How to Choose a Permanent Makeup Artist

8 Questions to Ask Before Booking

Permanent makeup is an investment in your appearance, and choosing an artist should involve more than simply finding the closest appointment or comparing prices.

Whether you're considering powder brows, combination brows, permanent eyeliner, lip blush, or another cosmetic tattoo service, taking a little time to research your artist can help you feel more confident about your decision.

Here are eight questions worth asking before you book.

Permanent Cosmetic by Amanda Avenue in Longview, WA

1. Is the artist properly licensed?

Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing, so licensing and regulations can differ depending on where you live.

Before booking, check that the artist holds the licenses required in their state or jurisdiction and works in an appropriately licensed environment.

Here in Washington, permanent cosmetics are regulated as tattooing, and permanent cosmetic artists must meet state licensing requirements.

In 2025, one of my continuing education experiences took me to Texas for hands-on advanced training and certifications at The Ink Boutique, learning from internationally recognized artists in paramedical and restorative tattooing. Next stop: Florida for another continuing education experience in permanent makeup.

2. What training and continuing education have they completed?

A license is important, but it doesn't tell you everything about an artist's education.

Look for someone who has invested in training specifically related to the services they perform. Continuing education is also valuable because permanent makeup techniques, pigments, equipment and best practices continue to evolve.

Don't be afraid to ask an artist about their education or certifications. A professional should be comfortable discussing their training.

3. Can you see healed results, not just fresh work?

Fresh permanent makeup and healed permanent makeup can look very different.

Immediately after a procedure, pigment can appear darker, warmer, sharper or more saturated. As the skin heals, the final result typically becomes softer.

That's why portfolios containing healed results can be especially helpful when evaluating an artist.

Look at both fresh and healed work whenever possible.

4. Does their style match what you want?

Permanent makeup isn't one size fits all.

One artist may specialize in very bold, defined brows while another may prefer softer, more natural-looking results. Neither approach is automatically right or wrong. The important question is whether the artist's work matches your preference.

Look through several examples rather than choosing based on one photograph.

Healed Permanent Makeup - Brows & Eyeliner by Amanda Avenue. Individual results vary based on skin, healing, lifestyle, and other factors.

5. What are their sanitation and safety practices?

Permanent makeup involves breaking the skin, so sanitation should be taken seriously.

Your artist should follow appropriate infection control practices, use sterile single-use needles or cartridges where required, properly disinfect their workspace and follow bloodborne pathogen safety procedures.

You should feel comfortable asking questions about sanitation before your appointment.

6. Do they offer a consultation and discuss whether you're a good candidate?

A responsible permanent makeup artist shouldn't treat every client exactly the same.

Your skin, previous permanent makeup, desired result, lifestyle, medications and relevant medical history can affect whether a particular procedure is appropriate and how it should be approached.

For some services, a consultation may be especially important before an appointment is scheduled.

7. What happens if you have old or unwanted permanent makeup?

If you already have permanent makeup, adding more pigment isn't always the best first step.

Previous work should be evaluated for its shape, saturation and color before determining whether it can safely and effectively be corrected or covered.

In some situations, lightening or removal may be recommended before new permanent makeup is performed.Depending on the color, depth and saturation of the existing pigment, this may involve saline lightening or a referral to a qualified laser removal provider.

A professional artist should be willing to recommend the most appropriate approach for your existing permanent makeup, even when that means referring you to another provider before proceeding.

8. Do they explain healing, aftercare and future maintenance?

Your appointment is only part of the permanent makeup process.

Before booking, you should understand what to expect during healing, what aftercare is required, whether a follow-up appointment may be recommended and how permanent makeup can change over time.

Permanent makeup is designed to be long lasting, but it can gradually fade and may require future maintenance.

CHOOSING A PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

If you're searching for a permanent makeup artist in Longview, Southwest Washington, or the surrounding Northwest Oregon area, don't feel pressured to choose based on price alone.

Look at licensing, education, sanitation practices, healed work, artistic style, reviews and how thoroughly the artist communicates with you before making your decision.

A good consultation should also give you an opportunity to ask questions and determine whether you feel comfortable moving forward.

Luna Luxe Beauty Lounge is located in Longview, Washington, and welcomes clients traveling from throughout Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon.

Real Clients • No AI • No Enhancements

Permanent Makeup at Luna Luxe Beauty Lounge

Luna Luxe Beauty Lounge is located in Longview, Washington, and welcomes clients from throughout Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon.

I'm Amanda Avenue, a Licensed Esthetician, Permanent Makeup Artist and Certified Paramedical Tattoo Artist. I've worked in the beauty industry since 2010 and continue to invest in advanced education within permanent makeup and restorative tattooing.

Permanent makeup services at Luna Luxe include powder ombré brows, combination brows, permanent eyeliner, lip blush, faux freckles and beauty marks, along with PMU correction and saline tattoo lightening.

My goal is never to make every client look the same. I want your permanent makeup to complement your features, your preferences and the result you're actually comfortable wearing.

If you're unsure which service is appropriate for you, you're welcome to start with a consultation.