FAQ | Art PM Chicago

Our studio technicians have over 12 years of experience, and yes — 12 years ago, microblading was extremely popular. However, with time and experience, we’ve learned that more advanced, less invasive, and less traumatic techniques now give much better results.

Today, we specialize in Powder Brows, Ombre Brows, and Nano Brows — modern alternatives that are gentler on the skin and heal beautifully.

Here’s why we no longer offer microblading:

Microblading uses a blade to cut into the skin, creating hair-like strokes manually. Those tiny cuts often turn into micro-scars as the skin heals, making future touch-ups difficult because the scar tissue can no longer hold pigment evenly.

Over time, these strokes blur and fade unevenly, giving the brows a patchy or discolored look.

Since the results of microblading don’t age well for most people, we decided to stop offering it.

nstead, we recommend:

Powder Brows – the softest and most universal technique for all skin types. It gives a natural, shaded look that can range from “no-makeup” transparency to a more defined makeup effect.

The skin is not cut — a fine tattoo needle gently implants pigment with minimal trauma.
There’s no bleeding or bruising, and the color simply fades gradually over time.

Nano Brows – the modern evolution of hair-stroke brows.

It uses the same tattoo machine as powder brows, but with advanced precision to create individual hair strokes using a vibrating needle (not a blade).

It’s technically challenging and performed only by highly experienced artists — that’s why very few studios offer it.

For the most natural and long-lasting effect, we often recommend a combination of Nano and Powder Brows, which heals beautifully and stays balanced over time.

If you have previous permanent makeup, it’s very important to book a complimentary online consultation first.

During this consultation, we’ll ask you to send a clear, high-quality photo (in good lighting, without makeup or filters) so we can evaluate your previous work and determine whether we can help you.

Not all previous work can be corrected or covered right away — in some cases, lightening or removal may be required before starting a new procedure.

Pain tolerance is different for everyone, but overall, permanent makeup is very tolerable — especially with professional numbing and a calm environment.

Powder Brows – The easiest and most comfortable procedure. Most of our clients say they feel almost nothing — many even fall asleep during their session!

Eyeliner – The quickest procedure, taking only about 40 minutes total. It can be a little more sensitive because of the delicate area, but the discomfort is minimal and short-lived.

Lip Blushing – The longest and most sensitive procedure. Lips are rich in nerve endings, so clients tend to feel more sensation here. However, with our numbing products, breaks, and relaxing setup, it’s still very manageable.

We also provide stress balls, blankets, pillows, and short breaks anytime you need them to help you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Do not drink coffee, alcohol or energizing drinks 24 hours before the treatment. Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Ibuprofen 24 hours before treatment. Do not take omega3 (fish oil) 1 week before treatment. Do not tan or have intense sun exposure 3 days before treatment. No waxing 2-3 days before treatment. No chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser or any other intense treatments 2 weeks before treatment. If you have received botox treatments, wait 3 weeks before the appointment. Take a shower and fix your hair because you will need to take extra care not to get the treated area wet for a few days after the procedure.

Brows

Clean your eyebrows with two cotton pads (provided at the end of the procedure).
The first one to be used 1 hour after the procedure. The second one to be used 2 hours after the procedure.
Your brows should remain dry at all times for 7-14 days after the procedure.
Avoid swimming pool and sauna for 14 days.
Do not use any ointment, makeup, cream etc.
Do not dye or tweeze eyebrows for 2 weeks after the procedure.
Do not expose the treated area to the sun or a tanning bed for 14 days.
Once your eyebrows are healed apply a sunscreen to the tattooed area.
Do not scrub, rub or pick at the epithelial crust that forms. Allow it to flake off by itself. Removing it prematurely can cause pigment removal.
When your eyebrows are completely healed, you may go back to your regular cleansing and makeup routine.
Do not use any Retin-A or Glycolic Acids on the treated area during or after healing.

