Hi! I’m Natalia Markajani
Founder of Maryland's premier permanent makeup studio and academy ALTRA
A forge of the best eyebrows and artists
Hi! I’m Natalia Markajani

Founder of Maryland's premier permanent makeup studio and academy ALTRA

A forge of the best eyebrows and artists

Permanent Makeup | Cosmetic Tattoo Artist

Why we don’t offer Microblading ?
Why we don’t offer Microblading ?
SERVICES
TRAINING
About me

My name is Natalia Markajani and I’m the owner of ALTRA. I was born and raised in Saint-Petersburg, Russia and moved to the United States in 2013.


I have meticulously honed my craft, training and getting certified both in Europe and America, to deliver the latest PMU techniques that look natural and leave a lasting impression!


ALTRA is your one place for all your Permanent Makeup (PMU) needs and it is my aim to make your life a little easier…


and boost your confidence by enhancing your natural beauty.

 

I am often asked questions like this

About me

My name is Natalia Markajani and I’m the owner of ALTRA. I was born and raised in Saint-Petersburg, Russia and moved to the United States in 2013.

 

I have meticulously honed my craft, training and getting certified both in Europe and America, to deliver the latest PMU techniques that look natural and leave a lasting impression!

 

ALTRA is your one place for all your Permanent Makeup (PMU) needs. We offer Powder/Ombre brows, Lipblushing, Lip neutralization and various of Permanent eyeliner styles. Our newest addition is Nano brows by the top artist Anastasia.

 

Anastasia and I, are award winning artists, trainers and speakers, who live and breathe permanent makeup, and it’s our aim to make your life a little easier…

 

and boost your confidence by enhancing your natural beauty.

 

Interested in classes? Email us admin@altra.pmu

My work
What our customers say
Excellent
Based on 161 reviews
Sylvia N
Sylvia N
Natalia is a natural and she made everything about this process easy. No regrets!
Traneda Davis
Traneda Davis
Natalia Is a creator of beautiful things! She has an eye for what enhances your face and not because it’s a trending way your brows should be. I initially had Microblading done and it didn’t fit my face nor did it last. After just the first treatment with Altra my brows were amazing. Natalia’s artistry saved me at least 15 minutes trying to get my brows in the right shape and color daily. I just had my second touch up visit and my brows look excellent even before they are fully healed. Saying all this because I highly recommend Natalia of Altra for her creative insight and the cleanliness of the shop.🤩
shennoa blake
shennoa blake
I love my brows done at ALTRA!! I get compliments daily, they look VERY natural, the process was seamless and I am out the door each morning quickly- no need for much make-up my brows set my face. I 100% recommend ALTRA's services
Ariana Ramirez
Ariana Ramirez
Since having my powder brows done, I get daily compliments on them. Natalia does great work, and I would recommend Altra to anyone who is looking for a perfect, natural brow. If you are on the fence about permanent makeup, check out the gallery. You will see her stunning work. Additionally, the procedure was almost painless. My brows looked great all through the healing process. What are you waiting for?
Jessica Ning
Jessica Ning
This is a very professional tattoo and embroidery shop with good technology and good service. I highly recommend everyone to come to the nearest shop.
Abena Bondah
Abena Bondah
Natalia is an epitome of excellence. The ambience she has created, her attention to details and her eagle eyes which do not miss anything is second to none. You can trust her to give you the perfection you're looking for. I recommend her highly.
Raealyne Olarte
Raealyne Olarte
I had seen several videos and pictures on social media of PMUAs in the area and had been contemplating on whether or not I wanted to get my own eyebrows done. I had gotten to the point where I was tired of spending money on eyebrow pencils and I was tired of having to spend time in the mornings filling in my eyebrows. I happened to come across Altra’s page on Instagram and was very impressed by Natalia’s work. What made her stand out from other artists was that she reached out to me and was willing to squeeze me in for a consultation later in the evening after I got off work. Natalia took her time explaining the process to me and she made me feel comfortable enough to follow through with the decision of getting my brows done by her. 4 months later and here I am, happier than ever that I am saving money and time. I’ve gotten compliments on my brows and have even sent Natalia a client who is interested in getting their eyeliner done. I appreciate the fact that Natalia takes her time with her clients, not only during the appointment, but during the consult to explain things including what the healing process would look like. I also appreciate that she is constantly working on ways to evolve as a PMUA by attending conferences and trainings. For anyone who is trying to decide on whether or not to get permanent makeup done, I say “Go for it! and let Natalia be the one to do it for you!”
Chanda Welshons
Chanda Welshons
Had my eyebrows done and Nathalia did an amazing job. I went in for a consult first because my first microbladed eyebrows were uneven and left a horrible discoloration, and Nathalia was honest and asked that I go through some laser treatments to remove the colors before she could even touch my eyebrows. Half a year later, she did and I’m very happy with the results. She’s professional, detail-oriented, and very pleasant to work with. Hoping to get my lipsblussed too soon.
Sara McGrady
Sara McGrady
I was thrilled and excited with Natalia’s Powder Brow Classes. After taking Microblading classes, elsewhere, I decided to continue my permanent makeup education and had been following Natalia for awhile. I just knew I had to learn her technique. I’m very pleased with the course and the instructor. Natalia was very thorough with her information and instruction. I didn’t understand all of it at first but after some hands-on experience, it clicked. I also appreciated the continuous support she offers even AFTER the course. Its so helpful. I can’t stress that part enough. There’s a lot of information to retain, so to be able to have your instructor on deck ready for your questions as you continue your journey, is the best part— in my opinion.
FAQ

