Erik Berntsen at Studio One

I went to Erik for my permanent eyeliner and I love it. He was very professional and personable. The eyeliner turned out great and I'm so glad I did it. I have to say that it hurt more than I expected, but nothing that can't be tolerated, and it didn't take that long.
The first time I went in, my eyes took a few days to heal. He told me the second day after the application would be the worst, and it was. My eyes were sore and puffy. But by the following day, I was fine and totally back to normal within a week. I went in last week for my retouch, and it was quicker, much less painful, and the healing was quicker.
Apparently this last 5-8 years or so, and at this point I'd say that I'd be do it again when that time comes. Just a nice thing to have on those days that I don't want to wear makeup, or just a bit less time in the morning on work days.

History, I NEEDed to do something to fix my brows.  I use to have very bushy brows, took them for granted and got tired of waxing every 2 weeks.  I was getting my forehead hair lasered and casually asked the tech to zap a few spots on my eye brows.  She warned me it was a bad idea b/c the laser isn't for detailed work.  I kept nugging her to do it anyway.
Well...you know the saying be careful what you ask for.  My eye brows came out very short on one side and spotty on the other (missing hair were hair should be).  
I tired everything from a miracle eye brow growing gel (which didn't work by the way) to a super expensive eye brow pencil (found out I can't draw brows).
I went online and Googled around for suggestions.  

Present, I came across Permenant Makeup.  There were mix reviews.  Basically you had to find the right technician (or shall I say artist) for the best results.  I started Googling again to search for my Michelangelo, prepared to pay what ever the cost.
I came across nail salons that offered the service on the cheap.  I thought about it for 2 seconds, NO WAY was I going to let a nail tech. (someone not even CPCP certified) do something as important as the frame to my face.  
I kept looking and came across Studio One.  I read his bio, search engined the hell out of his name and read all the reviews twice.  I came across 1 review that was very negative, almost too negative, like a competitor kind of review.  They basically said his bad reviews got deleted yet theirs managed to remain...huh.  I read too many great views of his work to let this 1 reviewer deter me.
I made my consultation apppointment.  First impression:  soft spoken, family man that's professional.  The studio room was very clean.  We locked eyes, I came at him with my list of questions/fears.  He answered them all without flinching.  The man's website list his services and prices...I should have known from that he had nothing to hide.  My next step, I made the appointment (he books 3 weeks out).

Day of appointment:  I was nervous and it showed.  I came 45 mins. early "just in case" (not sure what the Just In Case was) and checked in.  He came out to greet me after 20 mins with 5 pages I needed to read, initial and sign.  Just the basic medical and arbritration forms from any business that does this type of work (still makes you even more nervous).  
Cut to the chase:  Came in talked about what I wanted (natural brows b/c I'm a minimalist), showed some sample pics off my phone, went into color options and then he drew with a brow pencil what he would be doing.  I had total control.
He explained the little tool he'd be using to microderm the brow area so that the topical numbing cream could take effect quickly.  I won't ly, that part was a bit painful.  But then it was relax, lay back and let him work his magic.
The tatooing process wasn't that bad & it was over quickly.  You know what they say "alittle pain for lots of gain".  

I just got the proceedure done today so I'll update with pictures (that I know everyone wants to see) in a few weeks when the ink isn't so dark.  What's nice is he does touch-ups in 6-8 weeks (included in his price).  So if my brows need a little tweeking he can take care of it then.  So far I really like the results and wish I had done this before the whole laser fiasco.

Erik is awesome!  I had him do my eyebrows, and he did a beautiful job.  He truly is an artist.  We reviewed colors--he made the perfect choice for my tone and coloring.  The lines are perfect--just beautiful.  And he is incredibly nice--just a wonderful person.  I am so happy I did this--took years off me!--and he was the right person to go to.  He is just the best!