Probably one of the most frequently asked questions, and understandably so.

I can never predict how long your Permanent Makeup will last before you need a colour boost.

In a previous blog I spoke about how our skin is an unbalanced medium and the longevity of your permanent makeup depends on how long the pigment is retained on the skin.

Each time I create a hair stroke, a channel is made for the pigment to sit within. This produces oil and lymph and the level of this produced will depend on your skin type. In turn the amount produced will affect the how your brows heal and by this I mean how much they flake or crust. I hate using those words, but this is what happens.

So in essence your skin type and retention of pigment will affect how well the skin retains this pigment, how your skin heals and therefore how long your colour will last.

Other factors…

…including exposure to sun (yes including sun beds), getting your brows wet, use of anti-ageing products and chlorine etc will have a huge impact on the longevity of your permanent makeup.

I have developed my aftercare package deliberately to contain as much information as possible. It is essential they you adhere to this. Taking good care of your brows post treatment will have a huge impact on your healing process.

Your re-evaluation…

…with me enables me to determine how the healing process is going. I can review if additional strokes are required, if the shape is perfect and assess any colour change.

Remember your brows are designed to soften, so it’s important not to panic if you notice they fade slightly.

This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions I get, as most people assume this should be done 12 months after their treatment.

This is not necessarily the case, as the length of time needed varies enormously between every client.

The skin is an unbalanced platform…

…and the timing of your colour boost will depend on the length of time your skin retains the pigment.

Your skin type, whether it be oily, dry, combination, will affect the healing process post treatment. In turn your skin type will affect how soon you need your colour boost.

In addition, the timing of your colour boost…

…will be affected by other factors including exposure to sun (yes including sun beds), use of anti-ageing products, smoking, alcohol, makeup and chlorine etc. These factors have a huge impact on the longevity of your permanent makeup.

Permanent makeup…

…is designed to soften over time, particularly with darker brows. The need for a colour boost will depend on the above factors as well as your personal preference.

We naturally take a photocopy of our brows as soon as they are done. After time your brows will soften, and most of us will continue to refer back to that original photocopy that is now imprinted in our minds. We then assume our brows are no longer perfect. When in fact they probably are.

I will ensure…

…the time is right for you to have your colour boost and the reason for that is I do not want to saturate your skin with too much pigment.

After your re-evaulation..

..I will always be at the end of the phone, email, social media etc. I will contact you after 12 months to see how you are getting on. At this stage I will ask you to send an image of your brows so that I can see if you require a colour boost. Some clients even come back to me and show me in person.

One of the key questions…

…I will ask anyone who is unsure if they need their colour boost is “do you feel the need to pencil in your brows in every day regardless of whether you are wearing makeup?” This will enable me to determine their expectations and therefore how to manage these.

How experienced are you and can I see your qualifications?

Always establish when and where the Permanent Makeup artist qualified and ask to see any qualification they have. These may be included on their website or they can send this information to you via email.

Can I see or even speak to previous clients of yours to see examples of your work?

Most experienced Permanent Makeup artists would encourage you to look at examples of previous work and put you in touch with clients of theirs. Most of my clients would be delighted to chat about their experience and share their journey.

What is Permanent Makeup?

You may think you know the answer, but many of my clients do not. There is a lot of information out there about Permanent Makeup, most of which is not 100% accurate. Your Permanent Makeup artist should without doubt be able to reel of everything you need to know and more about Permanent Makeup and ensure it is relayed in a clear, concise and accurate way.

What are the risks with Permanent Makeup and is there any chance of an infection?

In the hands of a skilled person, the procedures are generally safe. Although allergic reactions are rare, your artist must adhere to the strictest sterilisation procedures at all times. Your artist must use a new, single use disposable, sterile needle and all procedures must conform to the British and European Health and Safety standards.

What should I avoid doing after my Permanent Makeup?

An experienced Permanent Makeup artist will adhere to a strict aftercare routine that they will explain to you before and after your treatment. The aftercare procedure is the most important stage in Permanent Makeup and can affect the longevity of the pigment on the skin. They should also be at the other end of the phone / email / message for any concerns you have and should definitely not charge for this.

What if I am worried about something after Permanent Makeup?

