Cosmetic Tattooing
From From $450
Cosmetic Tattooing
Wake up beautiful with semi-permanent makeup that enhances your natural features
The Art of Permanent Beauty
Cosmetic Tattooing, also known as semi-permanent makeup, is a beauty treatment that involves the controlled insertion of safe color pigments into the skin. This instantly improves the appearance of your features and can save you time on your daily beauty routine.
Our experienced technicians specialize in creating natural, flattering results that enhance your facial features while ensuring they still look authentic and suit your unique face. We use only the highest quality pigments available in the market, with a diverse range of colors specifically formulated to match any skin tone perfectly.
Available at our Richmond and Springvale studios, serving Melbourne's inner east and southeast communities with premium cosmetic tattooing services for lips, eyeliner, and brows.
Understanding Cosmetic Tattooing
The science and artistry behind semi-permanent makeup
How Cosmetic Tattooing Differs from Traditional Tattoos
Cosmetic tattooing (also called micropigmentation or semi-permanent makeup) uses different techniques, tools, and pigments than traditional body tattoos:
- Depth: Cosmetic tattoos deposit pigment in the upper dermis (0.5-1mm deep), while body tattoos go deeper (1.5-3mm). Shallower placement means eventual fading rather than permanent results.
- Pigments: We use iron oxide-based pigments formulated to fade naturally without turning blue or green like traditional carbon-based tattoo inks.
- Tools: Specialized PMU machines and needles designed for delicate facial work, allowing finer detail than tattoo machines.
- Purpose: Designed to enhance natural features, not create dramatic artistic designs.
Why Results Are Semi-Permanent
Several factors cause cosmetic tattoos to fade over 1-5 years:
- Skin cell turnover: The epidermis regenerates every 28-40 days, gradually pushing pigment out
- Immune response: Macrophages (immune cells) slowly break down and remove pigment particles
- Sun exposure: UV rays break down pigment molecules, accelerating fading
- Skincare products: Exfoliants, retinoids, and acids speed up cell turnover and fading
This gradual fading is actually a benefit—it allows you to adjust color and shape over time as trends and preferences change.
Choosing the Right Technique
Different facial areas and desired results require different techniques:
- Brows: Microblading (hair strokes), nano brows (digital hair strokes), ombré/powder (shading), or combo (both)
- Lips: Lip blush (full lip tint), lip liner (border definition), or neutralisation (color correction)
- Eyes: Lash enhancement (subtle density), classic eyeliner, or designer eyeliner (bold/winged)
During consultation, we'll assess your features, skin type, and goals to recommend the best technique for your desired result.
Our Cosmetic Tattooing Services
Lip Blushing
Semi-permanent technique that enhances the natural color and shape of your lips, creating a soft, natural-looking tint that can last 2-3 years.
What It Can Improve:
- Uneven lip tone or discoloration
- Asymmetrical lip shape
- Lips that have lost definition with age
- Creates the illusion of fuller lips
- Scars or imperfections on the lips
Eyeliner Enhancement
Permanent eyeliner creates a stunning, always-perfect lined effect that enhances your eye shape and eliminates daily eyeliner application.
Style Options:
- Lash Enhancement: Ultra-fine, natural look
- Classic Eyeliner: Defined, polished line
- Designer Eyeliner: Dramatic with wing effects
- Top and Bottom: Complete eye definition
Ombré Brows
Soft shading technique that creates a powdered effect, similar to brow powder. Perfect for those wanting a more defined, filled-in look with seamless gradation from light to dark.
Perfect For:
- Clients with oily skin
- Those wanting a makeup-like appearance
- People preferring filled-in brows
- Longer-lasting brow results
Signature Combo Brows
Our signature treatment combines both microblading and shading techniques for the most natural and dimensional look.
Unique Benefits:
- Perfect balance of hair strokes and fill
- Beautifully textured, 3D appearance
- Adapts to your unique facial features
- Most versatile brow option
The Process
Each cosmetic tattooing procedure follows our comprehensive process designed for optimal results
- Consultation: Thorough discussion about your desired results, analyzing your facial features and skin tone to create a personalized treatment plan.
