We have expanded our service menu so much in the last month and are excited to bring you tidbits of knowledge about each of our new (and old) services in the form of these blog posts! Today we’re talking cosmetic tattooing, our OG service. When you think of cosmetic tattooing, more than likely you think of brows. However, our scope of practice encompasses a wide range of services that can benefit anyone!

In some states, the different types of cosmetic tattooing are broken into two categories: permanent makeup tattooing and paramedical tattooing. Inkvictus provides cosmetic enhancement in Cary, NC. There is no differentiation here in North Carolina, and all types of tattooing fall under one license. For the sake of education, let’s dissect the differences!

Cosmetic tattooing often encompasses the face, brows, lips, and eyes. A big buzzword that we hear often regarding brows is microblading. This is not a service we offer at Inkvictus, despite both of our artists being trained. Most people are not a candidate for it, it’s old-school, and it’s rather invasive when done incorrectly. It is also the work we see most often walk through our doors asking for removal or correction due to blowouts, discoloration, scarring, and overall dissatisfaction with long-term results. We offer powder brows, which is a gentle shading technique. This service gives the appearance of softly filled-in brows which can range from ultra-natural to a more makeup appearance. It’s suitable for just about everyone, which is why we love it. We are going to dissect these techniques more in our next blog so you can make an informed decision before booking that appointment!

Lip blush and lip neutralization are the two lip services we offer, but differ greatly. Lip blush is geared towards creating a lip tint effect for lips lacking pigment. It is done with a similar technique to powder brows, implanting small pixels of color, and can be customized to suit your natural features. Something important to know about this service – we cannot over-line your lips past the natural lip border! Lip tissue is very different than your facial skin, and the two meet at the borders of your lips. Tattooing over your facial skin to give “fuller lips” will not yield seamless results. The lips heal differently and you will be left with a bold lip liner that might blow out and will be extremely difficult to remove. Lip neutralization is often lumped into the same category as lip blush, but is a very different and more advanced type of lip procedure. Lip neutralization is for clients with dark lips, two-toned lips, or hyper/hypopigmentation, often people of color! This procedure requires in-depth knowledge of pigmentology and color theory – to know what is going into the skin and why. This technique often requires several sessions, but they are included in our pricing – you will not pay extra for needing a third session just because you were born with darker lips!

When it comes to enhancing your eyes, we specialize in lash line enhancements – a meticulous technique that deposits color along the upper lash line, creating the illusion of fuller and darker lashes. If you’re looking to wake up with a refreshed look and streamline your daily routine, this service is a game-changer. For an added boost, consider combining it with a lash lift + tint for that perfect finishing touch! This service differs slightly from a classic eyeliner look, as it sits lower on the lid to hide among the lashes. We do not offer bold eyeliner services at Inkvictus as our aim is to target natural beauty, not overpower it! Not everyone is a good candidate for eyeliner, wings, or shading depending on eye shape, age, skin integrity, and many other factors. There is also greater risk with bold liner looks when considering long-term integrity, potential migration, and changing trends. Lash enhancements are suitable for a wide range of clientele! Count on us to help enhance your eyelashes in Raleigh!

Paramedical tattooing represents a distinct field within cosmetic tattooing, focusing on advanced procedures that go beyond traditional permanent makeup. These specialized services include scalp micropigmentation (SMP) and 3D areola restoration. SMP involves meticulously applying pigment using a pointillism technique on the scalp to replicate hair follicles, ideal for creating a “shaved head” appearance or enhancing density in thinning areas. This technique is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing hair loss due to various medical conditions, offering them renewed confidence and comfort. Similarly, 3D areola tattooing is a restorative procedure designed for individuals who have undergone mastectomies, reconstructive surgery, or top surgery, and may have lost natural areola pigmentation or anatomy. This delicate procedure allows for customization of shape, color, and detailing, respecting each client’s unique anatomy and personal preferences. These are both services we are hoping to provide in the near future at Inkvictus Studios, aiming to provide even more transformative and empowering solutions to our clients.

We’re excited to bring you along on our regular blog series where we dive into everything you’re curious about regarding our services, knowledge, and all things cosmetic + wellness! Stay tuned as we compare powder brows vs. microblading in our next blog. We’ll cover who’s a good fit, goals and outcomes, and even sprinkle in some science behind the magic.

Okay, love you, bye!

xo, Bre Hampton