Services — Alter Ego Cosmetic Tattoo

01

What is cosmetic tattooing?

Cosmetic tattooing — also called semi-permanent makeup — deposits pigment into the upper layers of the skin to mimic or enhance natural features. Ombré powder brows use a specialised machine to create a soft, shaded gradient effect that looks like beautifully filled-in brows, without the daily effort of makeup.

02

How long do cosmetic tattoos last?

Ombré powder brows typically last between 1 and 3 years. Longevity varies with skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and how consistently you follow aftercare. Touch-ups every 1–3 years keep the colour, shape, and density looking their best.

03

Is it painful?

Most clients find the procedure very tolerable. A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment begins to minimise discomfort. Sensation varies, but it is generally described as a mild pressure or light scratching rather than sharp pain. Lauren works at a pace that keeps you comfortable throughout.

04

What is the downtime/recovery?

There is minimal social downtime. In the first 1–3 days brows will look darker and more intense than the final result — this is a completely normal part of the healing process. The surface gradually sheds over 4–6 weeks to reveal the true, softer healed colour. Strenuous activity and swimming should be avoided in the first week.

05

Is it safe and hygienic?

Yes. Alter Ego Cosmetic Tattoo operates to safe, hygienic industry standards. Single-use, sterile needles are used for every client — never reused. The studio is maintained to professional care standards, and every step of the procedure is explained so you always know what to expect.

06

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment. If you take blood-thinning medication, consult your doctor before stopping it. Do not wax, thread, or tint your brows in the week prior. Arrive with a clean face and no brow makeup so Lauren can assess your natural brows accurately during the included consultation and mapping.

07

What should I bring?

Come with a clean face. If you have reference photos of brow shapes or finishes you love, bring them — they are genuinely useful during the brow mapping consultation included with every treatment. Lauren will discuss your preferences, face shape, and natural colouring before any pigment is applied.

08

What is the aftercare?

Aftercare is crucial — it accounts for 70% of your treatment's success. Keep brows dry and away from steam, saunas, and swimming for the first week. Do not pick, rub, or peel the healing skin. Apply any aftercare product exactly as instructed by Lauren. Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds while the skin heals. Full written aftercare guidance is provided at your appointment.

09

Why do my brows look dark or uneven after treatment?

Days 1–3 your brows will appear darker, more intense, and possibly slightly uneven — this is a completely normal, expected part of the healing process. The pigment oxidises as the skin surface heals and sheds. The true healed colour, which will be noticeably lighter and softer, typically reveals itself fully at 4–6 weeks.

10

When should I book a touch-up?

Your first touch-up is recommended at 6–12 weeks after the initial treatment, once your brows have fully healed. This gives Lauren the clearest picture of how the pigment has settled, so she can refine shape, colour, and density precisely. After that, a maintenance touch-up every 1–3 years keeps results looking polished.

11

I've had cosmetic tattooing elsewhere — can you touch up my brows?

Yes. Lauren offers the Ombré Brows Correction service ($550) for brows done at other studios. This involves a careful assessment of the existing work followed by targeted adjustments to colour, shape, and coverage. Please reach out before booking so Lauren can advise whether the correction service is the right fit for your situation.

12

Who is not a suitable candidate?

Cosmetic tattooing may not be suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis in the treatment area, are currently undergoing chemotherapy, have certain autoimmune conditions, or are on blood-thinning medication. If you have any medical concerns, please discuss your history with Lauren before booking so she can advise appropriately.

13

Can I bring a child or partner?

Due to the focused, precise nature of the treatment and the requirement for a calm, sterile environment, it is generally not recommended to bring children or additional guests. If you have a specific need, please contact Lauren at hello@alteregocosmetictattoo.com.au before your appointment to discuss.

14

What is your cancellation policy?

For details on the cancellation policy, please contact Lauren directly at hello@alteregocosmetictattoo.com.au or call 0424 478 219. She is happy to answer any questions before you confirm your booking.

15

What is your late arrival policy?

If you are running late, please get in touch as early as possible. For full details on the late arrival policy, contact Lauren at hello@alteregocosmetictattoo.com.au or call 0424 478 219.

16

What is the difference between ombré powder brows and microblading?

Microblading uses a manual blade to create fine hair-stroke cuts filled with pigment, imitating individual brow hairs. Ombré powder brows use a machine to deposit pigment in a soft, shaded gradient — similar in appearance to filled-in makeup. Powder brows tend to heal more consistently across skin types, are better suited to oilier skin, and generally last longer. Lauren specialises exclusively in ombré powder brows.