Lips

We recommend applying ice pack to your lips for 10-15 minutes for 4-8 hours after the procedure.
Ice reduces swelling and provides comfort.
Do not use any soap, cleanser or shampoo on the treated area for 5 days.
Apply A&D ointment with a Q-tip to the lips for 5 days after the procedure (3 times a day).
Do not kiss, smoke, use lipstick/lip gloss, or sunbathe for 5 days after the procedure.
Do not excessively stretch lips while they are healing with big smile or smoking.
Avoid hot, steamy baths and showers.
For 3 days after the procedure use a straw when drinking liquids; avoid eating food that might cause friction to the lips (such as sandwiches, fruits etc.).
Choose food you can place in your mouth with a fork without touching lips.
Before your lips are fully healed avoid teeth whitening procedures.
For 3 days after the procedure apply lip ointment before brushing your teeth and use kids' toothpaste.

An initial application is incomplete until after a touch-up, which must be scheduled 4-6 weeks after the first procedure. Right about this time the healing process is over and you are ready for a second perfecting permanent makeup application. During the second visit, we discuss all the changes that you would like to make as well as we fix all the minor imperfections. We also recommend an annual color boost for long lasting effect.

If your previous work is approved for treatment, you’ll need to book a full-price appointment.

Please note that additional charges may apply for removal or color correction, depending on the condition of your existing pigment.

Correcting or improving someone else’s work is often more complex and time-consuming, since we don’t know what pigments, techniques, or tools were previously used.

This process requires more experience, precision, and expertise from the technician to ensure the best and safest results.

Before your appointment, we’ll start with a personal color consultation to help you choose the most flattering shade.

You’re welcome to bring your favorite lipstick so we can match it, or simply show us photos of your ideal lip color — whether it’s from our page, online, or even a filtered photo you love. If you don’t have a specific color in mind, don’t worry! We’ll guide you through our most popular shades — from soft natural pinks to warm neutral tones — and help you select what suits your skin tone best.

Lip Blushing is a two-step procedure:

During your first session, we start very natural and subtle. This allows your lips to heal softly and gives you time to see how the color settles in your skin.
When you return for your touch-up (after 6–8 weeks), we’ll evaluate how the pigment healed and make any adjustments you’d like — going slightly pinker, warmer, deeper, or more earthy depending on your desired look.

Our goal is to create your perfect natural lip shade, enhancing your tone, definition, and symmetry — while still keeping your lips looking like you.

Our signature style is all about keeping your brows natural and timeless — just like nature created them, with a touch of enhancement.

During your appointment, we carefully map and design the shape based on your facial features, bone structure, and natural hair growth. We typically stay within your natural shape, never making the brows more than 20% thicker than what you already have.

Our goal is to:

Define your natural shape
Fill in empty or uneven areas
Add subtle length or a gentle arch — only if it complements your face

This approach ensures your brows look beautiful both with and without makeup, and your daily maintenance becomes effortless.

If you prefer a bolder or more dramatic look, we can absolutely customize the shape to match your makeup style or personal preference. We always start with a soft, natural version during your first session — and if you decide you’d like to go a bit thicker or more defined, we can easily enhance it during your touch-up appointment.

We use two types of numbing to make sure you stay comfortable throughout your appointment.

Primary numbing:

Before we begin, we gently clean and prep the area, then apply a strong numbing cream for about 30–40 minutes. This ensures your skin is fully desensitized before we start working on your brows, lips, or eyeliner.

Secondary numbing:

Once we begin, we use a numbing gel that can be applied anytime during the procedure if you start to feel sensitivity. It works instantly and keeps you comfortable until the end.

To make your experience even better, we also offer stress balls, blankets, and pillows, and you’re always welcome to take a short break whenever you need it.

Our goal is to make sure you feel relaxed, safe, and fully at ease throughout your procedure.

Yes — absolutely! Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in working with all skin tones, skin types, and ages.

We understand how different skin tones react to pigment and tailor our techniques and color choices to achieve the most natural, flattering, and long-lasting results for each individual.

At ArtPM, we proudly work with both women and men, ensuring every client feels confident, comfortable, and cared for.