Permanent Cosmetics

Though it might be difficult to imagine your mother or grandmother getting a tattoo, it’s not as impossible as you might think, when you consider permanent cosmetics! Many women of all ages are taking advantage of tattoo technology to invest in permanent cosmetics – essentially, “makeup” that is tattooed onto the face.

Permanent make up is an idea that may take some getting used to, but in fact, it is a very logical application. Why go through the trouble of applying eyeliner or eyebrow pencil day after day when you can have it applied only once, and have it last for years, if not forever? Not only is this a timesaver, but given the price of quality cosmetics, it can also save you tons of money in the long run. Even more importantly, this is an answer to the age old question of how to look good first thing in the morning, and how to avoid having your makeup run while you’re swimming or watching a sad movie. All in all, there are plenty of reasons why cosmetic tattooing can make practical sense.

It’s not for every woman, though. If you only wear makeup some of the time, or if you like to experiment with a lot of different colors and styles, cosmetic tattooing probably isn’t for you. Don’t be scared off, though, by some extreme examples of eyebrow tattoos or other cosmetic tattooing you might have seen in decades past.

In the 1950s and 60s, permanent cosmetics or cosmetic tattooing (like cosmetics in general) tended to be rather dark and obvious-looking. Nowadays, techniques as well as styles have improved. For example, permanent lipstick tattooing at a reputable studio is subtle and natural looking. By itself, it makes you look like you have naturally rosy lips. You can also enhance the lipstick tattooing by adding another shade of lipstick, or a clear or tinted gloss, over top.

Eyebrow tattoo

An eyebrow tattoo used to be a rather dramatic affair – usually a thin, arched, line – because that’s how women wanted it. Nowadays, styles have changed, and eyebrow tattoos or eye tattoos (which take the place of eyeliner) are also softer and more natural. They can enhance or subtly reshape your natural brow line, or add some definition to the eye. The cosmetic tattooing can stand on its own, or it can be enhanced by non - permanent cosmetics.

Here’s another thing to consider – permanent cosmetics need not always be permanent. Some companies specialize in cosmetic tattooing that is semi-permanent – it lasts for about five years, then gradually fades away.

So, if you do use makeup on a regular basis, consider eye tattoos or permanent lipstick tattooing, or other types of permanent cosmetics. Like medical tattooing, cosmetic tattooing is yet another modern use for a very ancient art.

Permanent Cosmetics - Tattoo Makeup

Most women find the idea of not having to put makeup on every day pretty appealing, but that doesn't necessarily mean permanent cosmetics is the magical answer. There are pros and cons to these procedures which you should consider before you decide to get cosmetically tattooed.

Permanent Eyeliner, Lipliner, Lipstick, and Eyebrows

Permanent make-up is possible through a procedure called micropigmentation, which is similar to tattooing. It can mimic eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, lip liner, and lipstick. When performed by a trained medical professional, permanent make-up can appear natural and attractive.

Advantages of Permanent Make-up

Permanent make-up is ideal for on-the-go women who always need to look their best but cannot afford the time to apply make-up throughout the day. At the end of the day, your make-up looks as though it was just freshened. You can select your color of make-up from a wide variety of shades, or a new shade can be created for you.

Disadvantages of Permanent Make-up

The greatest disadvantage is that it is permanent. So, unless you are certain that it is what you wish, you should not have it. Further, there is a big risk in having this procedure performed by an inexperienced person. It can be hard to tell who has experience and who does not, so be sure to ask to speak with previous patients.

Applying Permanent Make-up

Cosmetic tattoos can be applied in your plastic surgeon's office. A nurse or other trained medical professional will use a tattoo pen to inject permanent ink into your skin. Each procedure takes 30 to 120 minutes. Local anesthesia used prior to the procedure makes the procedure painless. If local anesthesia is not used, the procedure is quite uncomfortable. All tattoos may initially appear brighter or darker than desired, but will fade to the desired color over several days. Some tattoos also appear crusty for a few days. You will be swollen for 2-5 days, so you may want to schedule your procedure for a Friday.

Cost of Permanent Make-up

The cost of permanent make-up varies significantly depending on the training of the person performing it, the quality of result, and the number of areas being tattooed. The cost for tattooing a single area, such as the lips, eyes, or eyebrows, ranges from $300 to $1000.

Risks of Permanent Make-up

Your greatest risk in cosmetic tattooing is having an untrained individual perform this procedure. Cosmetic tattoos currently are available everywhere and are not necessarily regulated. Disadvantages of having a lay person place your tattoo abound. If they use contaminated needles, infections can be transmitted. The ink may not be of medical quality and may cause irritation. Placement of cosmetic tattoos demands precision. If your eyebrow tattoo is placed high, you may have a permanent look of surprise. Eyeliner placement has little room for error. If your cosmetic tattoo is botched, removal may be fraught with difficulty. Removal of eyeliner or eyebrow tattoos with laser may damage the hair follicles and result in loss of eyelashes or eyebrows. Cosmetic tattooing of blush on the cheeks is commonly performed by nonprofessionals and often looks distinctly unnatural. Natural cheek color changes from season to season, day to day, and moment to moment. A tattoo does not change and will therefore appear unnatural. If you later regret the decision to have blush tattoos, removal may be difficult, as flesh colored tattoos may turn black in response to laser removal. Do no take cosmetic tattooing lightly. When performed in your plastic surgeon's office you have the greatest chance for a satisfactory outcome.

Medical Tattoos

Medical tattoos are another use of tattooing techniques. Some medical procedures require a permanent mark, for example radiation therapy for cancer.

People who suffer from the disease Alopesia loose all their hair. These people have great benefits from permanent cosmetics.

The treatment of scars is another medical area that makes use of tattoos. Scar tissue has no color pigments. By the use of tattoo inks color can be added to scars. Obviously this technique works best for colored people.