Frequently Asked Questions

Permanent makeup, also known as PMU or cosmetic tattooing, is a technique that deposits pigment into the upper layers of the skin to enhance facial features like brows, lips, and eyes. Unlike traditional body tattoos, PMU uses specialized pigments designed to fade gradually over time, which is why the term semi-permanent makeup is also used. The result is a natural-looking enhancement that simplifies your daily beauty routine. You wake up with brows that are already shaped and filled, lips that have colour and definition, or eyes that look lined and defined without any product. Results typically last 1 to 3 years depending on the technique, skin type, and aftercare. At Anna Permanent Makeup Studio in Orléans, Ontario, all PMU procedures include a thorough consultation and custom design tailored to your features.

Pricing depends on the service and technique. Each PMU service has its own pricing structure based on the complexity and time involved. A perfecting touch-up is recommended 6 to 8 weeks after your initial appointment and is priced separately. Visit the pricing page for current pricing, or book a consultation to discuss which service is right for you.

Yes, permanent makeup is safe when performed by a trained, certified artist in a properly sanitized studio. At Anna Permanent Makeup Studio in Orléans, Ontario, every procedure follows strict hygiene protocols in accordance with Ontario health and safety regulations, including Ontario Regulation 136/18 for personal service settings. Anna uses single-use, disposable needles and cartridges for every client, medical-grade sterilization for all reusable tools, and works exclusively with pigments that meet Health Canada safety standards. A health history review is completed before every procedure to ensure you are a good candidate. The studio is subject to Ottawa Public Health inspections, and clients are welcome to ask about safety protocols at any time.

Most clients describe the sensation as light scratching or a mild buzzing feeling rather than sharp pain. A topical numbing cream is applied before every procedure and reapplied as needed throughout the session. Brow procedures are generally the most comfortable, while lip blush can feel slightly more sensitive in certain areas, though numbing helps keep the procedure very manageable.

For eyeliner, the biggest concern is usually the idea of having a procedure so close to the eyes. The eyes remain gently closed throughout the procedure, and clients typically feel much more relaxed once we begin. Anna works slowly, safely, and checks in with you throughout the appointment to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease.

Right after your appointment, the treated area will look darker and more defined than the final result. This is completely normal. Days 1 to 2 may bring some swelling and tightness. Around days 3 to 7, the top layer of pigment begins to flake naturally. Do not pick at it, as lifting the skin early can pull pigment out and affect your results. Around days 10 to 14, many clients go through what is called the ghost phase, where the colour appears to have almost disappeared. This is temporary. The true colour gradually re-emerges as the skin finishes healing. Full healing takes 4 to 6 weeks. A perfecting touch-up is recommended 6 to 8 weeks after your initial appointment to refine the shape and fill in any areas that healed lighter.

Results typically last 1 to 3 years depending on the technique, your skin type, and how you care for the area. Powder brows tend to hold the longest. Hair strokes are softer and may fade sooner, especially on oily skin. Lip blush and eyeliner generally fall in the 1 to 3 year range as well. Results can last longer, but the colour will gradually soften and dull over time. A yearly refresh is the best way to keep everything looking fresh and true to your original colour.

These are distinct techniques that each create a different look. Ombre powder brows use a machine to deposit tiny dots of pigment in a soft, graduated fill, lighter at the front of the brow and gradually richer toward the tail. The result looks like perfectly applied brow powder. This technique works on all skin types, including oily skin, and tends to hold its colour the longest. Hair stroke brows use a fine needle to create individual lines that mimic the look of real brow hairs. The result is soft and natural, as though you simply have full, well-shaped brows rather than brows that have been filled in. Hair strokes are best suited to normal to dry skin types. Combination brows blend both approaches, with hair strokes at the front of the brow for a realistic, feathered look and soft powder shading through the body and tail for depth and definition. During your consultation, Anna will assess your skin type, natural brow hair, and the look you are going for to recommend the technique that will heal best and last longest for you.

Yes, Anna works with all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, mature, and sensitive skin. Skin type does influence which technique will give you the best results and the longest-lasting retention. Oily skin tends to cause finer hair stroke techniques to soften and blur faster, which is why ombre powder brows or combination brows are often the better recommendation for oily skin types. Dry skin generally holds pigment well across all techniques. Mature or aging skin can absolutely receive permanent makeup, though the approach is adjusted to suit thinner, more delicate skin. Sensitive skin types can still receive PMU, with appropriate pigment selection and a careful technique. During your consultation, Anna assesses your skin's oil production, texture, tone, and elasticity before recommending the approach that will heal best and retain the most colour for you specifically.

