Cosmetic Tattooing · St Kilda, Melbourne
Wake up with your brows, lips and eyeliner already done. Cosmetic tattooing, also called permanent makeup or micropigmentation, places fine pigment into the upper layer of the skin for a soft, natural result that lasts for years. Sleep, swim, sweat or cry, and your makeup stays in place.
New to cosmetic tattooing? This page covers our treatments, how appointments work, how to prepare, aftercare and touch-ups.
Each treatment has its own page with photos, prices, appointment times, healing timeline, aftercare and FAQs.
Microblading, nano, powder, ombré and combination brows, designed to suit your face.
From $650Learn more →
Lip blush, reconstructive lip and lip neutralisation for colour, shape and definition.
From $750Learn more →
From a subtle lash enhancement to a crisp winged or soft shaded liner.
From $380Learn more →
Skin-coloured pigment to soften the look of lighter scars, stretch marks and loss of pigment.
Free consultationLearn more →
Fine pigment dots that recreate a hairline, add density or camouflage scalp scars.
Quoted at consultationLearn more →
PicoWay laser and saline removal to fade or correct an old brow tattoo.
From $200Learn more →Cosmetic tattooing uses a fine digital device with sterile, single-use needles to place pigment just beneath the surface of the skin. The result is softer than a body tattoo and fades gradually, so it can be refreshed and adjusted as your style changes. Most treatments last 1–3 years before a colour refresh.
Our technique is light and pixelated, so most clients feel very little discomfort, with minimal swelling and very little scabbing.
Not sure? Call us on 0412 144 015 and we’ll talk it through.
Rather than rushing into brows that are too thick or a liner that is too bold, we ease you into your new look. You might find that a shorter, thinner or lighter tattoo is what you love most, and it’s always easier to add than to remove.
We get you to approve every step, from the shape to the colour, so you always know what to expect. If you’re comparing studios, we encourage you to look through each artist’s portfolio so you understand their style of work.
Every cosmetic tattoo is a two-step process: your first appointment, then a perfecting session once you’ve healed.
We discuss the ideal shape, technique and colour. Pigment is matched to your undertones and natural hair or lip colour, so it suits the way you wear makeup every day.
A topical anaesthetic is applied before and during the treatment. Your artist builds the colour gradually with a light, pixelated technique.
The colour looks darker for the first 3–7 days, then softens. It’s normal to lose up to half the colour as it heals; you’ll see the true result at around week 4.
4–10 weeks later (6–12 weeks for lips) we adjust the colour, shape and thickness and fix any patchiness from healing.
A little preparation helps your tattoo heal evenly and hold its colour.
Your aftercare is just as important as the tattoo itself. You’ll leave with aftercare cream and written instructions.
Full instructions: CTM Aftercare Instructions · download the aftercare sheet
Everyone’s skin holds pigment differently, and lifestyle plays a part too, so touch-ups are needed at different times.
As a guide: hair-stroke brows need a refresh every 8–14 months, powder brows every 1–2 years, and lips and eyeliner every 2–3 years. Please book your perfecting session on time; if it’s left longer, additional fees may apply.
We use a precise digital device with sterile, single-use parts. Fine needles place pigment just beneath the surface of the skin, building the colour gradually for a soft, natural result.
Usually 1–3 years, depending on the area, your skin, your age and your lifestyle. Hair-stroke brows fade fastest (8–14 months), powder brows last 1–2 years, and lips and eyeliner 2–3 years. A colour refresh keeps it looking fresh.
Most clients feel very little. A topical anaesthetic is applied before and throughout the treatment, and some clients even fall asleep. Taking Panadol 45 minutes before can help. You may feel more sensitive if you are unwell, run down, hungover or have your period.
Yes. We have a large range of pigments, from soft natural shades to more dramatic options, and we match the colour to your undertones and natural hair or lip colour.
Very little. You can go back to normal activities straight away, as long as you follow the aftercare. Lips and eyeliner may swell slightly for about a day. The colour looks darker for the first 3–7 days before it softens.
Yes, all clients must be over 18.
Both place pigment in the skin, but cosmetic tattooing uses a gentler digital device, finer needles and cosmetic pigments, and the pigment sits closer to the surface. The result is a soft blend of colour that fades gradually, rather than a bold, permanent line.
Reactions are rare. If you’ve ever reacted to nickel, hair dye or latex, ask us for a patch test before your appointment.
Lip tattooing can trigger a cold sore, even if you haven’t had one for years. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about antiviral medication before your appointment. If you have an active cold sore, please reschedule.
We can often correct it with colour or shape, or fade it first with PicoWay laser or saline removal. Send us photos and we’ll recommend the best option.
More questions? See our full FAQ page.
Spread the cost of your treatment with interest-free payment plans.
Book a free consultation or your treatment at our St Kilda salon, Suite 2/179 Barkly Street, or call us on 0412 144 015.
