after the appointment
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Do not take Advil or other blood thinners such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Niacin or Vitamin-E for 72 hours prior to your appointment (if you are taking prescription blood thinners or are on an aspirin regimen DO NOT stop taking without consulting your physician)
No waxing, tanning, tinting or tweezing 72 hours before your appointment.
No electrolysis treatments 5 days before your appointment.
No Botox, collagen or fat injections 2 weeks before your appointment.
No AHA prescriptions creams 2 weeks before your appointment.
No chemical or laser treatments 6 weeks before your appointment.
Do not use Retin-A or products containing retinol 2 weeks before your appointment.
Wear your normal make-up the day of so we can get a sense of what your daily make-up routine is.
before the appointment
Leave post-care ointment applied to Microbladed brows for 6 to 8 hours after the appointment. Pat with a dry paper towel to remove.
24 hours post-session, start cleaning the brows 2-3 times a day. Pat gently with warm water then immediately pat dry with a paper towel. 48 hours post-session, you are welcome to use a gentle cleanser on brows to keep clean.
Avoid scratching or rubbing motion on brows. DO NOT prematurely pull at scabs.
NO working out or sweating for 7 to 10 days post-session.
Keep brows as dry as possible! Apply a small amount of coconut oil or aftercare provided if brows are extremely itchy or flaky.
microblading & Nano steps
step five: tattooing
The pigment mix will be based on your goals for the healed results, your skin's undertones, and your natural brow color. The chosen color will be discussed and agreed upon before the tattooing portion of the appointment begins.
step one: consultation
We'll assess your natural eyebrow shape together to decide where to add for a fuller look. Please come with your brows styled as usual so we can understand your preferences. We'll examine your bare, natural eyebrows to understand the starting point and discuss your goals openly. Before and after photos will be taken for comparison.
step two: measurements
The following step includes using calipers and wax thread to measure your brows for alignment and evenness. We'll have a conversation with you about your desired outcome, whether you prefer a natural or bold look. When discussing the shape, we'll offer a professional recommendation tailored to your natural brow shape and facial structure. For the initial session, we typically opt for a natural approach, as we can enhance depth and density during the complimentary touch-up session scheduled 6 to 8 weeks later.
step three: OUTLINE
After we have agreed on the shape and overall finished look you desire, we will proceed to draw the brow outline. This will appear as a black box outline around the brow, helping us ensure the shape, size, and positioning meet your preferences before beginning the tattooing process. To further illustrate the future outcome of the final look, your artist may choose to pre-draw the hairstrokes that will be followed, providing a clear image of the final product.
step four : mixing the color
If you're concerned about pain, there's no need to worry! We use multiple numbing agents during the procedure, and most clients find it very comfortable, with some even falling asleep! Before beginning, the brows will be numbed for 15-20 minutes. The process of both Microblading and Nano brows involves multiple passes with numbing being reapplied throughout to ensure maximum comfort. After all passes are completed, your eyebrows may appear to have an auburn tint. Any redness from the procedure typically subsides within a few hours, and the red tint to the pigment color neutralizes within 2 to 6 days. Immediately after your appointment, your brows may be about 15 to 20 percent darker than when they are fully healed. The healed results vary depending on aftercare, skin type, and lifestyle.
step six : touch up session
To achieve the full effect of the cosmetic tattooing, a second session is required and will be booked before you leave the appointment. Touch-ups are done 6 to 8 weeks after your first session. During the touch-up, we will discuss the results so far and decide if you would like to add to them or go darker with the pigment choice. The process and aftercare for your touch-up session are similar to the initial session.
brows
healing expectations
SKIN HEALING RATE DIFFERS FROM PERSON TO PERSON. THE FOLLOWING TIMELINE IS WHAT TYPICALLY HAPPENS:
Day 1 – 2: The eyebrows are approximately 15 to 25 percent bolder in colour and size. There will be slight swelling and redness to the pigment colour and skin.
Day 2 - 5: Eyebrows will begin to itch and will still appear thicker. DO NOT SCRATCH your brows. You may tap them lightly to alleviate the itch.
