How to choose a permanent makeup artist (and questions to ask)
Not every PMU artist is trained the same way. Here's what to look for, what to avoid, and the four questions that reveal whether an artist knows what they're doing.
Permanent makeup is on your face for years. The artist you pick matters more than the technique, the pigment brand, or the salon décor. Here's how to actually vet someone.
Start with the portfolio — but look at it the right way. Anyone can post a photo of freshly tattooed brows that look sharp and dark. What you want to see is healed work. Photos taken 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure. That's the only view that tells you what your face will actually look like in the mirror. If an artist can't show you healed work, that's your answer.
Look at the range. Do all their clients have the same brow shape? The same lip color? That's a sign the artist has one technique they apply to everyone. Great PMU artists tailor the design to your face, your coloring, and what you actually want. You should see variety in the portfolio.
The four questions to ask on a consultation: (1) how long have you been doing PMU, and where were you trained — you want to see a real training certificate, not a weekend course; (2) can I see healed work from at least 6 months ago on someone with my skin type; (3) what happens if I'm not happy with the shape or color — how does your touch-up policy work; (4) what's your protocol for pigment allergies and sterility — every needle and cartridge should be single-use, opened in front of you.
Red flags: prices that seem too good to be true (quality PMU in the U.S. runs $400 to $900+ per service for a reason), no consultation before booking, aggressive upselling, portfolio full of only freshly-done photos, and any artist who tells you "don't worry, we can always add more color later" without also being willing to talk about what happens if there's too much color.
Trust your gut on the consultation. If you don't feel heard, if the artist seems rushed, if the shape they draw on your face doesn't feel like you — walk away. You can always come back. Permanent makeup is permanent enough that a second opinion costs you nothing but time.