Lip blush is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo that enhances your natural lip colour, defines the border, and corrects any unevenness or asymmetry. Unlike traditional lip tattoos, lip blush is applied in soft, layered passes to create a natural tint, like you are always wearing your perfect shade without any product. It is a great option for anyone who wants to even out their lip tone, restore colour that has faded with age, or simply skip the daily lip routine. Lip blush is also well suited for clients who have had lip filler and have noticed their natural lip border becoming less defined. The added definition from lip blush can help restore that border and reduce the appearance of filler migration. Results typically last 1 to 3 years. If you are prone to cold sores, Anna will discuss preventive steps with you before booking.

These are two different levels of the same concept. Lash line enhancement is the most subtle form of permanent eye makeup. Pigment is placed directly between and along the base of your natural lash hairs, creating the illusion of thicker, darker, fuller lashes with zero visible liner. It is virtually undetectable: people will notice your eyes look brighter and more defined, but they will not be able to tell you have had anything done. Permanent eyeliner is a more visible, defined line along the lash line. Depending on your preference, Anna can create a thin, classic liner look, a slightly thicker line for more definition, or a soft shadow effect. Both options are fully customized to your eye shape, lid structure, and personal style. During your consultation, you will discuss which option feels right for the look you want to achieve.

Your first appointment builds the foundation. Over the following 4 to 6 weeks, your skin heals and processes the pigment in its own way. Some areas may retain less colour than others, and the overall shade typically settles softer than it looks right after the appointment. This is completely normal. The perfecting touch-up, scheduled 6 to 8 weeks later, is where Anna refines the shape, fills in any areas that healed lighter, and adjusts the colour to your preference. It is a separate appointment and is priced accordingly. Most clients find it makes a meaningful difference in the final result.

Proper preparation helps ensure the best possible results and a comfortable experience. In the 24 to 48 hours before your appointment, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can increase bleeding and affect pigment retention. Do not wax, thread, tint, or use chemical exfoliants on the treatment area for at least one week before your appointment. If you are booking lip blush and are prone to cold sores, speak with your doctor about taking an antiviral medication starting a few days before your procedure. For permanent eyeliner, remove any lash extensions at least 48 hours before your appointment and stop using lash growth serums one week prior. Arrive with clean skin in the treatment area, with no makeup, serums, or heavy moisturizers on or around the area being treated. Anna will send you a detailed pre-care guide specific to your service when you book.

Yes. You can browse the gallery on this site for healed results across brows, lips, and eyes. You can also follow Anna on Instagram at @annapmustudio to see the latest work and behind-the-scenes content from the studio.

Permanent makeup is not recommended for clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as a precaution for both mother and baby. Certain medical conditions may also affect your eligibility, including autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, active skin conditions in the treatment area such as eczema, psoriasis, or active acne, bleeding disorders, and a history of keloid scarring. Medications like blood thinners, Accutane, and retinol can also affect healing and pigment retention. If you have any health concerns or are unsure whether you are a good candidate, please reach out before booking. Anna will review your health history during your consultation and let you know if any adjustments need to be made.

Consultations are recommended but not required. If you are new to permanent makeup or have specific questions about which technique is right for you, a consultation is a great first step. Anna will assess your skin type, discuss your goals, review your health history, and walk you through what to expect. If you already know what you want, you are welcome to book your appointment directly. Either way, there is always time at the start of your appointment to go over your design and ask any questions before anything is applied.

Anna works exclusively with high-quality, Health Canada compliant pigments from trusted professional brands including Hanafy and Perma Blend. For brows and eyeliner, she uses Hanafy pigments, known for their soft healed results, colour stability, and natural-looking finish over time. For lips, she uses Perma Blend pigments, a long-standing industry favourite recognized for their beautiful healed colours and consistency.

Single-use, sterile needle cartridges are used for every client and disposed of immediately after each appointment. No needle or cartridge is ever reused. All reusable tools are sterilized between clients following Ontario health and safety regulations.

If you have specific sensitivities or allergies, please mention them when booking so Anna can review the ingredients and confirm the products are appropriate for you.

Anna Permanent Makeup Studio is located at 205-2742 St-Joseph Blvd in Orléans, Ontario K1C 1G5. The studio offers a private, comfortable, and clinical-grade setting with easy access and free parking. Anna serves clients from across the Ottawa region, including Gloucester, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Centretown, Westboro, Rockland, and surrounding communities. The studio is conveniently located in the heart of Orléans with quick access from Highway 174.

You can book directly through the website using the online booking system, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply choose your preferred service and time slot, and you will receive an instant confirmation. If you are new to permanent makeup and would like to chat first, you can book a consultation as your first step. If you already know what you want, you are welcome to book your appointment directly. If you have questions before booking, feel free to reach out through the contact page or send a message on Instagram. Anna responds to all inquiries personally.