Frequently Asked Questions

Permanent Make Up FAQ's

Is it actually permanent?

Permanent makeup can remain in the skin for 1 to 5 years making it long lasting but is also dependent on the colour used, area placed, your skin type, skincare routine and metabolism (& other listed in the next section).

Does it require maintenance?

Factors such as: sun exposure, medications, the use of creams/chemicals natural exfoliation (and the above) may cause your permanent makeup/micropigmentation to fade.

We suggest a touch up every 1-3 years to help maintain the shape and colour.

Is it painful?

A topical anesthetic is used to help reduce discomfort; however, everyone has a different pain tolerance. We have some clients who feel slight discomfort and others who fall asleep during the procedure.

Following your procedure your skin may feel tender, some say like a sun burn which will dissipate within a few hours to days.

DO NOT TAKE ASPRIN, IBUPROFEN, ADVIL or any other type of blood thinning pain killer prior to your appointment

What are the risks?

We take every necessary step and precaution to minimize the risks associated with permanent makeup/micropigmentation, however, it does entail an exceedingly small degree of risk including possible allergic reaction, infection, improper placement, and permanency. We like to take our time to ensure a proper consultation prior to and/or during your appointment to avoid any risk. It is important you follow the healing instructions set out for you.

Can my previous work be updated or improved?

Please send clear photos of the area you had previous work on to prettyinthecityyeg@gmail.com so we can discuss options for you.

Am I a good candidate?

Not everyone is a good candidate for permanent makeup/micropigmentation and certain contraindicated skin condition may mean that you will not retain colour well and thus may not be entirely satisfied with your outcome. Please read the information below to determine if you fall into any of these categories. If you have concerns, please contact us to discuss your options.

The following medical/conditions preclude you from having a procedure:

Pregnancy or nursing
Thyroid condition and taking medication for this condition (Hypo, Hyperthyroidism, Graves Disease, Hashimoto’s)
Autoimmune Disorder such as LUPUS or Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (MS, RA, Lupus etc.)
Diabetic
Hemophilia
Heart Conditions/Pacemaker/Defibrillator
Body runs hot (increased bleeding)
Bleeding disorders
Trichotillomania (compulsive pulling of body hair)
Not advised for Fitzpatrick Skin types 1 (light blonde or red heads/translucent skin/light eyes) increased bleeding and thinner skin may cause poor pigment retention
Severely oily skin on eyebrows (microblading hair strokes will appear more blended, solid, or not retain at all)
Large pores on your forehead & in the eyebrow area (colour will blur/blend in large pores resulting in a powdered look)
Have moles/raised areas/piercings in or around the brow/eye area (anything raised or indented will not retain colour)

These products may compromise the outcome of a procedure

Accutane or Retin-A (acne medication) - wait 1 year before procedure
Vitamin A or Retinol (found in skincare products) - must discontinue 1 month prior to procedure
Latisse or any eyelash/eyebrow growth conditioner - Use must be discontinued for 6 months prior to procedure
Triflusal (Disgren)
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Prasugrel (Effient)
Ticagrelor (Brilinta)
Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
Cilostazol (Pletal)
Vorapaxar (Zontivity)
Dipyridamole (Persantine)
Coumadin

How long is the appointment?
Times vary for each treatment but we like to book 1-3 hours allowing for thorough consultation and treatment. More time for a first time procedure and usually half the time for a touch up appointment.

Will I need a touch up after my initial appointment?

The majority of clients need two sessions to achieve the final results.

1. your initial appointment

2. your 4-10 week touch up

Your permanent makeup/micropigmentation will last 1-5 years but a touch up every 1-3 years is highly recommended.

What payment do you accept?

We accept all forms of payment (debit, credit) except cheques unless otherwise discussed.

Where are you located?

Centrally located in the trendy area of the Brewery District/Oliver/Glenora Edmonton

Glenora Gates:

#100, 10411-122 Street Edmonton Alberta T5N 4C2

There is free & paid parking around the building.

Lash Extension FAQ's

How long does the eyelash application procedure take?

The application for a full set can be anywhere from an 1.5 hours to 3 hours depending on the lash service. For a fill it can be anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours.

What do I need to do to prepare for my appointment?

Come to your appointment wearing no eye makeup and DO NOT curl, tint, or perm your lashes. Please come 15 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out the proper paperwork.

