Cosmetic tattooing (also known as permanent makeup or semipermanent makeup) involves implanting specially formulated pigments into the upper dermis using either a microblading technique or a digital tattoo machine. Unlike traditional tattooing, the placement is shallower, allowing the design to fade over 1-5 years. This fading is intentional — it allows for colour boosts and shape adjustments as your face changes over time.

Cosmetic Tattoo Vs Traditional Tattooing

Cosmetic tattoos fade evenly, unlike body art inks that are meant to last a lifetime. This is why permanent makeup Melbourne has become so popular — it gives clients flexibility over time.

• Time-saving — no daily brow pencils or eyeliner.
• Weather-proof — Melbourne’s humidity or wind won’t ruin your liner.
• Confidence — wake up with your eyebrow shape, lips, and eyes already defined.
• Restorative — helps with scar camouflage, scalp micro pigmentation, and areola paramedical tattooing.
• Customisable — adjust colour, density and shape over time with a colour boost session.

Cosmetic tattoo procedures suit a wide range of clients, especially those who want a more polished look with less daily effort. At Face Figurati, we work with:

• Busy professionals who want to look polished without sacrificing time
• Athletes and gym-goers whose makeup sweats off mid-workout
• People with makeup allergies who react to conventional cosmetics
• Clients with sparse or uneven brows, often due to overplucking or hair loss
• Those seeking paramedical cosmetic solutions for scars, alopecia or areola restoration after breast surgery
• Clients with unsteady hands, vision impairment or conditions like arthritis that make traditional makeup application difficult

Some clients may need to delay or avoid treatment to ensure safety and optimal results.

You may need to wait if you have:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding — hormonal changes can affect pigment retention and healing
• Active skin conditions — such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis in the treatment area
• Blood clotting disorders — as they can affect healing
• Recent chemical peels or laser treatments — wait at least 4–6 weeks
• History of cold sores — for lip tattooing, take antiviral medication before your appointment to prevent outbreaks

A medical form is completed before treatment to ensure suitability. At Face Figurati, we’ll also discuss your skin type, any medications and your healing history to determine the best approach.

Cosmetic tattooing — also known as permanent makeup or semi-permanent makeup — covers a wide range of beauty and paramedical cosmetics. Popular cosmetic tattoo services include:

Lip Tattoo

Lip blush tattooing enhances your natural lip colour, evens out pigmentation and gives the illusion of fuller lips — all without filler. In Melbourne’s dry winters, this treatment can make lips appear soft, hydrated and healthy.

We use gentle cosmetic tattoo machine techniques and high-end pigments that fade naturally over time. The colour will look more vibrant immediately after the procedure and settle into a soft, natural shade during healing.

Eyebrows Tattoo

Brow tattooing is the most popular cosmetic tattoo in Melbourne and for good reason — your brows frame your whole face. A well-done brow tattoo can lift, balance and refresh your expression without looking drawn on or artificial.

Modern options include:

• Microblading Technique — fine hair strokes for a natural “born with it” look.
• Ombre Brows — soft gradient shading that’s lighter at the front and deeper through the arch and tail.
• Powder Brows — even makeup-like density for those who prefer a filled-in look.
• Hybrid Brows — microblading brows with machine shading for extra depth and texture.

Choosing the right style depends on skin type, age and preferred makeup look. For example, eyebrow feathering works beautifully for normal to dry skin, oily skin tends to retain shaded styles like Ombre or powder brows better.

Eyeliner Tattoo

Whether you like subtle lash enhancement or a defined wing, eyeliner tattooing gives smudge-proof results — perfect for Melbourne’s beachside wind or humid days.

Options include:

• Lash enhancement — pigment placed between the lashes for a fuller lash line without visible eyeliner.
• Classic eyeliner — a clean line that enhances eye shape.
• Winged eyeliner — for a more dramatic makeup-ready look.

Artist’s tip:
A subtle lash line tattoo can make a big difference for mature clients whose natural lash density has thinned. It’s also a favourite among contact lens wearers who struggle with eyeliner irritation.

Camouflage Tattooing

Scar camouflage tattooing blends scars or skin discolouration into the surrounding skin tone. It’s used after injury, surgery or skin grafts. The technique requires advanced colour theory knowledge and custom pigment matching for natural results.

Camouflage tattooing is also used for stretch marks, vitiligo patches and even sun damage, but each case requires a custom approach to match undertones and skin texture.

Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP), also known as scalp micro pigmentation, mimics the look of natural hair follicles by implanting thousands of tiny pigment dots into the scalp.

It’s great for:

• Clients with thinning hair or visible scalp areas.
• Those with receding hairlines want a natural hairline restoration.
• People are looking for a non-surgical alternative to hair transplants.

In Melbourne, SMP is popular among both men and women, especially those in public-facing roles who want to look youthful and well-groomed. Results are instant, no downtime and can last for years with the right aftercare and colour boost sessions.

Areola & Nipple Tattooing

Areola tattooing is often part of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Using 3D shading and pigment blending, we recreate a natural areola and nipple for clients after breast cancer surgery, gender-affirming surgery, or other breast procedures.

We are gentle, confidential, and always tailor to each client’s comfort and desired outcome.

Tattoo Freckles

Cosmetically tattooed freckles are a playful yet subtle treatment for that year-round, sun-kissed look — without the sun damage. Placement is key; freckles are designed to suit your facial structure and blend naturally with your complexion.

