Is Permanent Makeup a Permanent Solution?

A recent study found that the average woman will spend the equivalent of 474 days of their life applying makeup. That’s over a year of time in front of a mirror that could have been spent exercising, eating breakfast with children, gardening, relaxing with the morning newspaper, or even sleeping in. Permanent makeup, otherwise known as a makeup tattoo, has been helping women reclaim their lives since the 1930s.

The Permanent Makeup Process

The facial areas most commonly tattooed in the permanent makeup process are the eyebrows, eyelids, and lips. The way the tattoo is applied varies according to the style and taste preferences of the client. For instance, an eyebrow may be applied or thickened using a method that appears as single hairs, or using a technique called “powdery fill,” which is meant to subtly supplement the real eyebrow hair.

Most countries have strict regulations in place to ensure permanent makeup is safe, and some places even require the artist to have licenses in both tattooing and cosmetology.

Variety of styles

Those who are considering permanent makeup must decide on the style they would like to apply. Styles that are more vibrant may last longer before fading, but may not be as versatile as a more neutral look. It really depends on the look of the makeup the client already uses, the lifestyle they anticipate they will have for a good amount of time, and their personal style.

When it comes to the eyes, most opt to have subtle eyeliner applied, or even a “lash enhancer”. Others choose to add their favorite color of eye shadow as well.

Even those who aren't concerned with cosmetics may opt for permanent makeup of the eyebrows, as it helps those who may have lost eyebrow hair for various medical reasons. There are several different methods of supplementing or adding eyebrows that vary depending on the amount of hair the client already has and the way they want their eyebrows to appear.

As for the lip area, cosmetic tattooing of the lips may be painful, but is worth it to those who would like the benefits of a fresher, more vibrant look without having to apply lipstick throughout the day. There is also lip shaping available for those who would like lips that are a bit fuller.

For those who think getting a cosmetic tattoo will make their face look unnatural, they can banish that thought right away. Permanent makeup has come a long way, and most women opt for much more natural and subtle looks. It may be painful, and the cosmetics will likely fade over time, especially for those who spend a lot of time in the sun, but feeling beautiful ‘round the clock and being able to spend time on more important things may just be worth it.

You can find out more about permanent makeup procedures here.