Microshading, also known as Powdered/Ombre Brows, are a semi-permanent eyebrow styling technique that creates a soft shaded brow pencil look. This amazing technique has evolved emensely in the past few years and gives a skilled artist an opportunity to create any desired look, from natural soft shade to a more saturated “makeup”. It is suitable for all skin types and lasts anywhere from 1-5 years.

Right after the initial appointment your eyebrows appear bolder and wider than they’ll look once they heal, about 10-30% of the color will fade 2-3 weeks after the procedure. 6-12 weeks later you need to schedule a touch up session.

Aftercare instructions involve keeping the area dry for up to 14 days, so please plan your appointment accordingly. 

When performing Microblading, an artist uses a hand tool that literally carves hair strokes into your skin.

Microblading is painful, not suitable for all skin types, with regular touch ups leads to scarring and most of the time results are unpredictable.

With this technique it’s harder to control the depth of ink penetration, that’s why some clients have very poor retention, or the opposite, ink implanted very deep, to the point where it’s hard to get removed and the pigment might inverse into unwanted color, like red or blue.

Artists “sell” Microblading by showing you pictures of fresh work, but in reality those “natural” hair strokes blur within a couple months and look nothing like natural after all.

Microshading/Powder/Ombre brows on the other hand is safe, suitable for all skin types and not painful. We implant the pigment using a single point needle machine, “scratching” the surface. With this technique we have more control of the penetration depth and final result.

Check out our Instagram to see “healed” work. Only soft, natural results that will save you time in your busy mornings!

Pain level is minimal. The pigment is implanted more superficial with permanent make up application than body tattoos, that’s also the reason why it fades faster. A topical anesthesia is applied before, during and after the procedure if needed.

We also suggest avoiding scheduling a few days before or during your menstrual cycle due to elevated sensitivity.

NO pain killers should be taken prior appointment, it’ll negatively impact the results!

Ombre brows can last anywhere from 1 to five years. The retention will depend on a number of factors, such as lifestyle, skin type, sun exposure, health condition, etc. To maintain the pigment color it is advised to get retouches done every 12-24 months.

ALL appointments begin with a consultation and predrawing, but if you still wish to meet me before making the decision, please message me and I’ll fit you in in one of the days when I’m in the office for a free 30 minute consultation.

– Booking fee is non-refundable.

– Should you need to reschedule your appointment, it must be in the 48-hour period BEFORE your original appointment. Otherwise, your deposit will be forfeited.

Lash enhancement, or invisible eyeliner as it’s also called, is a permanent make up procedure and involves tattooing a thin black line along the lash line to create the illusion of fuller, darker, thicker lashes for a natural, youthful, eye-opening effect. 👁
Technically it’s a pretty easy and quick procedure, that usually takes no longer than 1 hr.
Topical anesthesia is applied before/during the procedure for maximum comfort.😴

❗️Please note, it has nothing to do with eyelash extensions!

Shaded eyeliner
has a wing and shading on top, which are customized for each client. Please note, this style is not suitable for hooded, droopy eyelids.

Eyeliner tattoo lasts 3-6 years before a client needs a refresh and never completely goes away, so keep in mind, that any eyeliner style is a long time commitment

Lip blushing is a permanent makeup technique on lips, that enhances the beauty of the natural lip color or changes/corrects the color, improving the shape/contour of the lips, giving definition and the illusion of fullness.
Please note:
– It is NOT lip augmentation and the swelling you experience right after the procedure is normal and subsides a few hours later.
– If you’ve had fillers done to your lips, please wait 1 month before getting lip blush done.
– Start taking antiviral medication the day of the procedure if you have history of cold sores/herpes.

Healing time ~5 days
Discomfort level 2 out of 10

Absolutely no caffeine/painkillers/blood thinners 24 hrs prior appointment!