How long do the eyelash extensions last?

They can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks for your first set depending on how well you care for them. For more regular clients they can last up to 4-8 weeks once being properly cared for. This completely also depends on your natural lashes life cycle.

What do I do once the eyelash extensions begin to fall out?

You can either come in to receive a fill for the extensions that are missing or receive a removal.

Do the eyelash extensions damage my lashes?

No ! Of course not! Eyelashes have their own shedding life cycle similar to your eyebrows and the hairs on your head. So do not be alarmed if a few natural lashes fall out along with the extensions. Be sure to not pick at, pull or play with your lashes to ensure a longer life of the extensions.

We naturally shed 1-5 lashes a day!

Can I wash my lash extensions?

Yes, and you should be washing your lashes on a daily basis. This is important to keep your lash line extremely clean and will extend the life of your lash extensions by removing any oils, build up or makeup from your eyelids and lashes.

I am a bride-to-be or going on vacation, when is the best time to book an appointment?

If you have never had eyelash extensions applied before then we recommend booking a full-set 2 weeks before your wedding date or departure date at the latest. And then to book a fill 1 or 2 days before the date. This will allow time to experiment with different lashes, learn proper aftercare and ensure there are no allergies to the product.

Booking a month in advance plus 2 fills before the date would be an ideal situation.

Can I apply mascara to eyelash extensions?

We do not recommend wearing mascara on your lash extensions but you can wear mascara on your bottom lashes . Waterproof mascara or any type of oil based mascara can dissolve the bonding agent and shorten the life of your eyelash extensions causing them to fall out sooner. If you feel the need to wear more eye makeup having the extensions look fuller we recommend bumping up to the next level of extensions. Only use an oil-free eye makeup remover around your eye area.

Pretty in the City sells a oil-free eyeliner and lash shampoo.

I have sensitivities to makeup and/or other beauty products/services, can I still have an eyelash service done?

If you have any eye sensitivities we do recommend you to book an appointment for a Patch Test first. During this appointment we will have a consultation with you and apply a small amount of product to your eyelashes or sensitive skin to test whether you are a good candidate for the service.

Can I swim, shower, exercise, or visit a spa while wearing eyelash extensions?

Yes. The bonding agent we use is waterproof and allows you to shower, swim, exercise etc. Special care is required but overall maintenance is low. We do recommend however that you do not wash your eye area for at least 24 hours after the eyelash application.

Can I use eyelash curlers with eyelash extensions?

We do not recommend using mechanical eyelash curlers on your eyelash extensions as these curlers will damage the extensions and possibly your own natural lashes. The extensions do have a natural curl already and are offered in a variety of curls for your sets.

How do I take care of my new eyelash extensions?

Do not get lashes wet for at least 24 hours
Use oil-free products and eye makeup remover as oil based products can break down the adhesive (vitamin E, propylene, glycol, mineral oils etc.)
Avoid hot steam or sauna (minimize hot yoga)
Avoid sleeping on your stomach to avoid pressure on the extensions
Avoid running water directly on your lashes
Do not rub, pick or pull your eyes
Only use water based mascara (optional) If applying mascara, do so from middle to tip avoiding the root area.
Do not use a mechanical eyelash curler
Cleanse and brush lashes daily

Eyelash extensions may not be suitable for people who:

Have pre-existing eyelid or eye conditions such as blepharitis and ocular rosacea
Are very rough with themselves and do not want to follow after care instructions
Want a very heavy mascara look but do not have the natural lashes to support it
Have a condition called Trichotillomania, which is compulsive pulling or twisting of hair or eyelashes
Are in chlorinated water many times a week
Cannot control rubbing their eyes

What payment do you accept?

We accept all forms of payment (debit, credit) except cheques unless otherwise discussed.

Where are you located?

Glenora Gates

#155, 10403-121 Street Edmonton Alberta T5N 4C1

There is free & paid parking around the building.

Cancellation Policy

Pretty In The City charges a 25% fee to any appointment that is cancelled or rescheduled

under 48 hours of your scheduled appointment time. To book, we save your credit card on your file. Nothing will be charged unless you cancel or reschedule less than 48 hours prior to which we will communicate.

All cancellations or rescheduling must be communicated directly to

Pretty in The City via phone call, Instagram or email.