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I was asked this question during a consultation recently and, to be honest, I think it’s a really good question.
If you’re considering permanent makeup, you’ve probably noticed that prices can vary quite a lot. So why do some permanent makeup artists charge significantly more than others?
The answer is that you’re not just paying for the treatment itself. What you’re really paying for is the years of training, knowledge and experience behind every decision your artist makes. After 21 years as a permanent makeup artist and more than 15,000 treatments, I’ve learnt that creating beautiful permanent makeup isn’t just about how it looks when you leave the clinic.
It’s about creating results that heal well, soften naturally and continue to look beautiful for years to come.
Long before I start your treatment, I’m already assessing your skin, considering which pigment is most suitable, the technique I’m going to use and how your skin is likely to heal. Those decisions can make a huge difference to your final result. Experience also teaches you things that simply can’t be learnt on a training course.
Over the years, I’ve learnt how different pigments heal in different skin types, when to adapt my technique, when to change my needle or machine settings and, just as importantly, when to say no because a treatment isn’t in the client’s best interests. That judgement comes from treating real people, not just completing a qualification.
Now, can someone charging less still do a lovely job? Absolutely.
Every experienced artist was once a beginner, and price alone doesn’t determine how skilled someone is. There are many talented artists building their experience every day. What experience does bring is confidence, consistency and the ability to make better decisions before the needle even touches the skin. Those decisions can have a significant impact on how your permanent makeup heals and how it looks in the years ahead. It’s also worth remembering that permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattoo. Although it softens and fades over time, it is still something you’ll wear on your face for many years.
So my advice is simple. Don’t choose your permanent makeup artist on price alone.
Take time to look at their work and make sure you genuinely like their style. Ask to see healed results as well as fresh treatments because healed results tell you far more about the quality of an artist’s work. Read reviews, ask questions and choose someone you trust. Whether you choose me or another practitioner, I simply want you to make an informed decision.
Because permanent makeup isn’t just about today’s treatment. It’s about achieving results you’ll still be happy with every time you look in the mirror for years to come.