Frequently Asked Questions

Permanent makeup is a highly specialized form of tattooing. Using extremely fine needles, pigment is implanted into the dermal layer of the skin at a minimum of 0.5mm-2.0mm maximum for optimal results. Permanent cosmetics provides a safe, time saving and natural looking alternative to your daily makeup routine.

Yes. At Wild Iris Studio, strict sterilization and sanitation guidelines are followed in accordance with OSHA and the CDC. Single use, sterile needles are used with each procedure. The studio is a DEC inspected and approved facility. Your safety, comfort and satisfaction are priority.

Choosing a qualified permanent cosmetic professional is the single, most important task after deciding to have permanent cosmetics. For years permanent cosmetic technicians were unregulated and unlicensed. Now, it is a profession that is highly regulated at state and federal levels. Many states require that a technician attend a formal training program and obtain a license by examination. Find out what the regulations are in your state. In Alaska, anyone performing permanent cosmetic procedures is required to have a license. Ask to see the technicians license. Other important documents are: A Shop Owners License, the Certificate of Sanitary Standards and a Business License. Inspect these documents to see if they are current. Check the name, date and state. All of these documents should be prominently displayed for the consumers benefit. If these documents are not up to date or not readily available for your inspection, beware, you may be dealing with an unqualified or unethical technician who is operating illegally. Also, look for OSHA Certification, professional membership in a permanent cosmetic organization and proof of continuing education.

Lorenda F. Britten, CPCP is licensed by the State of Alaska, (license # 14093), and a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional by examination. She is a member of The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, OSHA certified and attends at least 40 credit hours of continuing education annually.

Always Visit the facility. The chairs, floors and counter tops should be extremely clean. Ask about sterilization and disinfection procedures. Are they using single use needles and disposable pigment cups? The technician should be neat and clean, and practice universal safety precautions by wearing new, clean gloves, mask and safety glasses for each client. Protective clothing should include one of the following: scrubs, a lab coat or disposable gown. Visitors are always welcome at Wild Iris Studio. Ask to see examples of their work. A portfolio should be available for your review, if not, ask if you can make arrangements to see a clients eyeliner, brows or lips. Do you like what you see? Is the client happy with the services they received? A portfolio of Lorenda's work is available in the studio waiting area, and she has a list of clients willing to show off their permanent makeup. Ask for a consultation. Frequently there is a fee associated with the consultation, it is generally applied toward the procedure. Lorenda provides one complimentary consultation per procedure. The consultation should include a comprehensive review of your medical history, appointment policies, aftercare instructions, a written price quote, consultation photos and most important, design and color selection. The design is pencilled on using conventional cosmetics, it should be complimentary to your facial features. Color selection should be complimentary to your skin tone, eye and hair color. The consultation should last 30 - 60 minutes at a minimum. The above steps are important in determining if you are a candidate for permanent cosmetics, and to assist you in making an informed decision as to whether or not having permanent makeup applied is truly right for you.

Those individuals who have...

• A desire to enhance their natural appearance
• Facial imperfections or asymmetries
• An active lifestyle
• Contact lenses or visual impairment
• Hay fever or watery eyes
• Little or no brow hair due to aging, chemotherapy or thyroid disease
• Alopecia (absence of hair)
• Sparse or light eyelashes
• Difficulty in makeup application
• Arthritis or unsteady hands
• Scars resulting from accidents, trauma or surgery
• Allergies to conventional makeup
• A desire to always look their best
• very little time to apply makeup

Eyebrows, Eyeliner (upper and lower), Designer Eyeliner, Lash Enhancement, Beauty Marks, Blush, LipLiner, LipShaper, Full LipColor, Areola Restoration, Scar Camouflage and Hair Simulation. See services page for description and pricing.

A single procedure can take approximately 1 - 2 ½ hours. Multiple procedures of course take additional time. This should be discussed during the consultation.

Yes. This is why great care must be taken in the selection of a qualified permanent cosmetic professional.

Some discomfort can be expected. However, with the use of topical anesthetics and proper implantation technique, discomfort is minimal. Lorenda always applies topical anesthetic prior to every procedure.

Generally there is some inflammation, tenderness and slight redness at the procedure site. This is normal and can last 2 - 72 hours. Icing aids in these side effects. Light sensitivity can occur after the eyeliner procedure but subsides fairly quickly. The possibility of you having any serious problems or reactions from these procedures is almost non - existent. At Wild Iris Studio strict sterilization and sanitation guidelines are followed in accordance with OSHA and the CDC.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions when people first consider permanent cosmetics. The fees can range from $400.00 to $800.00 per procedure. Paramedical Camouflage is generally charged by the hour $150.00 to $250.00. The price should include at least one follow up appointment. See services page for pricing . A highly qualified, licensed technician, operating out of a professional facility, practicing proper sterilization and sanitation techniques will not be the lowest priced person in town. They will invest their funds in continuing education, professional licensing, insurance, sterilization equipment, gloves, masks, professional business forms, camera equipment (before and after photos) , topical anesthetics and aftercare products. All of these things are necessary to run a permanent cosmetic studio, most are to insure your safety and comfort. A low budget person will not have all of these things, that is why they are able to give their services away. Realistically, you should be paying hundreds of dollars for any single procedure. If the technician is not charging at least $300.00 - $400.00 per procedure, they are probably cutting costs in other critical areas such as sterilization and sanitation. If this is the case, buyer beware.

In the permanent cosmetic industry, you always get what you pay for!