EYEBROWS
– The night of procedure gently wash your eyebrows with gel cleanser/antibacterial soap.
– The next day after the procedure start applying aftercare product provided, just a pea size once a day with a q-tip. Don’t touch your eyebrows and try to sleep on your back for 14 days.
– Starting day 4-7 your eyebrows might appear flakey and patchy. DO NOT pick, rub or scratch them!!!
– Do not get brows saturated, sweaty or steamy (working out, showers, sauna, hot baths) for 14 days.
– No make up or skincare products on treated area for 14 days.
– Longevity of the pigment also depends on your lifestyle. Direct sunlight, lasers, Retin-A, vitamin C, hydroquinone, chemical peels, excessive sweating contribute to premature fading.


LIPS
– on the day of the procedure wipe your lips with clean luke warm water. No hot/spicy food/alcohol.
– starting the next day start applying the provided ointment, make sure your lips are always moisturised.
– do not touch the area during healing process
It takes 5-6 days for lips to heal.


EYES
– take an antihistamine medication the night of the procedure
– do NOT wet the area/no makeup on the area for 4 days


After initial healing the color of your tattoo will still be changing, getting lighter/darker, you may apply makeup once the peeling is done and while your skin is recovering. Full healing is considered 4-6 weeks.
Every skin is different, some clients retain a lot of color after just 1 session, some don’t. And that’s what the touch-up is for.
Final results can be judged only once you’ve healed from the touch-up session!!!

EYEBROWS
– The night of procedure gently wash your eyebrows with gel cleanser/antibacterial soap.
– The next day after the procedure start applying aftercare product provided, just a pea size once a day with a q-tip. Don’t touch your eyebrows and try to sleep on your back for 14 days.
– Starting day 4-7 your eyebrows might appear flakey and patchy. DO NOT pick, rub or scratch them!!!
– Do not get brows saturated, sweaty or steamy (working out, showers, sauna, hot baths) for 14 days.
– No make up or skincare products on treated area for 14 days.
– Longevity of the pigment also depends on your lifestyle. Direct sunlight, lasers, Retin-A, vitamin C, hydroquinone, chemical peels, excessive sweating contribute to premature fading.


LIPS
– on the day of the procedure wipe your lips with clean luke warm water. No hot/spicy food/alcohol.
– starting the next day start applying the provided ointment, make sure your lips are always moisturised.
– do not touch the area during healing process
It takes 5-6 days for lips to heal.


EYES
– take an antihistamine medication the night of the procedure
– do NOT wet the area/no makeup on the area for 4 days


After initial healing the color of your tattoo will still be changing, getting lighter/darker, you may apply makeup once the peeling is done and while your skin is recovering. Full healing is considered 4-6 weeks.
Every skin is different, some clients retain a lot of color after just 1 session, some don’t. And that’s what the touch-up is for.
Final results can be judged only once you’ve healed from the touch-up session!!!

from the touch-up session!!!

General Restrictions
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Major scarring/keloids
  • Pregnant/nursing
  • Antibiotics
  • Allergy to lidocaine (unless willing to get procedure done with no numbing)
  • Allergy to pigments (a test patch can be done 20 mins prior the procedure)
  • Use of Accutane in the past year, retinol or retina-a in the past 4 weeks
  • Certain medications (discuss with the professional and let your Permanent Makeup (PMU) artist know)
  • Undergoing Chemotherapy (Consult with your doctor)
  • Epilepsy
  • Auto-immune disease
  • Thyroid/Graves disease
  • Anemia (pigment may not retain properly)

Perfection Permanent Makeup: Transform Your Looks at premier cosmetic tattoo studio in Columbia MD

Have you been looking for permanent make-up procedure “near me”? Even if you need to travel, you are at the right place! Welcome to our page, where we know everything about creating a gorgeous makeup tattoo. Cosmetic tattooing is a technique that allows our artist Natalia to create long lasting masterpiece on your face.

Our permanent make-up treatments are designed to enhance your natural beauty and bring a flawless look to your image. We specialize in various types of pmu techniques, including Microshading (Powder/Ombre brows), Nano brows, Lipblush, Lip neutralization, and various styles of Permanent eyeliner.

Permanent makeup tattooing is perfect for anybody of any age and skin tones, who want to simplify their beauty routine and look flawless and “put together” at any time.

During the procedure a special pigment is injected into the top layer of the skin to create a long lasting makeup effect. Yes, it is similar in principle to traditional tattooing, but since we work more superficially, it doesn’t look like a tattoo (it looks more natural), doesn’t hurt like a tattoo, and doesn’t last for life, that’s why some call it a semi-permanent makeup.