Day 5 - 10: The skin begins to flake and peel, which may cause the brows to appear uneven in colour.
Day 10- 15: As the skin heals over the tattooing, it will look as if the ink is disappearing. Not to worry, they will darken again over the next couple of weeks.
Day 15 - 30: The colour begins to stabilize and show through brighter. If certain areas are patchy, they can be fixed at the touch-up.
LIPS
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ:
If you have ever had a cold sore, you will need to get your doctor to prescribe you an antiviral medication such as Valtrex. Tattooing causes trauma to the lip and you will have a heightened risk of outbreak if you have the virus anywhere in your body. This reaction can be quite severe if proper precautions are not taken!
BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT
- You cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding.
- NO alcohol 24 hours before your appointment.
- NO caffeine on the day of your appointment.
- NO blood thinners for two weeks before your appointment.
- NO exercise on the day of your procedure.
- Arnica Montana 30c is a safe, effective, over-the-counter medication that has been proven to help prevent bleeding, bruising, and swelling. We typically recommend taking this 3 to 5 days prior to your procedure; however, always consult your physician before taking any new medication.
- If you suffer from cold sores or have had a cold sore before, you MUST take cold sore medication 3 days prior to your appointment, on the day of the appointment, and subsequently (continue to take for at least 3 days after your procedure depending on your physician's recommendations). If no medication is taken, you may experience heightened pain, bruising, inflammation, and will be at a heightened risk of breakout! Please consult your physician for their recommendation.
- NO Botox in the lip area or lip filler/injections 4 weeks before your appointment (injections need 4 weeks to settle).
- NO deep exfoliation (such as a chemical peel) 2 weeks before your appointment.
- NO chapped, dry, or flaky lips, and lips should not have open cuts or sores (on or around lips) prior to your procedure. The process will be uncomfortable and may result in trauma/bleeding, and the healing results may be patchy leading to additional sessions.
- NO antibiotics 2 months before your appointment, as your body may reject pigment if antibiotics are in your system.
- NO lip tint, lipstick, or any products on lips on the day of the procedure, EXCEPT a clear moisturizing lip balm/mask. The artist needs to see your natural lip colour. Feel free to bring in lipstick with your desired lip colour to show the artist any preferences.
FOR BEST RESULTS
For best results, gently exfoliate your lips before bed with a lip scrub or baking soda and water (forming a thick paste) for 1 to 3 minutes and immediately moisturize with a lip mask 3 to 5 days prior to your appointment.
AFTER THE APPOINTMENT
- NO application of any lip makeup for 1 week other than the healing balm that is given to you
- NO scratching, picking or licking of dry skin or flakiness;
- NO super spicy foods for 24 hours following your appointment;
- NO foreign body fluids in or around the lips for 5 days following your appointment.
- NO activities that will cause extreme sweating for 5 days following your appointment.
- NO swimming pools, hot tubs or other bodies of water for 5 days following your appointment
- NO UV exposure (including tanning booths) for 5 days following your appointment
- NO laser light therapy (it can darken/lighten or distort the pigment in the lip)
- NO exfoliants, retinol acids, glycolic acids or alpha hydroxy acids on the area for 30 days following your appointment (causes premature fading)
- NO massages, facials or skin treatments for 5 days following your appointment.
LIP FAQ
Who is not a good candidate for lip blushing?
You are currently pregnant. You have cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. You are on a steroid medication and Prednisone (you must be off the medication for at least 2 months before your appointment). You have an open wound. You have extremely thin and wrinkled skin. You have a bacterial or viral infection.
What level of pain can I expect?
We will ALWAYS use a numbing cream throughout the procedure to ensure the most comfortable experience possible. If you have any allergies to anesthetics, please let us know on the consent form prior to the appointment.
What will the finished colour look like?
The colour we decide on will fade 40 to 60% from what it initially looks like right after the session. It takes between 30 to 45 days for the healed and true colour to be produced.
What if I have lip filler?
Having lip filler pairs great with lip blushing! But please wait at least 4 weeks after getting lip filler to book your appointment as your lips need to settle into their new shape and volume.
