Lift Permanent Makeup

Katrina founded Lift Permanent Makeup, a Dana Point studio focused on permanent makeup and cosmetic tattooing. Before moving into permanent makeup, she spent ten years in the interior design industry, and that background shows up in the way each design is planned around the client.

Brows are the studio's core offering. Powder brows give a soft, makeup-like finish and use a different process from microblading. Two styles are offered: Soft-Edge Powder Brows and Hairstroke & Shading Combo Brows. An anesthetic is applied during the powder brow procedure to keep discomfort low, and the session runs about two hours. Brow treatments usually bring minimal swelling and redness with little downtime.

Eyeliner is placed through the lash bed to give the look of thicker, fuller lashes; the upper-lid version is priced at $650 and takes about an hour. Lip blush blends the lip line toward the center for a fuller look and takes about two hours at $850. 3D areola restoration tattoos recreate the appearance of the areola and nipple after mastectomy, breast reconstruction or other breast surgery. This service is listed at $850 / $425 and takes two to three hours, though the site does not say what each price covers. Eyeliner and lip treatments may cause swelling for one to two days.

Every brow, eyeliner, lip and areola treatment includes a touch-up appointment scheduled six to ten weeks after the first visit. Most clients see some fading and return for touch-ups one and a half to two and a half years later. Before booking online, clients agree to a pre-treatment checklist, since some health and medication conditions may rule out treatment. Existing tattoos are not worked on unless pre-approved, and lash extensions must come out before eyeliner. Clients who have had brows done before call or email ahead and send a photo first. Aftercare is a thin layer of ointment two or three times a day for about ten days, with the area kept clean, dry and out of the sun.

Advanced Powder Brow Training is a one-day course taught by Katrina in Dana Point, priced at $1800 with a $500 deposit, with dates still to be determined. It covers machine handling and safety, needle size, depth and direction, numbing cream, consultation, color correction and aftercare, practiced on latex and a live model. Students receive a certificate of completion, a student kit, ongoing support and one model, and free street parking is available.

The business says it aims for the most natural results in permanent makeup. Color is matched to each client's natural skin, hair and eye color, with a soft, natural shade preferred.