- Design & Color Selection: Custom design your shape and select the perfect pigment shade from our premium collection to complement your coloring.
- Pain Management: Topical anesthetic applied before beginning and continuously reapplied throughout the entire treatment for maximum comfort.
- Application: Using state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques, we precisely apply the pigment to achieve the desired effect.
- Aftercare Guidance: Comprehensive aftercare instructions and products provided to ensure optimal healing and longevity.
- Perfection Visit: 6-8 weeks after your initial treatment, you'll return for a touch-up session to perfect your results.
Note on Pain Management: Unlike many other studios, we prioritize your comfort by continuously reapplying numbing throughout the entire procedure, not just at the beginning. This comprehensive approach is so effective that many clients even fall asleep during treatment.
Benefits of Cosmetic Tattooing
Time-Saving
Wake up with makeup already applied — no more daily routine
Long-lasting
Results last 1-3 years depending on the treatment
Waterproof & Smudge-proof
Perfect for active lifestyles and those with makeup allergies
Natural Enhancement
Enhances natural beauty while looking authentic
Investment in Your Confidence
Transparent pricing, exceptional value
Eyeliner
Lips
Our Premium Pigments
At Melbourne Designer Brows, we use only the highest quality pigments available in the market. Our premium collection includes:
- Diverse range of colors formulated to match any skin tone perfectly
- Professional-grade pigments chosen for longevity and color stability
- Hypoallergenic formulations suitable for sensitive skin
- Pigments that age beautifully, gradually fading without changing to unwanted tones
- Custom-blended shades tailored to your unique coloring
Our technicians have extensive training in color theory and skin undertone analysis, allowing them to select or custom-blend the perfect shade for your specific features.
Explore Our Brow Services
Looking for brow-specific treatments? We offer specialized techniques for beautiful, natural brows.
Visit Our Melbourne Studios
Two premium locations serving Melbourne's inner east and southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
With our continuous numbing protocol, most clients experience minimal to no discomfort. We apply premium topical numbing cream before the procedure AND continuously reapply throughout the entire session—not just at the start like many other studios. This comprehensive approach means most clients rate their comfort level at 1-2 out of 10 (or even 0), and many are so relaxed they actually fall asleep during their appointment. The sensation is typically described as light pressure rather than pain. The level of discomfort can vary by procedure area, with eyeliner being slightly more sensitive than lip or brow treatments, but our continuous numbing ensures comfort throughout.
Results typically last 1-3 years depending on the treatment area, your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare. Lip blushing generally lasts 2-3 years, eyeliner 3-5 years, and brow treatments 1-3 years. Factors that can affect longevity include sun exposure, skincare routines containing exfoliants or retinol, and how your body processes the pigment. Touch-ups are recommended every 12-18 months to maintain optimal results.
We use premium pigments from a manufacturer with over 30 years of expertise in permanent cosmetics. Our pigments are cruelty-free (PETA certified), vegan, and EU REACH compliant—tested according to EU Guidelines (ResAP 2008) which screen for over 93 harmful substances including carcinogenic compounds and allergens. Formulated without carbon black, our pigments won't turn blue or gray over time like inferior products. The result is exceptional color stability, true-to-color healing, and maximum retention—your results look beautiful for years, not just weeks.
The healing process varies by treatment but generally follows these stages: Initial 24-48 hours may involve some swelling and intensity of color; days 3-7 typically include flaking or scabbing as the skin heals; and after 7-14 days, the color will appear lighter as new skin forms. The true color develops over 4-6 weeks as the pigment settles. For lip blushing, expect 3-5 days of swelling and 7-10 days of flaking. For eyeliner, expect 2-3 days of swelling and 5-7 days of flaking. We provide detailed aftercare instructions specific to your treatment to ensure optimal healing.
Ready to Wake Up Beautiful?
Book your cosmetic tattooing consultation today and choose your preferred location