What if I want lip liner instead of full lips?
Ombré lips is what we do instead of lip liner, as an actual line of colour is too harsh. Ombré lips consist of tattooed liner with an ombré effect in towards the center of the lips for a more natural contouring. Brookeinkorporated specializes in this technique.
How long does lip blush last?
Lip blushing typically lasts 2 to 3 years depending on your skins regeneration rate. After your touch up, you don’t need to come back until you feel it’s faded beyond your liking.
Why does my lip blush fade over time?
The technique used in lip blushing only penetrates into the epidermis of the skin, and not into the dermis like a traditional tattoo. As a result, the skin naturally breaks down the pigment over time. Placing pigment into the dermis of the lips would cause discolouration in the future! This is also why there is minimal to no bleeding during the procedure.
Can I change the colour at the touch up appointment?
We can always modify the colour at your touch up. If you are wanting a warmer or cooler tone, or a more red, orange or pink colour, adjustments can be made. But depending on the pigment, sometimes it is not possible to completely change the tone.
Why does someone with dark lips require multiple sessions?
Dark Lips are harder to cover because the skin on the lips is generally thicker, and the natural dark pigment in the lips has to be neutralized in order to retain and show another colour.
Can lip blush cover a scar or discolouration?
It can! Lip blushing can help camouflage scars and discolouration. Please be aware that depending on the scar and the skin, it could take multiple sessions to achieve the coverage desired.
Can I bring my favourite lipstick or reference photo to colour match?
Please feel free to bring any lipsticks or photos for reference to your appointment.
lashes
BEFORE YOUR NEXT FILL
Try not to touch your lashes, especially for the first few hours following your appointment. The more you touch them, the more oils from your fingers get on them, and the more strain on the lash root.
Keep them as dry as possible for at least 24 to 36 hours following your appointment. This means it’s ideal if you don’t wash your hair during this time. However, if you need to, use only lukewarm water and keep water off your eyes. This also includes avoiding steamy environments, very hot showers, spas, saunas, and more for 24 hours at a minimum. If it’s a very hot and humid day, try to stay out of the heat. All of this will allow the adhesive to cure as strongly as possible.
24 hours following your appointment, your lashes are technically waterproof. However, if you are swimming or sitting in a hot spa daily, they probably won’t last quite as long as if you didn’t, typically from rubbing when water gets in your eyes.
If you have a very oily face, try to control this as much as possible with blotting papers, mattifying lotions, and by using an oil-control moisturizer.
Make sure you are using oil-free products on your face, particularly eye makeup removers and cleansers.
Clean them properly at least a few times a week with a foaming lash cleanser. Baby shampoo in very small amounts is okay too.
Let us know before your infill if you think you will need more time because you have lost more lashes than expected, or want to upgrade to a thicker set (or more lashes).
Let us know if you have any concerns or questions. We’re always happy to help!
AFTERCARE
Booking in advance is advisable, especially for evening and weekend appointments, as these times tend to be in high demand and may be fully booked months ahead.
Please inform us if you would like any adjustments made (such as upgrading to a thicker set or trying volume instead of classic), as different types of lashes require additional time.
Ensure that you are not wearing any eye makeup and that your eyes are thoroughly clean. Unclean lids and lashes, including unseen elements like lash mites, which flourish in unclean conditions, can hinder the bonding of extensions and may result in shorter-lasting results.
EYELINER
AFTERCARE
Apply the provided A&D ointment with a q-tip to keep the tattoo moisturized as it heals.
Dab your tattoo in the morning and at night with a wet cotton pad with either just water or water and non-alcoholic unscented soap, then dry thoroughly.
When scabbing occurs, let them fall off naturally. If they are caught in your lashes, wet your finger, lashes and skin with water before attempting to remove the scabs from your lashes.
If the scab is still attached to your skin, do not pull it off as this can cause bleeding and loss of pigment.
Stop using the ointment when there is no more scabbing.
EYELINER faq
When can I wear contact lenses and use eye drops?
You must wait 24 hours before using contacts, and you must wait until tattoo is healed to use eye drops. If you are planning on driving after your appointment, please bring your prescription glasses.
