Your questions, answered.

Cosmetic tattooing is a semi-permanent treatment. Specialised pigment is tattooed into the upper layers of the skin to enhance your eyebrows or lips. Unlike a body tattoo, it fades gradually, so the shape and colour can be adjusted over time.

Yes. All treatment equipment is sterile and single-use, and the studio keeps a very high standard of hygiene. Kate holds a skin penetration industry licence and current infection control certificates.

Allergic reactions are extremely rare, and a patch test is available on request. Only high-quality pigments made for cosmetic tattooing are used.

The area is numbed before and during your treatment. If you have a low pain threshold you may feel mild discomfort at the start. Most clients describe a gentle scratching feeling, and some even nap.

Don’t apply makeup directly to the treated area while it heals (6 to 10 days). Mineral foundation can be applied carefully around the area to cover any redness.

After a brow tattoo, wait at least two weeks before brow or lash tinting or lash extensions. After a lip tattoo, don’t use lipstick or lip products for at least 10 days, and keep your lips hydrated with the aftercare balm.

Often, yes. Kate regularly corrects colour and shape from previous work. It needs a Signature treatment, not a refresh. Book a free consultation so she can assess it first.

Allow 2½ hours for a Signature Brow Tattoo and 1½ hours for the touch-up four to six weeks later.

• No waxing, tinting, threading or tweezing in the 24 hours before.
• No injectables (anti-wrinkle or filler) in the 48 hours before.
• Your skin can’t be sunburnt, inflamed or broken in the brow area.
• Don’t tidy your brows first. Kate shapes them on the day.
• If you take blood-thinning medication, vitamin E or fish oil, check with your doctor about pausing for 48 hours.

Six to 18 months, depending on your skin type, sun exposure and lifestyle. A colour refresh every 12 months keeps your brows looking fresh.

Brows fade faster with sun exposure, some medications (thyroid medication and antidepressants among them), lighter colours and the Feather Touch style. Keep active skincare off the tattooed area. Read more about long-term care.

• Straight after treatment, the colour looks much darker than your chosen shade.
• A few days later, itching and flaking can occur as the skin heals. Apply the aftercare cream as advised.
• By 10 to 14 days the area should be healed, revealing a softer colour.
• Your touch-up is included, to perfect any areas that need it and adjust the final colour.

Read the full aftercare guide.

Allow 2½ hours for a Signature Lip Blush Tattoo and 1½ hours for the touch-up four to six weeks later.

• Kate can’t treat you while a cold sore is active.
• If you get cold sores, speak with a pharmacist beforehand about preventative treatment to take the day before your tattoo.
• No lip injectables (anti-wrinkle or filler) in the week before.
• Your lips can’t be sunburnt or inflamed.
• Keep your lips hydrated with lip balm in the week before.

Twelve to 24 months, depending on your skin type, sun exposure and lifestyle. A colour refresh every 18 months keeps it looking fresh.

Lips fade faster with sun exposure, some medications and lighter colours. Keep active skincare off the tattooed area.

• Straight after treatment, the colour looks very intense, like a bright lipstick.
• Your lips will be swollen for up to three days.
• A few days later, itching and flaking can occur as the skin heals. Apply the aftercare cream as often as needed to keep your lips hydrated.
• By 10 to 12 days the area should be healed, revealing a much softer colour, about 70% lighter.
• Your touch-up is included, to perfect any areas that have lost colour and adjust the final shade.

Book online. Choose your treatment and you’ll see Kate’s availability straight away. Not sure yet? Book a free consultation first.

Signature treatments need a $100 deposit by card when you book. It comes off your total, and the balance is paid on the day.

Yes. Afterpay and Zip are both welcome for the balance on the day.

4 Rose Robyn Lane, Gilston QLD 4211, in the Gold Coast hinterland. Appointments only. See The Studio for parking and what to expect.