Longevity: They fade faster than other cosmetic tattoos, usually lasting 12–18 months.

Pro tip:
We can add a few “statement” freckles or a scattered effect for a fresh, youthful glow. This is one of those treatments that’s as much about personality as it is about aesthetics — and yes, they photograph beautifully.

Cosmetic tattooing has come a long way from traditional tattooing.

Main techniques include:

• Microblading Technique — manual, ultra-fine strokes for hair-like detail.
• Machine techniques — for soft shading, ombre effects or precise lines like eyeliner.
• Hybrid methods — combining manual and machine work for layered realism.
• Specialised paramedical cosmetics — used in medical restoration, scar work and areola tattooing.

At Face Figurati, I choose the technique based on facial morphology, skin condition and desired results, so each client gets a truly customised treatment.

In my Melbourne cosmetic tattoo studio, I don’t compromise on quality or safety.

We use:

• Vegan & sustainable pigments approved for permanent makeup use.
• Sterile, single-use needles for every client — no exceptions.
• High-grade professional machines for precision and comfort.
• Pigments formulated for long-term colour stability to minimise fading and colour shifting.

At Face Figurati, we never compromise on hygiene or quality. Every treatment is done with sterile, single-use needles, high-end products and pigments tested for safety. Our colour formulations are free from heavy metals, tested for stability and chosen to fade predictably — no unwanted blues or reds that can happen with low-quality pigment.

Your treatment begins with a fresh setup: new needles, sterilised tools and barrier film on all surfaces. Once your treatment is complete, everything disposable is thrown away in sharps and clinical waste bins according to Victorian health regulations. Reusable tools are cleaned and autoclaved for hospital-grade sterilisation.

Myth: It’s the same as a body tattoo.
Truth: Cosmetic tattooing is very different from traditional tattooing. The pigments, needle depth and machines are designed for delicate facial skin and natural fading over time. Body tattoo ink sits deeper, is made for permanence and behaves differently in the skin.

Myth: Cosmetic tattooing is just for young clients.
Truth: Many of my Melbourne clients are in their 50s, 60s and beyond, enjoying enhanced features without the daily effort of makeup. With age, brows thin and lips lose definition — cosmetic tattooing can restore these features beautifully.

Yes — when done by a trained, licensed permanent makeup artist in a Melbourne clinic that follows strict hygiene protocols. At Face Figurati Cosmetic Tattoo Studio, we exceed Victorian health department standards for skin penetration treatments.

Every client fills out a medical form before the procedure so we can assess skin health, medications and any potential contraindications. We also explain every step, from numbing to aftercare, so you know exactly what to expect.

While cosmetic tattoo procedures are low-risk, there are a few things to be aware of:

• Temporary swelling or redness – This is most common around the eyes and lips and usually subsides within 24–48 hours.
• Uneven pigment retention – If aftercare isn’t followed (such as avoiding sweating or sun exposure), some areas may heal lighter. This is why touch-up sessions are included in most treatments.
• Rare allergic reactions – High-quality pigments are unlikely to cause issues, but we can do a patch test if you have a history of skin sensitivities.
• Infection – Only possible if post-care hygiene is ignored. Following your aftercare instructions prevents this risk.

Aftercare makes a big difference in how your results heal. I give each client a personalised aftercare kit, but here are the basics:

• Avoid direct sun exposure, heavy sweating and swimming for at least 7–10 days.
• Don’t apply makeup to the treated area until fully healed.
• Use only the aftercare balm provided — no petroleum-based or scented products.
• Never pick at flaking skin or scabs; let them fall away naturally to avoid pigment loss.

Healing times vary depending on the treatment — brows take around 7–10 days to surface heal, lips around 5–7 days, and eyeliner about 4–6 days. Full pigment stabilisation can take 4–6 weeks, which is why colour boost or touch-up sessions are scheduled after this period.

Most cosmetically tattooed areas last between 1–3 years before a colour boost is recommended. Your longevity depends on several factors:

Even the best cosmetic tattooing isn’t a one-and-done deal — and that’s not a bad thing. A perfecting session (sometimes called your touch-up or refinement session) is standard in the permanent makeup tattooing industry and usually happens 6–8 weeks after your initial treatment.

This second appointment is where we fine-tune your shape, adjust the colour if your skin type has healed lighter or darker than expected, and add any extra hair strokes or shading for a more balanced finish. Think of it as the “final coat” that seals the deal on your new look.

From there, maintenance is all about colour boost sessions. Over time — and thanks to Melbourne’s bright summers, brisk winters and the natural way our skin regenerates — pigments will slowly soften and fade. Scheduling a colour boost every 12–24 months helps keep your brows crisp, your lip blush vibrant, and your eyeliner defined. Clients who spend a lot of time outdoors, use active skincare or have oilier skin types may benefit from booking sooner.

At Face Figurati Cosmetic Tattoo Studio, I always customise these touch-up timelines based on your facial morphology, pigment choice and lifestyle habits so your results stay fresh without overworking the skin.

• Eyebrow tattooing: $500–$900
• Lip tattoo: $600–$950
• Eyeliner tattooing: $400–$850
• Areola tattooing: $450+ per session
• Scalp micropigmentation: from $500 (varies by area)

If you see dramatically cheaper offers, it’s worth asking whether the artist is certified, the pigments are approved for cosmetic use and if proper medical forms and pre-care checks are included.