Buying your first permanent makeup machine is exciting — and a little overwhelming. Dozens of brands, wild price differences, and a lot of marketing. As a supplier connected to a working training academy, here's the honest guide we'd give any student choosing the best PMU machine to start with in Australia.
You don't need the most expensive machine to start
A common myth is that beginners need a top-tier $1,500+ device. You don't. What you need is a reliable, well-built machine that's easy to control while you develop your hand — and one that takes universal cartridges so you're not locked into a single brand of needle.
What actually matters in a beginner PMU machine
Stroke length
Stroke length is how far the needle travels, and it affects how the machine hits the skin. For brows and lips, a stroke length around 2.1–3.0mm is ideal. If you plan to move into SMP (scalp) or thicker skin, look for 3.5mm or an adjustable-stroke machine for versatility.
Universal cartridges
Choose a machine that accepts universal cartridges, so you can use your favourite needles regardless of brand and you're never stuck if one line is out of stock. All of our machines take universal cartridges.
Wireless vs corded
Wireless pen machines are popular with newer artists — light, tidy, and easy to manoeuvre without a cord in the way. Corded machines can offer very consistent power, but for most beginners a good wireless PMU machine is the more comfortable place to start.
Weight and grip
You'll hold this machine for hours. A lighter, well-balanced pen reduces fatigue and improves your consistency — which matters more than raw specs when you're learning.
Best PMU machines in Australia — quick comparison
Here's how the machines we stock compare for a beginner choosing their first setup:
| Machine | Price (AUD) | Type | Stroke | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mast P60 Wireless | $289.99 | Wireless pen | Adjustable 2.2–3.2mm | Best all-round beginner machine — affordable, forgiving, universal cartridges |
| Dragonhawk Mast Tour | ~$250–300 | Wireless pen | Fixed | Budget wireless starter |
| Cheyenne artyst H2 PowerBabe | $1,449–1,499 | Pen + power unit | Adjustable | Premium all-technique workhorse for when you're ready to invest |
| Cheyenne artyst H1 | $1,449+ | Pen + power unit | Adjustable | Premium German-engineered precision |
Prices current at time of writing — check the product pages for the latest.
The machines we'd recommend to start
Based on what we see work for students and newer practitioners:
- Mast P60 & Dragonhawk Mast Tour — reliable, affordable wireless pens that take universal cartridges. A forgiving place to start, and a machine you'll still reach for once you're experienced.
- Cheyenne artyst H2 PowerBabe & H1 — when you're ready to invest in a premium, German-engineered workhorse, these are industry benchmarks with adjustable performance for every technique.
Our advice: start with a dependable wireless pen like the Mast P60, get your fundamentals solid, then upgrade to a premium machine once you know exactly how you like to work.
The best permanent makeup machine in Australia isn't the same for everyone
"Best" depends on where you are in your journey. For a beginner, the best PMU machine is a dependable, affordable wireless pen you can control while you learn — the Mast P60 is our top pick. For an established artist working across brows, lips, eyeliner and SMP, the best permanent makeup machine is a premium adjustable-stroke device like the Cheyenne artyst H2. Buy for the stage you're at, not the stage you hope to reach.
One thing that matters more than the machine
The best machine in the world won't fix a lack of training. Great results come from technique, pigment knowledge and healed-result experience — which is why every product we stock is tested through Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085) before it reaches our shelves. If you're just starting out, we can help you match a machine to your training and the work you want to do.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best PMU machine for beginners?
For most beginners in Australia, the best PMU machine is a reliable wireless pen with universal cartridges and an adjustable stroke — the Mast P60 ($289.99) is our top recommendation. It's affordable, forgiving to learn on, and good enough to keep using once you're experienced.
Is the Mast P60 good for beginners?
Yes. The Mast P60 is one of the most popular beginner PMU machines in Australia — it's wireless, lightweight, takes universal cartridges and has an adjustable 2.2–3.2mm stroke, so it handles brows, lips and eyeliner as you learn.
What stroke length should a beginner PMU machine have?
Around 2.1–3.0mm suits most brow and lip work. An adjustable-stroke machine gives you room to grow into SMP and thicker-skin techniques.
Do I need an expensive machine to start cosmetic tattooing?
No. A quality wireless pen from around $250–$300 is plenty to learn on. Invest in training first, then upgrade to a premium machine like the Cheyenne artyst once you know how you like to work.
Wireless or corded PMU machine — which is better for beginners?
A wireless pen is usually the more comfortable, manoeuvrable choice for beginners. Corded machines offer very consistent power but add a cord to manage while you're still developing control.
Browse our PMU machines, or get in touch and we'll help you pick your first setup.
About Ink & Beauty Co
We supply trained cosmetic tattoo and PMU practitioners across Australia, with every product tested through Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085) before it reaches our shelves. Explore our PMU machines, pigments and cartridges, with free delivery on orders over $150.
Related reading: How to choose the right PMU pigment · How much does it cost to start cosmetic tattooing?