FAQ

We’ve created a beautiful studio based in New Lambton where you’ll feel right at home. Our address is 2/11 Alma road New Lambton. As you enter, feel everything else fall away and take a moment to say ‘yes’ to yourself. We can’t wait to welcome you into our space!

Cosmetic tattooing is also known as micro pigmentation or semi-permanent makeup. It consists of pigment being inserted below the top layer of the dermis with sterile micro needles to mimic hair strokes or makeup which enhance the features of the face.

You must be 18 years of age to get a cosmetic tattoo at Arch by Jessica Riley.

• Once we’ve completed your new brows you’ll take a look at them for the first time, which can often feel a mix of nervous excitement! From here it is normal to LOVE them, feel they are too dark, feel they are different to what you are used to, or feel they are too big. Rest assured your new brows WILL settle, and while the healing period can feel a little “uncomfortable” for many, they will shrink and fade to a beautiful natural results within 10-14 days.
• During the healing period your brows will be darker. This is due to the surface pigment oxidising, as well as having chosen a colour that is a little darker than what we desire them to heal. As the skin heals it creates a veil of skin over the top of our chosen colour, and this softens the end result we see. The darker colour will begin to flake away and reveal a softer version of colour underneath, which will be fully settled and visible 4 weeks post treatment.
• We recommend you don’t book your eyebrow appointment when you have any important events on. You can certainly return to work and go about day to day activities, keeping in mind your brows will appear a little more ‘intense’ during the healing period.

• When you take a first look at your lips it’s normal to feel a little unsure! Your lips will be swollen & the colour brighter/stronger. Swelling usually subsides within 24 hours, and your brighter/darker colour will start to peel away during the healing process. Many clients are healed in 4 days, however some do take up to 7 days.
• If you have ever had a cold sore please be aware that lip tattooing can reactivate the virus and you can have an outbreak. It is very important if you see anything that looks like a blister or sore to stop applying the provided aftercare cream to that area so as to not spread them.

• Great for shape definition, filling areas of the brow that just won’t grow, and creating more symmetrical brows (to an extent)
• Saves time & lessens waxing and tinting maintenance for many clients, however please keep in mind tattooing is LOW maintenance NOT no maintenance.
• Perfect for those who wear little to no makeup but would like some shape and definition on the brows. Also great for those who wear a full face of makeup as it creates a stencil for you to quickly and easily add makeup to.
• Cosmetic tattooing is not a replacement for a full makeup look, and this can be an unrealistic expectation. For some clients this is the case, and for others they will still add a little makeup.
• While tattooing suits most skin types, we need to be aware that your skin is the canvas we are working with. This means if you have skin that bleeds, is sun damaged, sensitive or has scarring in the area to be treated these can all lessen retention. This means some skins will hold better than others, it’s unfortunately just a part of working in skin.
• Cosmetic tattooing (especially eyebrows) need to be maintained for them to continue looking their best! Ensure this fits in with your yearly/biyearly plans.
• It is possible when you have your eyebrows done repeatedly, that there may come a time you will need colour correction or some removal done. Each skin will metabolise and age the pigment differently, and if there comes a time there is too much density of pigment sitting in the skin and it no longer has space to accept new pigment, a removal session will need to be done to create space for future treatments to be successful.

• You’ll receive an email once you’ve secured your appointment with details of a topical numbing gel we suggest you to apply prior to arriving for your appointment. Most clients are very comfortable (many even fall asleep!), however it is normal to feel bits and pieces. If you have very sensitive skin you can expect to feel a little more than the average client.

• We aim to create low maintenance tattooing, most clients return 1.5-2.5 years after their initial tattooing treatment for a colourboost. You’ll know you’re ready for a brow colourboost when they have lightened to the point you feel you need to add makeup to the majority of your eyebrows, or if you feel you need warmth added back into the brows (brows may start to appear ashy in colour). Lips tend to last a little longer, you’ll return when your colour has faded or is becoming patchy in areas.

Brow tattooing will last 12-24 months before you require a colourboost. Each client will differ, as we are using a semi-permanent pigment which is metabolised by the body. Pigment can be faded rapidly by sun exposure, skin care (Retinol, Glycolics, AHA’s) and skin treatments (microdermabrasion, laser, peels, Vitamin infusions) used close to or over the treated area regularly.

Lip blush will last 2-3 years, and may well last well beyond this time in many skins.

Colour boost sessions are always recommended to keep your cosmetic tattoo looking fresh.

• No alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen or caffeine for 48hrs prior to your appointment.
• No sun burn or excessive exposure on the area 2 weeks prior to treatment.
• No botox 3 weeks prior to appointment on or around area to be treated.
• No filler 6 weeks prior to appointment on or around area to be treated.
• Stop strong retinA/ retinol/ vitamin A/ glycolics on and around area to be treated 4 weeks prior to treatment.
• LIPS ONLY – please ensure your lips are VERY hydrated at your appointment. Drink lots of water, and apply a nourishing balm often in the week leading up to your appointment. If you are prone to cold sores please consider taking lysine & an antiviral as a preventative measure. Please bring your favourite lip colours along to show us, we often match your favourite lippy. If you don’t have one, we’ll work with colours that flatter your skin tone & features.

There are detailed aftercare instructions given to you on the day. It is advisable to strictly adhere to these guidelines to achieve the best results.

Please note: You cannot exercise or use swimming pools, saunas or spas for 10 days post-treatment. You cannot wear makeup on, or too close to the treated area for 10-14 days post-treatment.

We do NOT tattoo during pregnancy. I want the best for your baby, and your face – and it is just safer to wait. There are many factors at play during this time and best results are not achieved. After you’ve had Bub, we recommend you wait at least 4-6 months so that your hormones can settle after the birth. We recommend you express for a couple of feeds after your treatment if you choose to have a treatment done while breastfeeding.

Yes, a good sunscreen should be applied to the treated area AFTER healing (2 weeks). This should be done at any time you will be in the sun so as to avoid the rapid fading of your cosmetic tattoo, as well as help keep the colour of your tattoo true.

Yes! Absolutely! I pride myself on using all single use, sterile equipment as well as adhering to strict hygiene practises during your treatment. Everything is disposed of, all work surfaces disinfected, and bedding changed between every client.