How much lighter will it heal?
It will heal about 30% lighter than the colour immediately after the tattoo.
How long is healing?
Scabbing will form during days 3 to 7 and can scab up until day 10. After the scabs fall off naturally, the colour will change much like lip blushing. Results can appear lighter or darker than what they will heal as 30 days following your appointment.
What is the pain level?
I use topical anesthetic throughout the procedure to ensure the most comfort possible. Clients say the pain level is a 1 to 3 on a scale of 10. Typically lash enhancements are the least painful cosmetic procedure and can even be done comfortably without anesthetic.
Will my eyes be swollen?
Your skin will be slightly swollen right after your appointment and may make your tattoo appear thicker than it really is. Swelling will go down within 12 to 24 hours.
Does Lash Serum impact colour retention?
If you are currently using a lash serum you should stop using it at least 2 months prior to your appointment. The lash serum causes bad colour retention and you will require more touch ups. You have to give up one to get the other! Even once your tattoo is healed, applying lash serums can cause your tattoo to fade prematurely.
Can you neutralize my eyeliner?
There is no neutralization for eyeliner like there is for eyebrows, there is only coverups!
What if I have eyelash extensions?
Please remove them for this procedure and do not have them redone until your tattoo is healed after the touch up appointment (3 to 4 weeks after touch up). Lash extensions can irritate the eye skin, can prevent the scabs from shedding easily/naturally, and the adhesive can react with the tattoo.
When can I wear mascara again?
No makeup can be worn on the lashes or eyes close to the tattoo until the scabs are gone. Afterward, you should wear NEW mascara to avoid cross-contamination of an old mascara wand.
When can I wear lash adhesive again?
Do not use fake lashes with lash adhesive until the tattoo is completely healed to avoid irritation and infection.
What about lash lift and or tint?
Please wait to get a lash lift and/or tint until your tattoo is healed from the touch up session. Though these pair great together, it is important that your tattoo is healed to avoid any reactions between the tattoo and the perm solution as much as possible! If you already have a lash lift and/or tint, please wait until your lashes have fallen more, preferably 4 to 6 weeks after, to avoid a reaction between the solution and the pigment.
Should I do Lash Enhancement or Classic Liner?
Direct message me to discuss your goals and questions, and we can come up with a liner look that suits you. Lash Enhancement is part of every liner procedure, so we can always stop after that and see if you want to build it up from there.
Who isn’t a candidate for Lash Enhancement or Classic Liner?
Someone with very droopy eye lids, or a very extreme mono-lid are not good candidates for classic liner. Everyone is a good candidate for lash enhancement, no matter your age or eye shape. Clients who currently have cancer or are undergoing chemo treatments are not good candidates for any tattoo procedures.
STUDIO POLICY
Please read carefully
All appointments and deposits are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you choose to switch your appointment to another artist, you must cancel your first appointment and rebook. If you receive your first session from a particular artist, that same artist will carry out your future appointments. If you decide to go to a different artist for any additional appointments, you will have to pay the initial full price again.
If you need to reschedule or change your appointment, please do so online or email YOUR ARTIST DIRECTLY. Contact emails can be found for each artist on our "CONTACT" page.
It is a requirement to read through and clearly understand the FAQ and INFO page for pre-procedure instructions. If you have any questions, please reach out to your artist to clarify immediately. If you arrive at your appointment and are unable to receive your procedure due to a contraindication, you will forfeit the deposit fee and will need to pay a new deposit to rebook.
For all services, we require 48 hours notice if you decide to reschedule your appointment. If 48 hours is not provided, you will automatically forfeit your deposit.
If you choose to cancel your appointment, you will automatically forfeit your deposit.
Our minimum age requirement for a tattoo is 18 years old.
If a complimentary touch up is rescheduled/canceled within the 48 hour time frame, there will be a $50 charge for the service.
If you've had any work done by a previous artist, please submit clear photos to get approved before booking. All previous work is considered a full service.
NO kids or pets allowed due to cross contamination and interruption. Please limit to 1 guest.
