What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup can be a viable solution to the problem of always having to apply cosmetics. As well as eliminating the multiple steps required to achieve the most beautiful you, it offers a number of additional benefits.
For those who don’t have the extra time or have other priorities, the daily application of cosmetics can be a hassle. The process can be time-consuming and costly involving multiple steps to achieve the desired effect. For others, this is a soothing process readily accepted as an essential element of their day.
At Advanced Esthetics By Beth, we believe the best you is a matter of choosing your best options.
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The term Permanent makeup includes a number of cosmetic techniques designed to imitate the effects of applying makeup, either by employing specialized tattoo designs or adding other cosmetic features.
Utilizing tattoos, the permanent makeup process applies permanent pigmentation to the skin, thereby enhancing colours of the face. Known as micropigmentation, a tattoo pen injects ink into the dermis layers of the skin.
Unlike conventional tattoos however, the micropigmentation uses uniquely engineering pigments, and applies them at a different level beneath the epidermis. Some common micropigmentation techniques are:
- Permanent Eyebrows
- Permanent Eyeliner
- Permanent Lip Liner
Permanent Makeup is also a widely used cosmetic technique for individuals with a cosmetic disorder such as vitiligo, which results in uneven pigmentation in the skin. Additionally, permanent makeup is often utilized for people who possess unsightly scars.
In either case, the micropigmentation process can be easily employed to mitigate these physical abnormalities, thereby helping to eliminate any self-consciousness surrounding them.
Another form of Permanent Makeup is the application of eyelash extensions. Unlike the micropigmentation process, this does not require the use of specialized penetrative procedures, and instead utilizes a much simpler process to lengthen and modify the eyelashes.
While not as permanent as micropigmentation, these processes can be an effective alternative.
Uses of Permanent Makeup
As previously mentioned, some of the most common cosmetic applications of permanent makeup are permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip liner.
A manual hair-stroke simulation can also be implemented by the makeup technician, to make the eyebrows look full and natural. This is a viable option for both women and men.
Permanent Eyeliner and Lip liner can be used in a similar manner to Permanent Eyebrows. Using micropigmentation, the appearance of numerous, tiny eyelashes can be created.
This process, known as Eyelash Enhancement or permanent Eyeliner, can also be complimented with additional colours to create the effect of eyeshadow.
Permanent Lip liner, utilizing the same micro-pigmentation process, can help to make lips appear more full or three dimensional.
This can be used to adjust the size or shape of the lips, and can also be complimented with coloured pigment additives. Of course, for both of these procedures, naturally coloured pigments can also be used to achieve a nude, natural finish.
The Permanent Makeup Procedure
The application of Permanent Makeup is considered a serious clinical procedure, requiring a skilled and trained professional. Though the risk of complications is minimal, similar to the risks associated with receiving a traditional tattoo, their likelihood is directly linked to the environment in which they are administered.
For this reason, it is essentially important to pick a makeup provider who has the experience, and expertise necessary. Furthermore, requesting before and after photos of the process can be an effective method to gauge both the benefits of the process, and the history of the clinic you are visiting.
Depending on the specific permanent makeup being applied, the procedure will likely consist of some basic steps designed to limit patient discomfort, and to ensure the best results.
Often times the clinician will apply an anesthetic cream or gel to the region which will receive the micropigmentation, and remove it before the pigment is applied. This will help to decrease skin sensitivity.
Next, a specially designed ink injection system will be used to penetrate the skin and apply organic pigments. In some cases, the strokes will be linear, such as outlining eyes or lips. In other cases, more complex strokes will be utilized, which would be more suitable to imitate eyebrow or eyelash hair.
In certain situations, multiple procedures may be required to ensure the most natural look, and to ensure the pigment has been applied correctly.
Post-Procedure
As with a conventional tattoo, cosmetic tattoos require certain steps after the procedure to ensure the micropigmentation heals properly. This will reduce the need for future touch-ups or corrections, and will also prevent the risk of scabbing or infection.
The most important thing to remember is to keep the area clean and moisturized. Immediately after the tattoo is applied you may want to avoid all kinds of soaps, as even the mildest formula can irritate the skin. Thus using an antibacterial ointment is a good option, which will also ensure the skin is kept moist.
After a day of ointment, a mild antibacterial soap should be used two to three times a day, preferably choosing an unscented option. After washing, antibiotic ointment should be applied up to five times a day, using a Q-Tip or other apparatus to apply it.
Another important thing to consider is the exposure to sunlight and saltwater. Unlike a large tattoo which will cause serious trauma to the dermis layers of the skin, the micropigmentation process is much less severe.
However, it can still be susceptible to the powerful and damaging rays of the sun. If not healed, the UV rays can break down the pigmentation of the ink, and also cause other complications. Generally speaking, it is thus good to avoid direct sunlight for a few days after the procedure.
In this same vein, exposure to saltwater can result in infection or other complications. It should be avoided till after the region has completely healed.
A licensed and experienced healthcare professional will give you an extensive list of how to take care of your new permanent makeup. This will include the average recovery time, and other steps necessary to ensure the longevity and quality of the permanent makeup.
In general, however, the region should be completely healed in one to two weeks.
Makeup and Facials
In many ways your new permanent makeup can be treated just as any other kind of cosmetic, however there are some modifications you might need to make to your cosmetic routine. Additional makeup and mascara can be safely applied to the permanent makeup region within a week after the procedure, leaving adequate time for the area to heal.
Take care to use new makeup and mascara, however, as old containers may be infected with bacteria that may infect the susceptible area. Facials are not suggested until the area is completely healed, roughly two weeks, and peels or waxes are not recommended. This is because the peel and waxing processes can damage or fade the pigments significantly.
That being said, technicians or estheticians should take special care applying a wax or facial around the permanent makeup region.
Finally, anti-aging creams should be avoided in the area, as they often contain acids which will breakdown the pigments.
Eyelash Extensions
Unlike Permanent Makeup, Eyelash Extensions involve the addition of fake hairs to an individual’s already-existing eyelash.
The extension procedure is even applicable for those with little to no eyelashes, such as individuals who have undergone chemo treatments. the technician will then dip individual hairs into adhesive, and then place them at your already existent hair roots.
Eyelash extensions follow a similar process as eyebrow extensions, and can be an equally as effective method as permanent makeup.
In order to create thicker, more beautiful-looking lashes, false eyelashes or implants will be used to enhance your already existing hairs. The length and type of curl can be customized, depending on your preference, as well as the specific type of lash material used. With proper care, eyelash extensions can last up to a month.
We Can Help
Permanent makeup is a widely used cosmetic technique that ensures your look will be maintained, regardless of the stress and strain you go through.
If you have to weather a tempestuous storm, or decide to push yourself at the gym, your makeup will keep its ideal appearance. This can be an effective solution for those of us who may not have the time or money to keep up with standard cosmetic application processes, allowing you to look and feel great no matter what life throws at you.
Less permanent makeup solutions such as eyelash extensions are another option that gives you the freedom of not having to constantly adjust and apply your makeup.
Though it doesn’t have the same lasting power as permanent micropigmentation, it can last long enough to make that big first impression, or give you the confidence to succeed.