Initially it’s a two step process. After your first session follows a 6-12 week touchup, and to maintain the desired result, one needs to come back for a refresh every 1-3 years, depending on the skin type and the look they want to achieve, whether it’s adding definition to eyebrows, juicy color to the lips or brightness to permanent eyeliner.

Natalia is a professional cosmetic tattoo artist in Maryland who takes into account the individual facial features and preferences of the client. Shape and color are always customized to each individual and that’s why we love microshading technique, it allows that versatility.

Powder/Ombre brows is great for those, who want an effect of penciled in brows or henna, Nano brows are perfect for individuals with little to no hair, or for those who like subtle hair stroke look.

Lipblushing can also be done in very sheer lip tint effect, or lipstick. And with the help of Lip neutralization, we can even out and brighten up hyperpigmented areas.

At ALTRA permanent makeup and academy, we create different styles of permanent eyeliner – lashline enhancement, classic permanent eyeliner and smoky Shaded eyeliner.

How much does microshading cost and is it worth it?

Our studio prices can be found on our website, and is it worth it? Just look at our gallery, read the raving reviews of hundreds of our clients, who invested in themselves, trusted us and never looked back. Now are YOU ready to do the same?

Read more

BLACK FRIDAY is happening!

$100 discount on any initial service with only 10 spots available!

Promo code
BLACKFRIDAY100

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to receive information about current specials

Use code

MOTHERSDAY

for 15% off

Promo code is valid until 5/14, use for any date in the future

*Not combinable with other offers

Follow us on Instagram to learn more about the services, see more of our work and laugh at our reels. DM with questions or if you’d like to set up a complimentary consultation

BLACK FRIDAY is happening!

$100 discount on any initial service with only 10 spots available!

Promo code
BLACKFRIDAY100

Use code

MOTHERSDAY

for 15% off

Promo code is valid until 5/14, use for any date in the future

*Not combinable with other offers

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to receive information about current specials

BLACK FRIDAY is happening!

$100 discount on any initial service with only 10 spots available!

Promo code
BLACKFRIDAY100

Use code

MOTHERSDAY

for 15% off

Promo code is valid until 5/14, use for any date in the future

*Not combinable with other offers

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to receive information about current specials

Why we don’t offer Microblading?

 Microblading is still a very popular permanent make-up technique in the USA and a lot of clients ask why we don’t provide this service.
– SCARRING

When performing Microblading, an artist uses a tiny hand tool that literally carves hair strokes into your skin. It’s very hard for new and even advanced artists to control the depth of the “cuts”, so a lot of times Microblading causes irreversible damage to the skin – scarring, especially if done more than once.

– NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES.

Microblading rarely stays on oily skin and is too harsh for thin/sensitive skin.
– UNPREDICTABLE RESULTS
With this technique it’s harder to control the depth of ink penetration, that’s why some clients have very poor retention, or the opposite, ink implanted very deep, to the point where it’s hard to get removed and the pigment might inverse into unwanted color, like red or blue.
Artists “sell” Microblading by showing you pictures of fresh work, but in reality those “natural” hair strokes blur under skin within a couple months and alter your shape.
– DIFFICULT TO WORK OVER AND REMOVE

Clients who have had microblading done in the past, have to come in for an in person consultation, even if they think their brows are faded enough for a cover up. And the reason is again, scarring. Powder is not going to cover microblading up evenly if your skin is compromised. In this case some removal sessions might be suggested.
Removal services are not easy and take a long time. We offer Saline tattoo removal and it usually takes 2-6 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Laser removal (NOT done at Permanent makeup studio and academy – ALTRA) might be recommended as well.
– NEVER ENOUGH

Strokes age differently and some fade faster than the other, so clients go in for touch ups more frequently, further compromising the skin and at the end of the day still feel like they didn’t achieve the fullness they were looking for. Most clients report they still have to fill in their brows every day, which defeats the purpose of getting permanent make-up.

Microblading by various artists

process-of-microshading-columbia-maryland

So what is Microshading/Powder/Ombre brows and why is it better?

This advanced technique is

– SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

Even on oily skin Powder brows generally stays at least for 1 year before you need to come in for a refresh

– PAINLESS

We implant the pigment using a single point needle machine, “scratching” the surface.

– SAFE

With this technique we have more control of the penetration depth, no risk of scarring!

– NO COLOR INVERSION

With us you won’t get red or blue eyebrows

– OPTIONS We can go from a very soft powdery look to a more saturated, depending on what you prefer.

 

Check out our Instagram @altra.beautylab to see “healed” work. Only soft, natural results that will save you time in your busy mornings!

Follow us on Instagram to learn more about the services, see more of our work and laugh at our reels. DM with questions or if you’d like to set up a complimentary consultation