Permanent makeup is a low-maintenance way to enhance your natural beauty, but for many, the fear of pain during the procedure holds them back. The truth is that everyone experiences pain differently, but with proper preparation, we can minimize discomfort, and you can have a more positive experience.
Whether you’re getting lip blush, powder brows, or another cosmetic tattooing treatment, here are some expert tips to help you manage discomfort and make your permanent makeup procedure as pain-free as possible.
1. Prepare Your Skin for Success
Healthy, hydrated skin is essential for both a comfortable experience and achieving great results. A week before your appointment, follow these tips to create the best treatment area for your permanent cosmetics procedure:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
- Moisturize: Apply a high-quality moisturizer daily to keep your skin soft and smooth. We recommend and offer Arbonne and Riman products. To look around at our Arbonne shop, click here and to look around at our Riman shop, click here.
- Avoid Irritants: Avoid products like Retin-A, exfoliants, or anything harsh that could make your skin more sensitive or dry out your skin.
Properly prepping your skin reduces muscle tension and makes the application process easier, making your experience more enjoyable
2. Take Pain Relief Beforehand
Taking the right pain reliever can make all the difference.
- Tylenol: Take Tylenol (acetaminophen) about 30 minutes before your session. It helps with pain management without increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Avoid Ibuprofen: Do not take ibuprofen (or any NSAIDs) before your appointment, as it thins the blood and can increase bleeding during the procedure.
This simple step can help with discomfort without complicating the healing process.
3. Use Numbing Cream or Pain Patches
Numbing products are a must-have for pain management during permanent makeup procedures.
- Apply Numbing Cream: Use a high-quality topical numbing cream about an hour before your session. This allows the numbing to take full effect by the time the procedure begins. Some permanent makeup artists don’t numb beforehand. At Arbelo LA we using numbing before and during the procedures if your pain tolerance is low or if you just want the least amount of pain possible. We use numbing cream that numbs fast. If you want us to mail you numbing cream that takes an hour to numb and lasts up to four hours, we are happy to do that and additionally numb you when you arrive.
- Pain Patches: For certain areas like lips or brows you can cut pain patches to fit around the treatment area. This can add an extra layer of comfort for sensitive areas.
Your permanent makeup artist will likely apply a secondary numbing cream during the procedure to keep you comfortable, but pre-applying a numbing product can make the initial steps much more comfortable.
4. Use Headphones
Distraction is a great way to block out pain signals and make the process more manageable.
- Bring Something Engaging: Load up your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook and bring headphones to immerse yourself in a world of relaxation and entertainment (Lee, 2013).
- The Science of Distraction: Studies have shown that music and storytelling can reduce the perception of pain. By keeping your mind focused on something enjoyable, you’ll be less likely to notice any discomfort (Ratey, 2021).
This trick adds an extra layer of relaxation and enjoyment - who doesn’t like getting two things done at once?
5. Massage or TENS Device
Distracting your nervous system with other sensations can significantly reduce pain.
- Massage Device: A small wearable massage device can keep your muscles relaxed during the procedure.
- TENS Units: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices send small electrical pulses to distract your brain from focusing on pain signals.
These are especially helpful for individuals who are sensitive to pain and looking to manage discomfort.
6. Aftercare
The healing process is just as important as the procedure itself. To manage post-session discomfort and ensure your skin heals properly, follow these aftercare tips:
- Ibuprofen: After the procedure, you can take ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and swelling. Just remember not to take it before for the reasons mentioned above.
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: Your permanent makeup artist will give you instructions on how to care for your skin during the healing process. This may include using soothing creams, avoiding certain products, and minimizing sun exposure.
Proper aftercare not only supports the healing process but also ensures the best long-term results for your permanent makeup.
Conclusion
Pain management during permanent makeup procedures is one of the biggest concerns clients have. By preparing your skin, selecting the proper pain relief methods, and using distraction techniques, you can minimize discomfort and make the process more enjoyable.
Your permanent makeup artist is here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice or tips specific to your needs. Remember, sensitivity is not a weakness; it’s an aspect of your unique self. And with thoughtful preparation, you can make your beauty goals as close to pain-free as possible.
Ready to enhance your natural beauty with permanent makeup? Schedule a consultation or book your session today and see how comfortable the process can be.
Permanent Makeup and Pain Management FAQs
Professional permanent makeup artists use specialized pain relief techniques, including the application of numbing creams, to create a numbing effect in the treatment area. This reduces any potential discomfort during the procedure.
Some areas, like the lips, may be more sensitive. When I got my lips done the first time, tears were coming out of my eyes pretty much the entire procedure. However, before the second procedure, I applied the techniques outlined in this article, and it was an entirely different experience. Learn from my mistakes and take these steps ahead of your procedure!
Communicate openly with your artist about any concerns or sensitivities you may have. Your artist may suggest specific preparation steps and will use numbing products to alleviate any worry about discomfort. Pain management is tailored to your individual needs.
Yes, permanent cosmetics are designed to be safe and comfortable. Experienced professionals use the latest techniques and pain relief products to make the process as smooth and pain-free as possible. Your safety and comfort are their top priority.
Certified artists use high-quality numbing creams and other topical anesthetics to desensitize the treatment area.
At Arbelo LA we use Ebanel 520 for the primary numbing, before the skin is open. It contains ingredients that are beneficial for the skin and is highly recommended by a microneedling expert who is deeply concerned about what goes into the skin.
For the secondary numbing after the skin is open, we use Tina Davies Ice Cream, which is formulated with ingredients that are good for the skin and even hydrate the skin, making the procedure more comfortable on multiple levels.
The numbing effect allows for a more comfortable procedure, whether it’s for lip blush, eyeliner, or other permanent makeup styles.
References
Lee, J. H. (2013). The Effects of Music on Pain: A Meta-Analysis. Pain Management Nursing, 14(4), e143–e150.
Chat GPT (4.0). (n.d.). [Software]. In Open AI. (2025). https://chatgpt.com
Bergland, C. (2021, May 27). Fiction may increase positive emotions and reduce pain via narrative transport. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/202105/how-30-minutes-storytelling-can-alleviate-pain
