How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last? What You Need To Know

How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last? Everything You Need to Know

One of the most common questions we hear is, how long does permanent makeup last?

Permanent makeup is a great option if you’re looking to save time, enhance your natural features, and feel more confident in your own skin. It can offer you fuller brows, softly defined eyes, or a natural lip blush. The results are designed to be low-maintenance and long-lasting, so you can spend less time in front of the mirror and more time enjoying life.

As more people choose permanent makeup, one of the biggest questions is how it holds up over time – and that’s where we’re here to help.

At Karen Betts Professional, we’ve been doing this for over 30 years. Our treatments are known for looking beautifully natural and feeling completely personal to you. No matter if you’re new to permanent makeup or thinking about refreshing your current look, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Get in touch with our friendly team, we’d love to help.

How Long Will Your PMU Last?

Long story short, you can expect your results to last anywhere between 1 to 5 years. The exact timeframe depends on a few factors, including your skin type, lifestyle, the treatment area, and how well you care for your skin after the procedure.

Each treatment area has its own lifespan:

• Brows: Typically last around 1-3 years before needing a colour boost.
• Lips:Often last 2-4 years, with soft fading over time.
• Eyes: Eyeliner or lash enhancements tend to last a little longer – often 3-5 years.
• Medical Tattooing: Longevity varies depending on skin condition and the type of correction, but results are designed to be durable and natural-looking.

It’s important to remember that permanent makeup is designed to age gently with your skin. We specialise in creating soft, subtle enhancements – not heavy or overly tattooed looks.

What Causes Permanent Makeup Fading?

If you’re wondering why some permanent makeup fades faster than others, you’re not alone. Permanent makeup fading is completely normal and happens gradually – but some factors can speed it up more than others.

1. Skin Type

If you have oilier skin, you might notice that your permanent makeup fades a little quicker. Oil can cause pigment to break down faster, especially in areas like the brows.

2. Lifestyle Factors

Your daily habits can play a big role. Sun exposure is a major one – UV rays can break down pigment over time, so wearing SPF on treated areas is essential. Certain skincare products (like exfoliants or acids), regular intensive exercise, and even some medications can also contribute to fading.

3. Pigment Choice & Placement

The colour and type of pigment used, as well as how deeply it’s implanted into the skin, can affect how long it lasts. At Karen Betts Professional, we use high-quality, custom-blended pigments and techniques designed to fade gradually and evenly.

4. Aftercare Matters

How you care for your skin after your treatment can make a big difference. Following proper aftercare guidance helps protect the pigment while your skin heals and can extend the life of your results. We’ll provide clear, tailored instructions to make sure you’re set up for the best possible outcome.

Our expert team is on hand to help you decide if permanent makeup is the right choice for you.

What Does Maintenance Look Like?

One of the biggest benefits of permanent makeup is how much time it saves day to day – but it’s important to remember that it’s low maintenance, not no maintenance. While your results are designed to last, they will gradually soften and fade over time.

To keep everything looking fresh and well-defined, we recommend colour boosts every 12-18 months. These are simple touch-up appointments that top up your pigment and tweak any subtle changes in shape or tone that may have occurred as your skin naturally changes.

Here are a few common examples of ongoing maintenance:

• Brow Colour Boosts: Keeps brows defined and evenly pigmented, especially as soft fading or patchiness appears over time.
• Lip Refreshers: Revives soft blush tones or corrects areas where pigment has faded more quickly.
• Lash Enhancement Maintenance: Touches up pigment along the lash line to maintain definition and depth.

How to Make Your Permanent Makeup Last Longer

While some fading over time is completely normal, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your permanent makeup looking fresh for as long as possible:

1. Follow Your Aftercare Instructions

After your treatment, we’ll give you clear, tailored guidance on how to care for your skin as it heals. Following these instructions is one of the most important ways to protect your new pigment and ensure the best results.

2. Go Easy on Exfoliants

Over-exfoliating (especially with scrubs, acids, or retinol) can cause pigment to fade faster. Be gentle with your skin, particularly around your brows, lips, or eyes.

3. Protect Treated Areas from the Sun

UV exposure breaks down pigment over time, so always use a high SPF on your treated areas. A little sun protection goes a long way in maintaining the vibrancy of your results.

4. Don’t Skip Your Top-Up Appointment

We’ll invite you back for a complimentary top-up around 4-12 weeks after your initial treatment. This is an important part of the process, it's your chance to adjust any areas that healed unevenly and make sure the colour is just right.

Is It Time for a Refresh?

Not sure if it’s time to book a touch-up? Here are a few simple signs that your permanent makeup might be ready for a colour boost or refresh:

• The pigment has noticeably faded or lost its original vibrancy
• The shape no longer looks as sharp or defined
• Your skin tone or hair colour has changed
• Your lifestyle (like more sun exposure or skincare changes) is affecting how long your results are lasting

These changes are completely normal. Most clients benefit from a top-up every 12–18 months to keep everything looking soft, fresh, and natural.

If your permanent makeup was done some time ago or by another practitioner and the colour or shape no longer suits you, you might want to explore permanent makeup correction. Whether you’re after a small tweak or ready for a new look, our friendly team is here to talk it through and help you find the option that feels right for you.

Why Choose Karen Betts Professional?

When you're thinking about permanent makeup, it’s important to feel confident in who you’re choosing – and that’s where we come in.

With over 30 years of experience, Karen Betts has been a trusted name in the industry, known for setting the standard in permanent makeup and medical tattooing. Every elite artist on our team has been personally hand-trained by Karen, so you’re always in expert, caring hands.

We create natural, personalised results that help people feel more like themselves, whether it’s through soft, defined brows, a hint of colour on the lips, subtle lash enhancements, or treatments that restore confidence after medical procedures.

Most of all, we take the time to listen. This is your face, your story, and your journey – and we’re here to make sure you feel comfortable, understood, and truly cared for from start to finish.

Ready to Chat About Your Treatment?

Every face is unique, and so is every treatment we offer. If you’re just starting to explore permanent makeup or thinking it might be time for a refresh, we’re here to help.

At Karen Betts Professional, we take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and talk you through the options that will work best for you.

No pressure, just honest, expert advice from a team that genuinely cares.

Get in touch with us today and let’s chat about how permanent makeup could help you feel more confident, more polished, and more like you.