Let’s get real – the question ‘What’s included in PMU pricing?’ seems to come up in just about every first consultation I have at Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne. And you know what? It’s a fair enough question – semi-permanent makeup is no ordinary beauty splurge. You’re chucking in some serious cash for a skillset that’s been honed over years of experience, combined with top-notch safety standards – not just some pigment slapped on your skin.
If you’ve ever thought about getting a cosmetic tattoo in Melbourne, working out what’s really included in the price makes it heaps easier to compare studios and know exactly what you’re getting for your hard-earned cash. And that includes the quality of care, tools and the artistic skills on offer
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The Real Value Of A Cosmetic Tattoo
When you see a PMU price – be it $450 or $950 – it’s worth remembering that you’re not just paying for some colour; you’re paying top dollar for craftsmanship and compliance.
In Australia, proper PMU artists are stuck to following pretty strict hygiene regulations, licensing and ongoing education. At Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne, every procedure involves:
- Industry-grade pigments and inks that are certified for cosmetic use
- Single-use needle cartridges and microblading blades, which are good as new, and sterile
- Good quality cleaning agents and barrier film (none of the cheap stuff here)
- Bloodborne Pathogen certification that’s up to date
- Tattoo machines and pens that meet Australia’s hygiene standards
- The latest mapping tools for super-precise brow sculpting and symmetry
That’s the standard stuff – and all before even considering the years of experience and training it takes to safely tattoo on the face.
What’s Included In Your Service
Let’s unpack what’s typically included in a standard semi-permanent makeup service. While every studio structures pricing a little differently, the main inclusions should look something like this:
| Service Component | What It Includes | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Pre-appointment chat, design mapping, and medical questionnaire | Ensures safety, colour accuracy, and shape planning |
| Pre-Numbing & Prep | Application of topical anaesthetic, cleaning and barrier setup | Reduces discomfort, maintains a sterile environment |
| Procedure Time | Full tattoo session (brows, lips, or eyeliner) using single-use tools | Determines symmetry, colour saturation, and precision |
| Aftercare Pack | Healing balm, written aftercare instructions, and touch-up schedule | Promotes even healing and pigment retention |
| Follow-Up / Touch-Up | 6–8 weeks post-treatment refinement | Perfects colour tone and fills any healed gaps |
Most Melbourne clients are surprised to find out how much time and training go into the “invisible parts” — things you don’t see in a before-and-after photo, but that make all the difference in your healed result.
Consultation
This is where the foundation for every great tattoo starts. At Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne, we never skip a proper consultation. We talk about:
- Your skin type and how it may affect pigment retention
- Past procedures, allergies, or medications
- Shape preferences, face symmetry, and bone structure
- Lifestyle factors like swimming, sun exposure, and skincare routines
Think of this as your blueprint. I’d rather spend an extra 30 minutes mapping and drawing than rush into tattooing a shape that doesn’t truly fit your face.
Materials, Pigments, And Tools
Here’s something most clients never see: the breakdown of what’s on the tray during your appointment.
Every needle cartridge, microblading blade, and pigment cup is sterile and single-use. All disposable waste is handled under council-approved clinical waste systems.
Pigments are the heart of cosmetic tattooing. At Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne, we only use industry-grade pigments & inks that gradually fade over 1–3 years — not old-style permanent inks that can turn grey or blue.
We also match pigments according to your Fitzpatrick skin type, so your healed colour looks soft and natural — not ashy or too warm.
The PMU pen and tattoo machines we use are professional-grade tools that allow smoother implantation of pigment and finer control, especially when creating nano brows or ombré/powder brows. Precision tools equal better healed results.
Touch-Ups
One of the biggest myths about PMU pricing is that the “main session” is all you need. In reality, every professional treatment includes at least one touch-up appointment — because healing and pigment retention vary by person.
Your skin regenerates, scabs, and sheds during the healing process. That can cause up to 30% pigment loss — totally normal! The touch-up session allows your artist to:
- Reassess healed colour and shape
- Fill in any gaps from natural skin exfoliation
- Adjust tone if needed for undertone correction
If you see a price that seems “too good to be true,” check if it includes a follow-up. A missing touch-up usually means a second payment later — and possibly uneven results.