Permanent Makeup artists will want to ensure you are 100% happy with your new brows and should insist that you contact them if you have any concerns or questions. My clients contact me via email, phone, Facebook, text and it’s important that I can respond to them as quickly as possible. The post treatment journey can be hard for some people so it’s important they feel that can have reassurance as soon as needed.

If I don’t think Permanent Makeup is right for me will you tell me?

Experienced Permanent Makeup artists will not carry out the treatment if they feel Permanent Makeup is not right for their client. This may be due to a number of factors including effects of previous treatments, skin type, expectations etc. When a client leaves my salon they have my brand and reputation imprinted on their face, so it is essential that my work is of the highest standard possible.

Will I see what the shape will look like before you do it?

Permanent Makeup should never be carried out until the template has been drawn onto your face and you have seen this. The template may need to be adapted depending on both yours and the artist’s thoughts. Permanent Makeup would only begin once both parties are 100% happy.

Does it hurt and will you be using anaesthetic?

Permanent Makeup artists should use a topical anaesthetic when needed to help numb the areas to be treated. This helps to alleviate any minor discomfort you may experience during the procedure. Everyone has their own unique level of pain tolerance. Some people feel that certain areas of the face are more sensitive than others, so special emphasis should be placed on making the client as comfortable as possible. A variety of topical anaesthetics are on hand to ensure that your procedure is as pain-free as possible.

How long will my Permanent Makeup last? And how permanent is permanent

Your Permanent Makeup artist will explain to you that it will usually last between 12 months and 3 years. They should also explain that this will heavily depend on your lifestyle. Factors such as sun/sunbeds, beauty products, cigarettes, alcohol, and chlorine may have an impact on the longevity of the pigment on your skin. As part of my procedure I invite clients back 4-6 weeks post treatment for a perfecting re-evaluation appointment. I always recommend leaving the same amount of time until any holidays and always use a total block SPF cream.

When should I have my colour boost?

There is no set rule for the length of time between your initial treatment and your colour boost and in fact it can vary from 12 months to 3 years. Your Permanent Makeup artist must explain that your brows will naturally start to change/fade/lose definition but this does not necessarily mean you are ready for a colour boost. It is essential that your skin is not overloaded with pigment as this will saturate the skin which can create scar tissue.
The length of time until your colour boost varies from person to person as skin type, diet, genetics and environmental factors can all contribute to how long the pigments will be retained in the skin. For instance, sun bed use and sun exposure have a bearing on the pigment retention as well as some “medical” facial products but this can be prevented with proper protection.

By Camilla Seton

“Rewind 30 years and I never would have thought of becoming a permanent makeup artist.
The truth is I started my journey in response to losing someone very dear to my heart through Cancer. During this period I met some truly inspirational and amazing ladies who, due to their invasive treatment, lost their hair or experienced physical changes. Chatting to these women made me realise how hair plays such a vital role in not only our physical appearance but also our self-confidence and outlook on life. I wanted to try and help ladies in similar positions.
Almost straight away I began studying to become a permanent makeup artist and as soon as I qualified, I set up my own business! My drive and ambition comes from my father and a long line of military!
This was over 15 years ago and today my business is thriving more than ever. I qualified as a Trainer for the Nouveau Beauty Group and I was one of the first Elite permanent makeup artists in the UK to be recognised by the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals in the USA. I find it incredibly rewarding to be able to give something back to new therapists and pass on my “gems of wisdom”.
Every one of my clients is an individual and each bring a different story and reason for choosing permanent makeup. Whether this be for their wedding, holiday, party or body confidence reasons. However the one thing they all have in common is the desire to leave my salon with the “Gift of confidence”. And that is something I pride myself in being able to deliver every time.
Permanent cosmetics is not for everyone and I’m not interested in trying to change that. I just thrive from being able to make a positive impact on someone’s self-esteem and inevitably their big day.
Permanent cosmetics can be whatever you want it to be, from natural, glamorous, obvious or understated. Whatever you choose. However a permanent makeup artist should never let enhancement look anything less than perfect. You’d be surprised how a simple enhancement can make such an impact.
Receiving a photo after a client’s big day melts my heart. I feel as though I had a part in their special day, and probably no one else will ever know. Just the way I like it.
To say I love my job is an understatement.
Life has not always been kind to me but the gift that I am able to give to so many women motivates and drives me forward.
Life is incredibly short so if there is something you want, strive to get it and never underestimate the power of an eyebrow!”

