Why a Colour Boost Is Essential for Long-Lasting Permanent Makeup

Before: Old, faded permanent makeup, done elsewhere. After: Fresh powder brows, done at Face - Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics

Permanent makeup is designed to simplify your routine and enhance your natural features with expertly placed pigments - but even the best results don’t last forever. Over time, you may notice your brows, eyeliner, or lips beginning to fade. This is expected—and it’s precisely why colour boosts are an essential part of maintaining beautiful, balanced results.

At Face – Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics in Nottingham, we specialise in delivering natural, long-lasting PMU results—and equally in helping clients maintain those results over time through professional colour boost treatments.

Why Does Permanent Makeup Fade?

Pigment fading is a natural part of the permanent makeup lifecycle. Unlike traditional tattoo ink, PMU pigments are formulated to break down gradually within the skin. This is intentional and beneficial—it allows your results to fade softly and evenly, rather than looking harsh or becoming outdated over time.

Several factors contribute to pigment fading:

• Natural Skin Turnover: The skin is in a constant state of renewal. As old skin cells are shed, pigment particles embedded in the upper dermis begin to break down and fade.

• UV Exposure: Sunlight accelerates pigment breakdown through UV exposure. Without regular SPF protection, fading can occur more rapidly.

• Skincare Ingredients: Active ingredients such as retinol, AHAs, and exfoliants can speed up fading, especially around the brow or lip area.

• Individual Skin Type & Lifestyle: Oily skin, very high activity levels, and certain medical conditions can also influence how long pigment remains visible in the skin.

Why Fading Is a Positive Design Feature

Fading isn’t a flaw—it’s a fundamental part of modern permanent makeup design. The pigments we use at Face – Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics are chosen specifically for their safety, stability, and ability to fade predictably over time.

Why this benefits you:

• Adaptability: As your skin, facial structure, and personal preferences evolve, faded pigment provides a base for subtle updates, ensuring your makeup always suits you.

• Customisation at Every Stage: A colour boost allows us to refine or enhance the shape, tone, or intensity of your existing PMU to reflect changes in style or complexion.

• Colour Correction: Over time, pigment can shift in tone depending on your skin chemistry. A professional colour boost neutralises unwanted undertones and restores clarity.

How Often Should You Schedule a Colour Boost?

How often a colour boost is recommended is dependant on the area being treated - most brow treatments are recommended to have a colour boost every 18+ months, but eyeliner and lip treatments can last much longer - 3-5 years or more! However, some may benefit from more frequent refreshes, depending on:

• Skin type (especially oily or combination skin)

• Level of sun exposure

• Skincare routines

• Desired pigment intensity

You may be due for a colour boost if:

• Your permanent brows, eyeliner, or lips have visibly faded or look patchy

• The colour has shifted (e.g., brow colours appearing too cool or warm)

• You want to redefine the shape or depth of your original enhancement

Considering Permanent Makeup or Ready for a Refresh?

If you’re new to permanent makeup, a professional consultation at Face – Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics in Nottingham will give you expert guidance on the most suitable treatments for your skin type, facial structure, and goals.

If you’ve previously had permanent makeup—whether with us or elsewhere—and are noticing fading, our tailored colour boost appointments are the ideal solution to restore your results.

Book With Confidence at Face – Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics, Nottingham

✅ New to permanent makeup? Schedule a consultation to discuss the right treatment for you.

✅ Faded results? Book your colour boost to refresh and rebalance your permanent brows, eyeliner, or lip blush.

At Face – Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics, we combine technical precision with an artistic eye to ensure your PMU stays fresh, flattering, and in harmony with your natural features—for months and years to come.