The Ultimate Dos and Don’ts in Storing Your PMU Pigments

It’s a nightmare to open a brand-new bottle of pigment only to find it clumpy or ruined. Pigments are surprisingly sensitive to their environment. Even small mistakes in storage or handling can make all the difference.

The good news is that keeping your pigments perfect is simple. Follow these do's and don'ts to protect your kit, your reputation, and your clients.

The Golden Rules Of Pigment Care (The Do's) 

Good habits in the studio make sure your colors stay in good shape from the first drop to the last. So, here are the golden rules for keeping your pigments in top shape. 

1. DO store your pigments at a stable room temperature.

Pigments love consistency, just like you do. So, always store your bottles in a climate-controlled room where the temperature stays nice and steady. Also, try to avoid extreme heat, freezing cold, or sudden temperature swings—those can mess with the formula and leave you with disappointing results.

2. DO keep bottles upright.

It might seem obvious, but keeping your bottles standing straight up really does make a difference. Not only does it help prevent messy leaks, but it also keeps the inside of the cap clean, so there’s less hassle later on.

3. DO shake thoroughly before every single use.

Your pigment will naturally settle over time—totally normal! That’s why you want to give each bottle a really good shake before every procedure, so everything mixes together perfectly. If you use the same shake routine each time, you’ll get consistent color and thickness every single session.

4. DO check for separation and texture.

Before you pour, take a quick look at the pigment. Settling is no big deal as long as it mixes back into a smooth, even liquid, you’re good to go.

5. DO practice "First In, First Out" inventory.

Keep your supplies fresh by rotating your stock. Just put your newest bottles in the back and move the older ones up front. That way, you’ll use up your older inventory before it expires, and you’ll save money and prevent waste at the same time.

6. DO check expiration dates and track lot numbers.

Make it a habit to check expiration dates before every procedure. If something’s expired, pull it from your setup right away. And don’t forget to track those lot numbers—it’ll make your life so much easier if you ever need to look up a specific batch. 

This is where PermaBlend truly shines. We put safety first and PMU second by putting clear labels, including expiration dates and batch numbers, on our products. 

7. DO handle bottles with fresh gloves.

Hygiene starts the second you reach for a bottle. Always touch your pigments with a brand-new pair of gloves. This helps stop cross-contamination before it starts.

8. DO wipe the bottle neck and cap clean.

After you pour your pigment, grab a wipe and clean off any leftover residue from the neck and cap. This quick step helps the bottle seal properly and keeps the lid from getting stuck or dried out later. Plus, it helps keep everything looking neat and professional.

9. DO keep caps tightly closed between uses.

Never leave a bottle sitting open on your tray. Instead, keep the cap twisted on tight whenever you aren't actively pouring to protect the liquid from air exposure, drying out, and airborne dust.

10. DO disinfect the outside of your bottles regularly.

Your bottles travel back and forth across your workspace. Because of this, you should wipe down the outside of your pigment bottles with a skin-safe disinfectant regularly, especially right after you finish a client session. This extra step goes a long way toward maintaining a safe and clean environment.

11. DO dispense into single-use cups or rings only.

Always pour your liquid into fresh, disposable pigment cups or finger rings. After the session is done, toss them—never reuse!

12. DO: Secure pigments for air travel with pressure in mind

Leave a small air gap in bottles when possible, tighten caps fully, and store pigments upright in a sealed, leak-proof bag. Pressure changes in flight can cause expansion that leads to leaks or blown seals. 

ALSO: Keep pigments sealed, clearly labeled, and packed according to airline liquid rules. Most artists place them in a separate, leak-proof pouch in carry-on baggage when possible, and double-check TSA or international regulations before traveling. 

Mistakes That Ruin Your Pigments (The Don'ts)

Here’s how you can keep your pigments safe and your workspace truly professional.

1. DON’T leave your pigments in direct sunlight.

Strong UV rays can fade the pigments and break down the formula fast. Over time, this can make your pigments far less reliable.

2. DON’T store pigments in cars, near heaters, or by vents.

Cars can turn into ovens or freezers in no time, totally ruining your pigments. Likewise, keep your workspace away from heaters, sterilizers, and vents—spots like these can cause sudden temperature swings that mess with your products.

3. DON’T use pigment that looks clumpy, grainy, or stringy.

If a pigment refuses to re-mix after a good shake, don't use it. Likewise, if the texture looks thick, clumpy, stringy, or grainy, the formula has been compromised and it's time to throw it away.

4. DON’T use bottles with unusual odors or damage.

Trust your senses. If a bottle has a compromised seal, a visible leak, or a bulging shape, it isn't safe to use. Moreover, you should discard any product that develops an odd or unusual smell.

5. DON’T touch the bottle nozzle to any surface.

When you’re pouring, keep the bottle just above your cup. Never let the nozzle touch your gloves, the client’s skin, or your workstation—otherwise, you’ll risk spreading bacteria into your bottle.

6. DON’T pour unused pigment back into the bottle.

If you pour out too much liquid, accept the loss. However, never try to scrape or pour unused pigment back into the main bottle, because doing so introduces outside contaminants to the rest of your clean supply.

Create A Setup You Can Trust

Taking great care of your pigments is just as important as your technique. When you have a kit you can rely on, you can focus on creating beautiful work for your clients. 

Is it time to restock your favorites? You can look through all productsOpens a new window to find the perfect match for your next session. We have specific sets for eyebrowOpens a new window, lipOpens a new window, and eyelinerOpens a new windowOpens a new window, and even for PMU aftercareOpens a new window work so you're always prepared.