How much time you actually spent grooming your eyebrows before Permanent Makeup!

Pre Permanent Makeup most clients spend on average 15 minutes per day perfecting their brows – which is over 84 hours per year! You will now realise how much of an inconvenience and bore this was.

You can’t stop looking at your new brows.

With your perfect new brows, you will become a “Brow Snob” without even realising it. You will now notice and analyse other brows around you.

You no longer have to worry about smudging those brows.

Sweating or getting wet is no longer an issue thank goodness – no more worries about smudging you’re pencilled in brows!

You can now exercise knowing your brows will “Stay Put”

Looking good in the gym is essential for so many people and perfect brows is a huge part of that. Knowing your brows will stay in place means no more excuses for missing those workouts!

Your beauty routine is considerably reduced.

However this does not mean you should spend more time on another area of your routine!

You will realise that Permanent Makeup is the best thing ever!

You will start telling everyone how fab Permanent Makeup is and how you wish you had it done years ago!

By Camilla Seton

In practical terms the eyebrow has two simple functions: preventing dirt and sweat entering our eyes and portraying our emotions. Surely that’s it? 20 years ago this most certainly was the case.

However, I ask countless women each day what key feature makes their face stand out. Many now claim it is their eyebrows – not their eyes, mouth or nose. In fact research suggests that brows are more important than eyes if you want to make a lasting impression.

To be honest this does not surprise me, and probably not you. We have been bombarded, yes quite literally, with articles, photos, videos and social media feeds about brows. We are now a nation obsessed with them.

Every day…

…we are flooded with images of what we are lead to believe are the perfect brows, whether that be Cara Delavigne’s or Emily Ratajkowski. Soon we think we need that look. Not taking into account our face shape, skin tone or hair shade – or in fact if we actually need that look.

We try and achieve this look naturally and if not possible we then start to look for alternative methods such as pencils, tints and indeed permanent makeup. Whilst seeking that method, we are still being inundated with celebrity brows via every possible social media feed possible. Then of course there are the thousands of products available for our brows, which further feeds our obsession to have perfect brows.

We are literally surrounded by the Brow!

However what many fail to realise is that what we want and what we get can actually be very different and dangerous scenarios.

When we get our eyebrows done, whether that be HD or permanent makeup, we instantly take a carbon copy picture of what they look like. This picture stays with us and without realising, we constantly refer back to this each time we look in that mirror.

After the treatment our brows naturally start to change, they start to fade or lose definition. We start to get critical and once again compare our brows with others. As more time passes, we start to panic as they now “look completely different to when we had them done” or “look nothing like the brows I wanted”.

Well at least that’s what our mental carbon copy image tells us. To others they look perfectly natural and probably suit us. However, we either go back for further treatments or start to pencil them in again.

And when we are not happy with our brows, or anything for that matter, we return to the mirror to focus on them even more. We stare until we find everything we don’t like about them which of course magnifies the issue. As a result our impression is now as far away from that original carbon copy as possible.

Reality is…

that no one else see’s what you “think you” see and what is perfect for one person will not necessarily be perfect for you – yet we continue to chase our illusion. This is where it becomes an unhealthy obsession. On many occasions women have approached me for help as they have had their permanent makeup done numerous times and a result the skin becomes saturated with pigmentation.

One thing I say to all my clients is “Be your own kind of beautiful” and always listen to expert advice!

By Eileen

I have difficulty remembering things, which has got me in trouble in the past especially when it comes to my makeup. On many occasions I have completed my makeup, only to discover I may have gone a little over the top with the brow liner or lipstick. I do find this funny but I am also thankful people tell me when this is the case!

I have always taken pride in my appearance and enjoy making the effort. So when this became more difficult my daughter suggested I have permanent make up for eyebrows.

After all mine did tend to have a life of their own!

To be honest…

…I fell in love with Camilla when I met her – she was extremely confident and I felt instantly comfortable in the salon.

