How you prepare in the days before your appointment has a real effect on how your permanent makeup heals and how long it lasts. A little planning means less bleeding, better color retention, and a smoother, more even result. Use this checklist before any brow, lip, or eyeliner appointment with us, whether you are local to Little Falls or driving in from St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, or the Brainerd and Baxter area.
Why prep matters so much
Permanent makeup is implanted into living skin, so anything that thins your blood, sensitizes your skin, or speeds up exfoliation in the days before can cause more bleeding, more discomfort, and pigment that does not settle evenly. Good preparation is the easiest way to protect the result you are investing in.
One to two weeks before
- Stop retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids on the treatment area, since they thin and resurface skin.
- No Botox or filler near the area right before your appointment; ask us about ideal timing.
- Avoid heavy sun exposure and tanning, and never arrive with a fresh sunburn or tan.
- Schedule around your menstrual cycle if you can, since skin is more sensitive in the days before your period.
- Brows: skip waxing, threading, and tinting for about a week beforehand.
48 hours before
- No alcohol.
- Pause blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil only if your doctor approves.
- Skip pre-workout and high-caffeine supplements.
The morning of your appointment
- Skip your coffee, since caffeine thins blood and increases sensitivity.
- Eat a real meal beforehand so you stay comfortable during a two to three hour appointment.
- Come with clean skin, and feel free to wear your usual brow or lip look so we can see your everyday style.
Service-specific prep
- Lips: if you have ever had a cold sore, ask your doctor about antiviral medication first. Exfoliate and hydrate lips for a week. If tone is a concern, read lip blush for dark or uneven lips.
- Brows: let us see your natural shape and do not over-tweeze beforehand. Oily skin? Read nano brows for oily skin.
- Eyeliner: remove lash extensions before your appointment and plan to wear glasses, not contacts, for a few days after. See eyeliner for hooded and mature eyes.
When to reschedule
Please reschedule if you are sick, have an active cold sore or breakout in the area, have a fresh sunburn or tan, or are within the medical timelines that require clearance. A short delay is always better than compromising your healing and your result.
What happens next
Knowing what to expect calms nerves. Walk through the appointment in Does Permanent Makeup Hurt?, confirm you are a candidate in Are You a Good Candidate for Permanent Makeup?, and after your visit, follow our aftercare guide for the best healed result. New to all of this? Start with the Complete Guide to Permanent Makeup.
Book with confidence
Serving St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Brainerd, Baxter, and Little Falls. Book your appointment with Kelly or find us and read reviews on Google.
What to bring and wear
Keep it simple. Wear comfortable clothes, come with clean skin, and bring any inspiration photos so we can talk through your goals. If you usually fill in your brows or wear a particular lip or liner look, feel free to arrive wearing it so we can see your everyday style before we map. Bring your glasses rather than relying on contacts if you are getting eyeliner, and have your aftercare questions ready.
A quick preview of aftercare
Healing is straightforward but it does require following instructions for about two weeks. You will keep the area clean, avoid heavy sweating, swimming, and saunas, keep makeup and active skincare off the spot, and resist picking as it flakes. We send you home with everything written down, and our full aftercare guide covers each day so your result heals crisp and even.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink coffee before microblading?
It is best to skip coffee and other caffeine the morning of your appointment, because caffeine thins the blood and increases sensitivity and bleeding, which can affect both comfort and how pigment settles.
Should I stop using retinol before permanent makeup?
Yes. Stop retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids on the treatment area for one to two weeks beforehand, since they thin and resurface the skin and can interfere with healing and retention.
Can I get permanent makeup on my period?
You can, but skin is often more sensitive in the days just before and during your period, so scheduling outside that window can make the appointment more comfortable.
What if I have a cold sore?
If you have a history of cold sores and are getting lip blush, ask your doctor about antiviral medication before your appointment. If you have an active cold sore anywhere, reschedule until it has fully cleared.
Can I work out before my appointment?
Avoid intense exercise and pre-workout supplements right before, since increased circulation can heighten sensitivity and bleeding. Light activity is fine.
