Permanent Makeup Machines: Try Before You Buy

Guest Author: PMU Device & Co

If you’re anything like me, your Instagram feed is probably a non-stop scroll of gorgeous permanent makeup machines. You watch the unboxing videos, you listen to the purr of the motors on TikTok, and you stare at the gorgeous pixelation other artists are getting.

And if you’re also like me, you’ve probably sat there with a machine in your online shopping basket, your finger hovering over the checkout button, feeling a massive knot in your stomach.

That’s exactly why I founded The PMU Device & Co, a place where you can rent a PMU machine and try it out before you make a big financial commitment. I wanted to take the guesswork, the financial dread, and the buyer's remorse out of our community. So, I set up this company to help fellow artists level up safely, build their confidence, and quite literally connect the best machine to the best hand.

Should I Rent a Permanent Makeup Machine?

Roxie, founder of PMU Device & co, with an award on the left and a client getting lip blush treatment on the right

Renting a permanent makeup machine takes away the guesswork and allows you to test how a machine feels and fits into your workflow before you buy it.

It’s likely you’ve had this thought before: “What if I spend £1,000 on this, and it just doesn't feel right in my hand?”

I’ve been a PMU artist for years, and I’ve felt that exact anxiety more times than I care to admit. Investing in our kit is one of the biggest financial leaps we make in our businesses. But here’s the frustrating truth about our industry: you can read every spec sheet and watch a hundred reviews, but you can’t truly know a machine until it’s wrapped, in your hand, and working on skin.

There’s No Such Thing as a "Perfect Permanent Makeup Machine", Only the Perfect Machine for You

A collection of permanent makeup machines in different colours

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is that a machine that creates flawless brows for one artist might feel like an absolute brick to another. Our hands, our grips, our speed, and our pressure are completely unique to us.

When you’re trying to find your "forever match," there are things you can only discover when you actually use it in your own clinic:

The Grip & Weight: Is it back-heavy? Is it too chunky for your fingers during a long 3-hour lip blush session?
The Vibration: Does the motor frequency feel smooth, or does it leave your hand feeling numb after one client?
The Stroke Length & Give: Do you actually prefer a soft, forgiving short stroke (like a 1.8mm–2.5mm) for delicate shading, or do you need the punch of a long stroke (3.5mm+) to get those crisp, effortless hair strokes?

When you rent a device to test it out, you get to answer all of these questions before you commit your hard-earned cash.

Let’s Talk Cash Flow (Artist to Artist)

Let’s be real for a second, running a PMU business is expensive. Between licensing, insurance, studio rent, pigments, and continuous training, dropping £1,000 upfront on a new machine can completely drain your savings. This is especially true if you’re newly qualified and trying to get your feet off the ground.

I wanted to create a smarter way for us to run our businesses. By utilising a "try before you buy" model:

You keep your savings intact: You can use your capital for marketing or stock instead of tying it up in a machine you aren’t sure about.
The machine pays for itself: You can book clients using the rental machine. It easily covers its own weekly rental cost within the first hour of a treatment, meaning you earn pure profit while you test-drive it.
It’s a write-off: Equipment rental is fully deductible as a business expense, which keeps your accountant happy!

Discover the Selection of Permanent Makeup Machines at PMU Device & Co (And Help Grow Our Knowledge!)

Three permanent makeup machines by Bishop and Microbeau

Because I want to make sure you have access to the absolute best technology in the industry, I’ve built our initial selection of machines from a mix of powerhouse brands that I personally know and trust. Right now, you can rent and test-drive:

Microbeau Flux S Max & Flux Mini: Absolute icons for wireless freedom, incredible voltage control, and beautiful pixelation.
Bishop Power Wand: A holy grail for many artists because of its perfect balance and smooth, ergonomic design.
Microbeau Xion S: A legendary machine loved for its incredible versatility and adjustable give, letting you customise exactly how hard it hits the skin.
Mast P20: A brilliant, user-friendly wireless pen that’s fantastic for artists finding their rhythm.

But here is where I need your help. I want The PMU Device & Co. to be a place where we all grow our technical knowledge together. I want to know exactly what you’re curious about.

What is the dream machine sitting on your wish list right now? What bit of kit have you been dying to try but haven't been able to justify buying yet?

Drop a comment below or send a message via @thepmudevice on Instagram! This business was built by an artist, for artists, and I want to stock exactly what you need to thrive. Let’s stop guessing, start testing, and find the perfect permanent makeup machine for your hand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting A PMU Machine

A pink question mark on a lighter pink background

Where can I rent a professional permanent makeup machine in the UK?

PMU Device & Co offers a selection of machines that you can rent as a way to test them out before you commit to a large financial purchase and make sure the machine is right for you.

How much does it typically cost to rent a PMU machine?

Prices for renting a permanent makeup machine vary depending on the company. PMU Device & Co rental prices can be found on their website and range from £105-£320 for up to 4 weeks.

Which PMU machine is best?

The best permanent makeup machine will depend on your specific preferences, setup, and workflow. Trying a machine before you buy can ensure you invest in one that’s perfect for you and what you need.