I was not nervous or anxious about having them done. I was just excited. The pain did not bother me at all as my daughter told me not to worry after having hers done. Plus I knew I was in good hands.

When I initially saw them…

…for the first time, I loved them and the darkness did not alarm me at all.

In fact I could not stop looking at them to check they were still there, even days after. I would look in the mirror first thing in the morning to check they hadn’t moved!

The great thing about having them…

…done is that I do not have to think about them at all – I know they are safe up there and not having a party!

Some people questioned why I was getting them done –however now they have seen them they love them too. Some have asked more about them and where I got them done. So I think I have inspired other women around my age to go for it.

You only live once and if something is going to save time and worry – then do it! Im 79 and I did!

I’ve always had dark circles under my eyes which with age turned to bags and the skin was starting to sag. Fed up with people telling me how tired I looked and hitting 40 I guessed things weren’t to get any better. I started considering plastic surgery.

It was upon chance whilst scrolling through Facebook that I came across Camilla Seton and her new forthcoming treatment, Fibroblast. On reading up about the procedure I found myself excited to think that my bags and saggy skin may be a thing of the past and immediately booked a consultation for the following week.

Camilla was lovely to meet and I felt at ease and confident in her experience. Camilla had the Fibroblast procedure the day before and it was interesting to see how she looked post treatment and also to experience her journey with it too. I booked an appointment for the treatment the following day.

Numbing cream was applied for an hour before we started and the procedure itself was fairly quick, around 30 minutes. It was at times quite uncomfortable. Post treatment I had a heavy burning sensation and felt pretty sore. Camilla sent me away with all the do’sand dont’s and was always at the end of the phone checking in on me for the next week.

For that evening I dosed myself up on Ibuprofen and had ice packs over my eyes all evening. Admittedly I didn’t sleep very well. My eyes felt like they were in fire, sore and started to swell.

Day 2 was by far the worst day. Very sore and swollen eyes and It was when my daughter told me she couldn’t look at me because I ‘freaked her out’ that I began to think what the hell have I done. Camilla was at the end of the phone to put me at ease.

Day 3 things started to improve, not so sore or swollen and no need for Ibuprofen and I could see that some of the crusts were starting to dry out.

By day 7 the crusts very dry and tight and some started to fall away. This was complete by day 9 and I was finally able to see myself properly. I was so pleased with what I was seeing. The skin was much tighter and fresher and I could see a massive improvement. I am looking forward to seeing how the changes will continue over the next few weeks.

Family and friends have also commented on how much better my eyes now look.

Overall although I found this procedure quite painful but I am so glad that I have had it done and have no regrets at all. I have hardly been out over the last week due to the downtime of the procedure and when I have been out I did get some very funny stares which made me giggle to myself.

If you are feeling unhappy with your wrinkles and want to turn back the time then please consider Camilla and Fibroblast, I’m so glad that I did!

“I have never been one for piling on the makeup but the first thing I always look at are my eyebrows. I was definitely an “over tweezer” and occasionally used the home wax strips which inevitably meant I damaged my eyebrows over the years. The lack of shape and definition always concerned me so about 8 years ago I started having HD brows with Camilla. I learnt a lot about Permanent Makeup during this time and always thought about having mine done…but never actually went through with it.

I remember the first time I met Camilla, she was so friendly and took such an interest in me and what I wanted.
Once I had my children I decided that the time was perfect to have permanent make up done. Plus I am getting married this year which is the perfect reason. I did not need to do any research, I had been with Camilla for 8 years and knew a lot about the process, the pre and post care and the quality of her work. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would not use Camilla. Also my mum had her eyebrows done with Camilla years ago, so if it was good enough for mum then it was good enough for me.

November 2016
Once I decided I wanted it done, I discussed with Camilla when was the best time to have them done due to my forthcoming wedding.

January 2017
The pack of information I received prior and post treatment was great, more than enough information in there and if I did have any concerns I knew Camilla would be at the end of the phone…email, Facebook, Twitter etc. lol

February 2017
As the time drew closer I did have mixed emotions. I was 100% excited about my new brows but had also convinced myself that the pain was going to be quite severe – even though I have a high pain threshold I wasn’t sure how I would be.

