Nikki Naylor is the owner and permanent makeup artist at Beauty Lounge. Originally from Brevard, Florida, she moved to Gainesville and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 2012.
Her passion for helping people led her to pursue permanent makeup, and she officially opened Beauty Lounge in 2016. She has since created a team and brand built around helping women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
What exactly is permanent makeup, and how has the industry evolved over the past few years?
Permanent makeup is the implantation of pigment into the skin in the eyebrow, eyeliner and/or lip area to enhance a person’s natural features. While it is called permanent makeup, it does fade over time and will need touch-ups every one to five years.
Permanent makeup has been around for a long time, but it has gained more popularity in the last several years, and with that increased popularity has come innovation. The industry has continued to evolve with advancements in techniques, tools and education. I feel like the permanent makeup industry has shifted toward a more personalized approach, focusing on enhancing each client’s natural features while creating soft, customized results.
Who is the ideal candidate for permanent makeup, and are there people who should avoid certain procedures?
Anyone looking to enhance their natural features and simplify their daily routine could be a great candidate for permanent makeup. While it may not completely replace traditional makeup, it can help clients feel more confident and enjoy a more effortless beauty routine from the moment they wake up.
However, not everyone is a candidate for every procedure. Certain medications, medical conditions or skincare treatments may impact eligibility and healing. This is why a thorough consultation is such an important part of the process. During the consultation, we discuss their desired results, lifestyle and health history to determine whether permanent makeup is the right option and the right time for them to move forward with the procedure.
What are the most popular permanent makeup services you’re seeing right now, and why are they in such high demand?
Eyebrow services remain the most popular permanent makeup service among my clients. Brows truly frame the face and are among the most important features when creating a balanced look. Many clients are drawn to permanent brows to enhance their natural shape, improve symmetry, fill in thinning brows and overall, just simplify their daily routine.
I’ve also been seeing an increased interest in lip blushing. It is very common for lips to lose color and have a less defined border as we age. Lip blushing is a subtle way to restore a more youthful appearance by restoring color and shape.
Many people worry that permanent makeup will look unnatural. How do you create results that enhance someone’s features without looking overdone?
I love this question; natural is my specialty! My goal is always to create permanent makeup that enhances each client’s features while maintaining a soft, natural appearance. Over the last decade, I’ve developed a variety of techniques that allow me to create results that are soft and age gracefully with the client over time.
What should someone look for when choosing a permanent makeup artist, and what credentials or safety standards are most important?
Technically speaking, clients should first look for an artist who is properly licensed and follows all required safety standards. In Florida, permanent makeup artists must be licensed tattoo artists and work in a licensed tattoo facility.
Beyond credentials, communication and transparency are two of the most important factors when choosing a permanent makeup artist. Clients should ask to see healed results and multiple before-and-after photos to ensure the artist’s style aligns with the results they are hoping to achieve. A good artist should be willing to provide a consultation before booking, answer questions openly and make sure clients feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Can you walk us through what a first appointment is like — from consultation to healing — and what clients should realistically expect?
At Beauty Lounge & Co., the initial appointment begins with a consultation (if we haven’t already done one) where we discuss the client’s goals, desired results and answer any questions they may have. We will also look through pictures together to make sure we are on the same page visually. From there, we work together to create a customized design that complements their natural features. Once the client and I are both feeling good about the shape/design, we look at and choose colors together.
Each appointment is a collaboration between the client and artist. My goal is to make sure every client feels comfortable, informed and confident throughout the entire process. Once the procedure is done, we review what to expect during the healing process and what they should do to care for the treatment area. They leave with an aftercare kit containing everything they need. After the healing period, I have clients return for a perfecting session, where we refine the results and make any necessary adjustments (if needed).
How long does permanent makeup typically last, and what factors can affect how well the pigment holds over time?
On average, my clients schedule brow touch-ups about every 18 months, while lip blushing and eyeliner are typically refreshed every three or more years. However, longevity can vary depending on several factors, including the style/technique of permanent makeup we decide to do, the client’s skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure and skincare routine.
Products and treatments that increase skin cell turnover, such as retinol, vitamin A-based products, lasers and certain intensive skincare treatments, can affect how well pigment holds over time. Clients can certainly still use these treatments; they may just need touch-ups a little more frequently. Protecting the tattooed area from sun exposure is one of the best ways a client can help maintain longer results.
What are some of the biggest myths or misconceptions you hear about permanent makeup?
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that permanent makeup can’t look natural. With the right techniques and a customized approach, permanent makeup can absolutely create soft, natural-looking results.
Another common concern is that the procedure will be painful. While I can’t promise there will be no discomfort, I use a topical numbing agent along with secondary numbing throughout the process to help keep clients as comfortable as possible. I often have clients tell me it was much more relaxing than they expected.
What aftercare steps are essential to achieving the best healed results, and what mistakes should clients avoid during the healing process?
Proper aftercare is essential for achieving the best healed results. I provide each client with an aftercare kit, detailed instructions and ointment to support the healing process. Clients are instructed to gently wash and moisturize the area three times a day. Keeping the area clean is essential.
During the appointment, we review the healing process together and discuss what to avoid, including sun exposure, topical makeup, excessive sweating and anything that could introduce bacteria while the skin is healing. It’s important to remember that permanent makeup is a cosmetic tattoo, and the treated area needs time and proper care to heal correctly.
Are there any exciting new techniques, pigments or technologies in permanent makeup that clients should know about?
Yes, there are new techniques and technologies… I am not the artist who jumps on new trends, though. When it comes to tattooing a person’s face, I want to know the results will look good in the long run. Instead of jumping on a new trend, I wait until I have seen a technique or product performed and healed well long-term before I will pursue training in it.
What advice would you give someone curious about permanent makeup but feels nervous about taking the first step?
Schedule a consultation! A reputable permanent makeup artist should be happy to sit down with you, explain the process, answer your questions and help you determine if it’s the right option for you without any pressure to book.
Permanent makeup is an investment, and you should feel confident and informed before making that decision. If it’s not the right fit, other non-permanent services can help mimic the look of permanent makeup without the long-term commitment.
Beauty Lounge
100 SW 75th Street, Suite 203
Gainesville, FL 32607
beautyloungeco.com
info@beautyloungeco.com
(352) 888-4988
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