What if you never had to reapply lipstick ever again? If you didn’t have to shade in, comb through, and shape your eyebrows every morning? What if temporary eyeliner was a thing of the past, and you didn’t have to worry about perfecting the thin line on your lids just to wash it off a few hours later?
With today’s technological advancements, we no longer have to ask ourselves “What if?”
We can now call up a certified permanent makeup company, schedule an appointment, and pay the money to have our lips, brows, and lids tatted up.
But how does the whole process work? We have the details here and we’re more than ready to share ‘em with you. Let’s take a brief deep dive into some common questions and see how we feel about these new cosmetic tattoos.
What Is Permanent Makeup?
A simplified version of the textbook definition: Permanent makeup = cosmetic tattoos. Instead of applying your favorite makeup everyday, you can simply sign up to undergo perfected technique and artistry, showcasing a naturally effortless look. Who wouldn’t want to wake up and look super fabulous without even trying?
But there’s more to this option than meets the eye. For starters, you’re tattooing your face. Removal is not as easy as you think, and if something were to heal incorrectly, you may have visible scarring forever. That’s why we have some details, pros, and cons listed here. So keep reading!
Is “Permanent Makeup” Really Permanent?
The trickiest inquiry of them all. There’s no right or wrong answer, because it all depends on how your skin takes the procedure. According to Zwerling in an interview with WebMD, “Some people I did 20 years ago look great today, and some I did a year ago need another procedure.”
Not only that, but the permanence behind the process can be altered depending on the products used. Black India ink, for instance, can mimic skin staining. Colors can migrate, expanding outside their original shape. Permanent? Yes. Permanently placed? Not so much.
Iron oxide, on the other hand, doesn’t have inherent properties that react metabolically. That creepy look you get with black India ink will, 9 times out of 10, not happen with iron oxide.
All in all, probably don’t go through with a permanent makeup plan if you’re not 1000% sure.
What Types of Permanent Makeup Can You Get?
As a technological advancement in the beauty industry, permanent makeup is always evolving. New procedures will likely be released in the coming years, but as for now, the following four are the most prevalent:
- Microblading: A technique using ultra-fine needles to pigment the eyebrows; these hair-like strokes are lightly deposited on the top layer of skin to look like you used an eyebrow pencil. Much more precise than the everyday hand, though.
- Lip Blushing: A technique in which a trained technician places tiny dots of pigment on the lips, adding a sheer wash of color. In most cases, the process creates a lip tint that looks as if you’re wearing long-lasting gloss.
- Eyeliner: A technique that requires a very small needle. Attached to a digital pen, this needle will push out pigment directly onto the lid of your eye. For this procedure, the pain tolerance ranges greatly.
- Freckles: A technique that uses a handheld tool to deposit freckle-like patterns on the cheeks. Instead of using a liquid eyeliner pen, you can access a more lasting look this way. Just beware – Freckle tattoos can migrate over time and eliminate you as a candidate for any kind of facial laser treatments in the future.
Are There Benefits Associated With the Procedure?
Permanent makeup does have its pros. But what you look at as a positive may not seem so positive for the next person.
Here is a small list of benefits you can cash in on, if you so wish:
- Permanent makeup decreases your morning routine, allotting you extra “you” time in the A.M.
- Permanent makeup can pose as a solution for those of you that’re uncomfortable doing makeup
- Permanent makeup can perfect a base look so that all you have to do is build with topical makeup
- Permanent makeup can pose as a solution for those of you that have allergies to some topical makeup ingredients
What Does Preparation, Aftercare, and Downtime Look Like?
To prepare for permanent makeup…
- Try to omit caffeine and alcohol intake the day before and day of procedure
- If you have a low pain tolerance, we recommend taking Tylenol prior to appointment
- Do not wax or tint eyebrows before microblading
- Do not sunbathe or go to a tanning salon before your appointment
- Do not take blood thinners before your appoint
- Do not exercise 24 hours prior to your appointment
The aftercare for permanent makeup looks like this…
- Keep all areas clean by washing with mild soup and freshly washed hands. DO NOT use a washcloth, sponge, cleansing cream, acne cleanser, or astringent.
- Apply aftercare ointment using a Q-tip, sparingly.
- Do not scrub, rub, or pick at the crust that forms after the procedure; allow the skin to flake off on its own.
The downtime for permanent makeup looks like this…
- Apply ointment consistently for seven days
- Avoid swimming, sauna, HOT steam showers, excessive sweating