The day has arrived!
However, I actually found the procedure less painful than threading! I definitely expected it to be worse than it was. Camilla was great throughout too, I felt completely at ease and having that faith and trust in someone is vital.

Immediately post procedure
The first thing I did, as I think most people would, is grab a mirror! I loved them straight away. I knew they were going to be a lot darker initially, and I think it’s important to remember this as I can imagine some are quite shocked. This always fades. I could not stop looking at them, even after my appointment I just sat in my car to stare at them in the rear view mirror for about 10 minutes.

Day after
Some people take a few days off post appointment, but I was straight back to work the following day for a conference! It was funny as colleagues of mine were looking at me with a “There is something different about you, but I’m not quite sure what it is” look. I am not particularly self-conscious and did not have a lot of make up on that day, so they probably stood out more than ever. I’d suggest that if anyone is concerned about the darkness of them straight after, definitely book a few days off work etc. But this really did not concern me. They both healed quite quickly to be honest and I did not get too much scabbing, mainly flaky dry skin. Although I religiously followed the aftercare rules, I daren’t not knowing what Camilla may say!

3 days after
However, a few days after my son accidentally scratched my face and caught my right eyebrow which meant the small scab that had formed came away. Some of the colour pigmentation came away with it, which is why it’s so important to let any scabs come away naturally. I phoned Camilla straight away and she just calmly assured me this would be addressed during my re-evaluation. Phew.

March 2017
I have just had my re-evaluation and we just adjusted a few areas.
I absolutely love my new eyebrows! The amount of time I now save in the morning is brilliant!
If you have been thinking about having permanent make up then I would highly recommend doing it, with Camilla – and if you are about to have it done then remember that your eyebrows will be extremely dark and defined straight after, however this will fade. Just follow the pre and post instructions and the healing go smoothly.

I am now a member of the “Brow Family” and find myself constantly looking at peoples eyebrows to determine if they are also part of the family! Some may say I’ve become a “Brow Snob”!

Fibroblast – the non-surgical eye lifting, line and wrinkle reducing, skin tightening procedure.

I am so proud and excited to introduce the PureBeau Fibroblast Treatment. I am one of the first Salons and therapists in Kent to be pioneering this new non-surgical eye lifting, line and wrinkle reducing, skin tightening procedure.  Say goodbye to excess skin, bags and wrinkles and dramatically reduce hooded eyelids.  No Laser, just natural rejuvenation with instant results after the healing process.

With over 15 years experience in the beauty industry and permanent makeup, both as an artist and permanent makeup trainer with Karen Betts and Nouveau, this for me is one of the most exciting new treatments that you can have without the need for surgery or the additional anaesthetic and recovery times it entails.  This latest technology is a huge step forward in anti-wrinkle treatments – the skin is instantly tightened without invasive surgery or scalpels,.

How does this work? 

The treatment works by stimulating the contraction of the skin fibres instantly through a plasma flash, which evaporates superficially on the skin at a tiny point and the skin is shrunk around it.  By working in a grid across the skin’s surface this acts by pulling the skin tighter.

How long does a treatment take?

A full consultation is taken with you prior to any treatment, the areas being treated are then anaesthetised, and it takes around 30 minutes per area to complete.

Are there any side effects?

You are left with a slight redness around the area treated, with swelling occurring within 1-2 days. After 7 days, the “crusts” will “fall off” and the skin underneath will be pink and remodelled. This redness can take up to 3 weeks to go.

What results can I expect to achieve after the healing process?
Eyelids will “feel” lighter, with the hooded eyelids dramatically reduced, fine lines and wrinkles will smooth out, skin will feel smoother, and reduction in excess folds of skin. You may notice that the application of make-up is easier and has increased longevity too!

How much is a treatment?

Prices start from £250.  Why not take advantage of my introductory offer and get 20% off* your first treatment if booked in now!

Want to find out more?

For more information on all the treatments available at the Salon, browse through my website or follow my progress diary on Facebook after having the Fibroblast treatment by clicking here and don’t forget to like my page to get regular updates!

*subject to Terms and conditions below:
T&C
Only one discount per person on the first Fibroblast treatment
Cancellations must be greater than 72 hours, or a cancellation charge maybe incurred