommend avoiding makeup or other products on the treated areas before the session.
Aftercare Tips for a Successful Touch-Up
After your touch-up appointment, the healing process is similar to the initial treatment. Expect some redness, mild swelling, and possibly flaking as your skin heals. It's crucial to avoid picking or scratching the treated areas, as this can cause the pigment to fade unevenly.
For the best results, follow your artist’s aftercare instructions. Typically, you should avoid getting the treated areas wet for a few days and keep them moisturized with the recommended ointment. Limit sun exposure, sweating, and steam in the first few days, and avoid using makeup on the freshly treated area until it’s fully healed.