How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last?

If you’ve been thinking about permanent makeup, you

’ve probably asked the most common question we hear in the studio: “How long does permanent makeup last?” The honest short answer is 1 to 3 years—but the real answer depends on your skin type, skin condition, lifestyle, skincare routine, medications, and aftercare. Some clients hold pigment beautifully for years, while others may need a refresh sooner. Below, we’ll explain what affects longevity, what’s normal vs not, and how to get the longest-lasting results possible.

Quick Answer: Most Permanent Makeup Lasts 1–3 Years

Permanent makeup is designed to fade gradually over time, so it continues to look soft and natural as your skin changes. It’s not meant to stay the exact same color forever. In general, most clients can expect results to last about 1–3 years, with touch-ups recommended when the pigment has softened significantly.

Permanent Makeup Longevity by Service

How Long Does Permanent Eyeliner Last?

Permanent eyeliner typically lasts the longest — up to 6 years in many clients. In our experience, eyeliner lasts longer because the pigment used contains more carbon, and eyelids tend to shed less, which helps pigment stay in place longer.

How Long Do Powder Brows, Nano Brows, and Microblading Last?

Brow permanent makeup usually lasts between 1 and 3 years, but the exact timeline depends heavily on skin type and lifestyle. Brows tend to fade sooner than eyeliner because the brow area is more affected by oil production, sun exposure, skincare products, exfoliation, and facial treatments over time.

How Long Does Lip Blush Last?

Lip blush typically lasts 1–3 years, depending on sun exposure, lifestyle habits, and how your body holds pigment. Lip blush is meant to fade softly over time and can be refreshed to maintain the tone you love.

The No. 1 Reason Permanent Makeup Fades Faster Than Expected

The biggest reason we see for faster fading isn’t just sun exposure or oily skin. The No. 1 factor is skin conditions and internal health factors, including psoriasis, eczema, autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, and certain medications. This is why we do a thorough intake process before your appointment—to understand anything that may affect retention and set realistic expectations.

How Skin Type Affects Permanent Makeup Longevity

Your skin type plays a major role in how long permanent makeup lasts. Clients with normal to dry skin and no significant skin conditions tend to heal the cleanest and retain pigment the best. Clients with oily skin and large pores often fade more quickly and may need a touch-up sooner. That doesn’t mean oily skin can’t get permanent makeup—it just means results may heal softer and require more maintenance.

Lifestyle Habits That Can Cause Faster Fading

Certain lifestyle habits can speed up fading over time, especially if they’re frequent. Heavy sweating, swimming, tanning, sauna use, and consistent sun exposure can all reduce longevity. Skincare matters too—clients who regularly use retinol or get chemical peels and laser treatments may fade faster, especially on the brows. Smoking can also affect healing, and skin may not heal as cleanly, which can reduce pigment retention.

Aftercare Mistakes That Shorten Results (And What to Do Instead)

Two of the most common aftercare mistakes we see are applying too much ointment and doing intense cardio immediately after the procedure. More ointment is not better—too much can interfere with healing. Sweating too soon can also affect how well pigment locks into the skin.

Our non-negotiables include avoiding sun exposure during the first week after your procedure and wearing sunscreen long-term to protect your results.

Touch-Up Timeline: Perfecting Session vs Refresh Appointment

Permanent makeup is a process—not a one-and-done procedure. We recommend a perfecting session 8–10 weeks after your initial appointment to refine the healed result. After that, most clients return for a refresh between 1 and 3 years, depending on fading. Ideally, we refresh when the pigment is about 50% faded from the initial result.

Fading vs Blurring vs Color Shifting (What’s Normal vs Not)

Fading is normal and expected—permanent makeup naturally softens over time. Blurring may occur with very oily skin or if pigment was applied incorrectly. Color shifting or migration is more of a red flag and can happen when needle application is done at the wrong angle or depth.

Real Client Examples (What We See in the Studio)

Clients in the Fitzpatrick scale 4–5 with normal skin type often have the best retention and may go closer to 3 years before needing a touch-up. A client with oily skin and large pores may fade faster and need a touch-up closer to 1 year. We also see correction cases—like leftover red pigment from previous microblading—where we can often improve the tone using an olive color correction instead of laser removal.

What We Want Clients to Understand About Expectations

Permanent makeup is meant to enhance your features—not create perfection. Faces are naturally asymmetrical, so brows will be sisters, not twins. Also, aftercare matters as much as the procedure itself. Your results depend on both the technician’s skill and the care you follow at home.

FAQs About Permanent Makeup Longevity

How long does permanent makeup last on eyebrows?

Most brow permanent makeup lasts 1–3 years, depending on skin type, sun exposure, skincare routines, and aftercare.

What permanent makeup lasts the longest?

Permanent eyeliner typically lasts the longest and can last up to 6 years.

Why does my permanent makeup fade so fast?

Fast fading can be caused by oily skin, sun exposure, retinol or chemical peels, smoking, or skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, and certain medications.

When should I get a touch-up?

We recommend a perfecting session 8–10 weeks after your first appointment, and refresh appointments when the pigment is about 50% faded, usually 1–3 years.

Ready to Book?

If you’re considering brows, lips, or eyeliner and want natural-looking results with realistic expectations, we’ll help you choose the best technique for your skin type. Book your permanent makeup appointment with Body and Brows by Ana in Yardley, PA today.