Aftercare Products And Support
Proper aftercare instructions are part of what you’re paying for. You’ll usually get:
- A healing balm or protective ointment
- Written post-treatment instructions
- Access to your artist for healing advice
At Cosmetic Tattoo Melbourne, we teach clients the difference between wet healing (gentle washing and balm application) and dry healing (leaving the tattoo untouched). The right method depends on your skin type — oily clients tend to heal better with dry, while dry or sensitive skin benefits from light hydration.
Your post-care isn’t just about cleanliness — it affects pigment retention, colour stability, and final symmetry.
Pricing Factors
Prices vary across Melbourne for a reason. Here’s what affects them most:
1. Artist Experience And Training
Experienced artists with years of training cost more — and they should. PMU is not a “learn in a weekend” skill. Advanced training in colour theory, facial symmetry and skin behaviour is what separates a beautiful healed result from a fix-up job.
2. Procedure Type
- Microblading / Hair Stroke Brows — Hand-carved strokes, very natural, good for normal/dry skin
- Powder / Ombre Brows — Soft shaded effect, better for oily skin or those wanting a makeup look
- Lip Blush / Lip Tint — Restores colour and symmetry; requires precision and longer session times
- Eyeliner Tattoo — Delicate work near lash line; often includes lash enhancement
Each procedure requires different tools, pigments and session time.
3. Location And Studio Standards
Melbourne’s inner suburbs, especially around the CBD and South Yarra, have higher studio costs. Expect higher prices from fully licensed studios that meet council hygiene inspections and insurance standards.
Average Pricing In Melbourne (2025 Guide)
| Treatment Type | Average Price (AUD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Brow Tattoo (Microblading / Combo / Powder) | $650–$950 | Consultation, session, touch-up |
| Lip Blush / Lip Tint Tattoo | $700–$1,000 | Anaesthetic, pigments, touch-up |
| Eyeliner Tattoo (Upper Or Lower) | $450–$850 | Pre-numbing, session, aftercare pack |
| Full Or Winged Eyeliner | $850–$1,200 | Design, multiple passes, touch-up |
| Colour Correction / Old Tattoo Cover-Up | $500–$900 | Consultation, corrective pigment plan |
Keep in mind that those prices show you’re getting a top-notch service along with proper sterilisation and follow-up. Cheaper laser removals often try to skip the really important bits, which can mean you need to go back later and shell out even more cash.
What’s Not Included — And Why It’s Not Hidden
There are a few extras that might cost more depending on the studio you go to:
- Emergency removals or lightening sessions that need to deal with really badly over-saturated pigments
- Additional touch-ups after the first one, which some people find they need if they have oily skin or are a bit older
- Pigment correction if someone else had a go first
- Topical anaesthetics at some clinics – although we do include it as standard
These aren’t sneaky hidden fees – they’re just treatments that depend on where you’re starting from and what you want to achieve.
FAQs
Why Do Prices Vary So Much Between Different Artists?
You’re paying for the actual expertise, not just the time that’s being spent. A really experienced PMU artist will have invested in the best pigments, burnable needle parts, insurance, and training – all of which ups the price but means you get a safe and long-lasting result.
Is Cheap PMU Always A Recipe For Disaster?
Not always, but do be careful – a low price is often an indication of either bad hygiene or a lack of experience. And let’s be real, fixing things after the fact is way, way more expensive than getting it right in the first place.
Do Touch-Ups Cost Extra?
Most places will give you one touch-up session included in the price, but only within a pretty tight timeframe – usually 6 to 8 weeks. Make sure to check that’s part of the quote before you book anything.
Can I Just Get One Session?
Technically, yes, you can – but it won’t last as long or look as even as it would with two sessions. Think of the second session as the icing on the cake – you’re sealing the pigment in and making sure it lasts.
How About Maintenance Over Time?
You can expect to need a colour refresh every 12 to 24 months to keep the tone and vibrancy looking good. Sun exposure, using skincare products with acids, and just how you live your life all affect how fast it fades.