Ink Beauty Bar Chicago

Ink Beauty Bar has served clients since 2016 and now has three studios: Woodbridge, Virginia; Chicago, Illinois, in the River West neighborhood; and Yuma, Arizona. The Virginia studio's primary focus is permanent makeup, while the Chicago studio specializes in eyelash extensions, lash lifts and brow waxing. The Yuma studio offers lash extensions, lash lifts, brow waxing and permanent makeup. Each location lists its own services, so clients should check what is offered at their studio before requesting an appointment.

Permanent brow work is central to the studio. Microblading is offered, as are powder and ombre brows, which are done with a rotary or digital machine. Brow appointments take about two to two and a half hours and are a two-step process, with a follow-up 6 to 8 weeks after the first visit. The studio states that microblading lasts 12 to 18 months and powder brows last 18 to 24 months. Clients arrive without makeup, avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours beforehand, and stay out of the sun and tanning for two weeks before. The Yuma studio also lists nano brows, brow lamination, paramedical tattooing, 3D areola reconstruction and scar and stretch mark camouflage.

Permanent eyeliner can be placed along the lash line or on the upper and lower lids, and takes about two to two and a half hours. A topical numbing cream is applied to the eyes for 20 to 30 minutes first, and a touch-up is recommended 4 to 6 weeks later. The studio states that results last 18 to 36 months. Lip tinting uses a rotary or digital machine. Each session begins with a pencil outline of the lip shape that the client approves before numbing, runs about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and includes a touch-up 6 to 8 weeks later within the initial price.

Eyelash extensions come in classic, which places one dark strand on each natural lash; volume, which places several thin, dark, feathery lashes on each natural lash; and mega volume, which the studio describes as its most dramatic, full look. Appointments can run up to 2.5 hours, and clients arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for a consultation and consent forms. A lash lift lifts, curls and defines natural lashes and is stated to last 6 to 8 weeks. The studio says its lash lift is safer and more effective than traditional eyelash perms.

Waxing covers brows, Brazilian, facial, and full body and facial waxing. Facial and full body waxing is by appointment only, and waxing every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended. Custom airbrush spray tans are mixed for each client and applied by hand. Color shows about 4 hours after application and keeps darkening for up to 24 hours, and the site says a tan can last 5 to 10 days with proper care. A dry bar service is also listed on the menu.

Permanent makeup is the core of the work, and the studio describes its goal as helping clients enhance their natural beauty.