Permanent Makeup
Permanent makeup is a form of cosmetic tattooing that enhances the brows, eyes, and lips with natural-looking pigment designed to fade gradually over time. Whether you’re looking to restore lost definition or simply save time getting ready, PMU creates long-lasting definition that won’t smudge, wash off, or need to be reapplied daily, offering long-lasting, low-maintenance results, tailored to you.
Permanent or Semi Permanent?
You may hear it called semi-permanent makeup, micropigmentation, or cosmetic tattooing — all of these terms refer to the same process. Technically, neither “permanent” nor “semi-permanent” is completely accurate. The pigment is implanted into the skin in a way that fades over time and will require maintenance (albeit low maintenance) to keep the results looking fresh over time, with retouches recommended every 1-3 years. However, should no further treatments take place, there is no guarantee that all pigment will disappear entirely — meaning the term “semi-permanent” can be misleading.
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At Alchemy Cosmedics, we take a skin-first approach. With years of expertise and an artistic eye, we create soft, flattering enhancements that suit each individual face. Whether you're seeking barely-there definition or a fuller, makeup-inspired effect, we tailor every treatment to you.
Brow Techniques + Styles
The world of permanent makeup can be confusing, with so many different names for techniques — hairstrokes, powder, ombré, combination, fusion, hyper realism... the list is endless. The truth is, most of these are simply marketing terms. In reality, there are two core methods: hairstrokes and shading. These can be used on their own or blended together in countless ways to create your desired look.
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A common misconception is that hairstrokes is the only natural option, while shading (sometimes called powder brows or ombré brows) creates a bold, “makeup” effect. This is not true. Both techniques can deliver incredibly soft, subtle, natural-looking results — or a more defined finish, depending on your goals.
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The best approach for you depends on a variety of factors: your personal style, the amount, texture and placement of your natural brow hair, your skin type and your lifestyle. This is why every treatment begins with a thorough in-person consultation. We’ll assess your features, talk through your preferences and work together with you, to create your dream results.
Lip Blush
We offer a broad and versatile pigment range to suit all skin tones and aesthetic preferences — from subtle, barely-there tints to richer, more defined “lipstick-like” results. While our signature style leans towards natural, timeless enhancements that age beautifully, we are experienced in creating both soft and bolder finishes — depending on your goals.
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Although pigment is never placed outside the vermillion border, we can still create the illusion of fuller, more youthful lips by restoring lost definition to the very edge. As we age, it’s common to lose pigment around the lip line, which can cause lips to appear smaller and less defined.
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It’s also common for the upper lip to be lighter than the lower naturally — lip blush balances this beautifully, helping to enhance overall shape, symmetry, and colour harmony, all while giving a healthy, fresh finish that’s tailored specifically to you.
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We also offer dark lip neutralisation, a specialised technique designed to soften cool, dark, or uneven tones in melanin-rich lips before introducing your chosen colour. This approach is ideal for clients with deeper natural pigmentation looking for a lighter, more balanced, even-toned result. Dark Lip Neutralisation tends to require 1-2 additional sessions, depending on the starting depth of pigmentation and the desired final result.
The Process
After a comprehensive, in-person consultation, all permanent makeup treatments are completed in two stages:
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The Initial Treatment — where pigment is implanted conservatively to begin building the desired shape, colour, and density.
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The Retouch — performed between 4–12 weeks later, once the skin has fully healed. This allows us to fine-tune the results, adjusting the tone, saturation, or shape as needed.
Permanent makeup is a healing process, and true results are only visible once both stages are complete and fully healed.
Our approach is always to err on the side of subtlety in the initial session — especially for clients who are new or nervous. We would always rather you return asking to go darker, bolder, or fuller at the retouch, than wish we’d done less.
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When scheduling your PMU appointment, please ensure you allow 2 weeks before any special events, sun holidays or spa days/swimming/sauna/steam.
PMU Prep
Leading up to your appointment, it is important to keep yourself well hydrated and keep the treatment area well moisturised. You will also need to AVOID the following:
On The Day:
• Excess Caffeine
• Strenuous Exercise
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24 hrs Prior:
• NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac. (However, please do not discontinue any prescribed medication without medical consent.)
• Alcohol
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1 Week Prior:
• Anticoagulants such as aspirin & warfarin. (However please do not discontinue any prescribed medication without medical consent).
• Supplements that are known to thin the blood. • Fake tan application.
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2 Weeks Prior:
• Botox in the treatment area. (You will also need to wait until your retouch is complete before having Botox).
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1 Month Prior:
• AHA’s, retinol, tretinoin, chemical peels or any regenerating treatments such as micro needling within 3cm of the treatment area.
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Additionally:
Brow Specific
• Arrive to your appointment with your everyday makeup (if you wear it) so that we can see how you usually draw in your brows.
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• Do not tint your brows within the 2 weeks leading up to your appointment.
• Do not wax or thread your brows within the 48hrs leading up to your appointment.
Lip Specific
• Bring your desired lip shade or your ‘everyday’ lipstick/liner to your appointment with you.
• Moisturise your lips for 1 week prior to your treatment (as often as you like). Vitamin E oil is amazing for this - apply as a topical oil to your lips.
• Gently exfoliate your lips the day before your appointment. You can do this with a lip scrub or gently brush your toothbrush over your lips.
• If you suffer from cold sores, please call us to discuss.
• Do not have any filler injected in the 6 weeks leading up to your appointment.
Eye Specific
• If you wear contact lenses, please remove them prior to your appointment and bring your glasses with you instead.
• Have any eyelash extensions professionally removed at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.
• Do not use lash growth serums in the 6 months leading up to your appointment.
• Do not wear any mascara or eye makeup on the day of your appointment.
• Do not tint your lashes or have a lash lifting treatment within the week leading up to your appointment.