Semi-permanent makeup (SPMU) is one of the fastest-growing areas of the beauty industry in the UK. If you’re tired of filling in your brows every day or want perfectly defined lips when you wake up, SPMU might be exactly what you’re looking for. Here’s a complete guide.
What Is Semi-Permanent Makeup?
Semi-permanent makeup uses a specialist machine or hand tool to implant pigment into the upper layers of the skin — similar to tattooing, but using pigments rather than ink, and at a shallower depth. The results fade gradually over 12–36 months depending on the treatment and your skin type.
Types of Semi-Permanent Makeup
- Microblading — fine hair-stroke brows using a manual blade. Natural-looking result, best for normal to dry skin
- Ombre / powder brows — machine-applied shaded brow look, more defined, longer-lasting, better for oily skin
- Combination brows — hair strokes at the front with shading towards the tail
- Lip blush — adds colour and definition to lips, evens out uneven pigmentation
- Eyeliner tattooing — lash-line enhancement or winged liner in a range of thicknesses
- Freckle tattooing — natural-looking dot freckles for a sun-kissed effect
How Long Does Semi-Permanent Makeup Last?
Microblading: 12–18 months. Ombre brows: 18–24 months. Lip blush: 2–3 years. Eyeliner: 2–4 years. All SPMU requires a top-up session 4–8 weeks after the initial treatment as the pigment settles. Annual colour boosts maintain the look at its best.
How Much Does Semi-Permanent Makeup Cost in the UK?
Microblading: £250–£450. Ombre brows: £250–£500. Lip blush: £300–£550. Eyeliner: £200–£400. Prices include the mandatory top-up at most reputable artists. Be wary of prices significantly below these — SPMU requires extensive training and ongoing CPD.
Choosing a Safe SPMU Artist
- Check their local authority licence — all SPMU practitioners must be licensed in the UK
- Ask for their training certificates (Level 4 VTCT or equivalent is the gold standard)
- Review their healed work portfolio — fresh work always looks different to healed results
- Patch test is mandatory before any SPMU treatment
Find SPMU Artists on Glowbooks
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Related Reading
- Microblading vs Brow Lamination
- Threading vs Waxing for Eyebrows
- Best Eyebrow Specialists in Liverpool
Frequently Asked Questions
Does semi-permanent makeup hurt?
Topical numbing cream is applied before treatment. Most clients describe a scratching sensation — discomfort is manageable and brief.
Can semi-permanent makeup be removed?
Yes — laser removal or saline removal can lighten or remove SPMU, though complete removal can take multiple sessions.
Is semi-permanent makeup the same as a tattoo?
Similar technique but different pigments and depth. SPMU fades because the pigment is implanted more superficially than body tattoo ink.