FAQ\’S About Permanent Makeup

What Is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent Cosmetic Makeup also known as Micro pigmentation is an innovative procedure, in which Hypo-allergenic pigments are skillfully implanted with precision by hand under the dermal layer. Permanent makeup is also considered a sister to tattooing but on the medical side.

What Is \”softaps\” Or The \”By Hand Method\”?

Softaps is the brand name for a non machine method of implanting pigment under the skin used by some permanent makeup artist. The method itself is implemented by hand using a disposable handle with pre-sterilized micro thin needles also called bug pins. The Softaps method is the easiest and gentlest way to implant pigment into the skin. The softaps needles configurations are designed to provide maximum comfort, faster healing, and complete control over precision and depth with little to no touch ups needed and most important of all, the gives the most natural look in the world.

Does It Look Natural?

Yes, depending on the artist. Ask to see a portfolio showcasing their body of work. Is it appealing to your tastes and desired outcome. Is the workmanship consistent. Permanent makeup should look appealing with and without conventional makeup. Especially, when you first wake up in the morning and don\’t have time or feel like apply makeup everyday.

Example: Think permanent bright red lip liner and nothing else.

Umm…,?

Easter egg colored eyebrows? Ouch.. I know we\’ve all seen them. This is the result of using iron oxide pigments. Iron Oxide pigments use to be the only choice for pigment formulas for permanent makeup. I prefer to use organic plant based pigments which fade down evenly in color compared to iron oxides which come from minerals found in the earths crust which can also cause allergic reaction in some people. Procedures used with iron oxide can be either color corrected or removed and then redesigned with organic plant based pigments.

Is It Permanent?

Compared to tattoo inks…, No, but thats a good thing.

Since laser removal is not an option on the face then this is a really a good thing. Since the body is constantly breaking down foreign materials then the pigment will break down on its owe or can be removed with saline solution (procedure). This gives you safer options for removal should you change your mind or are not content with your desired results from your permanent cosmetic artist . With that said keep in mind eyebrows will need to be touched up about every 12 months, lips and eyeliner every 3-5 years.

Tidbit: If your artist uses plant based pigments on your eyebrows and your miss your yearly don\’t worry your still have eyebrows but maybe have the golden or red highlights missing.

What Credentials Should My Artist or Technician Have?

Your permanent makeup artist or tech should be certified through one of the permanent makeup association approved instructor, school or apprenticeship programs. They should also have a blood borne pathogen certificate through one of the county health board approved instructors. They should possess a membership from at least one permanent makeup Association and be registered with the local health board. Unfortunately the state of California doesn\’t have a state board exam so your artist should be registered in every county he or she works in.

Who Would Benefit From Permanent Cosmetics?

Anyone who wants to look their best anytime or anywhere. Permanent makeup is also ideal for people who take part in sports, have busy schedules, tired of fussing with their eyebrows, have difficulty applying makeup or are allergic to cosmetics. A technician can also help to camouflage hypo-pigmented skin, help diminish sun spots or carry out a needling procedure to loosen and relax scar tissue and help regenerate collagen to minimize wrinkles.

Am I Suitable For Permanent Makeup?

Most likely, there are very few exception. Skin that is prone to hyper pigment or keloiding are not good candidates. The minimum ages of consent for procedures is 18 in the state of California.

Does It Hurt?

Varies from person to person. Prior to the procedure, a numbing cream will be applied to the desired spot for about 20-30 min, then after, very gently do a light pass over then apply the second topical numbering then finish procedure. You\’ll have minimal if any discomfort but everyone\’s body is different. Some clients have likened the sensation to more or less painful then having their eyebrows tweezed.

What Features Can You Improve?

You can have the appearance of naturally beautiful eyebrows, the illusion of thicker lashes and gorgeous lips. Services such as needling for scar smoothing, age spot diminishing and re-coloring hypo-pigmented skin tones are also offered.

How Will I Look Like After My Treatment?

Although some people may have a little swelling or redness this will soon disappear. With the hand method the abrasion is minimal, most clients go back to work or go thru there normal day without much if any notice. For the first few days after your treatment, your makeup will look a little darker or brighter then when fully healed but the colors will soon lighten to achieve your desired look and a second procedure will be scheduled between four and six weeks later to achieve a perfect result.

How Long Does It Last?

You should consider it to be permanent, although the pigment will gradually fade over time. Its advisable to plan on coming for touchups in every 12 months for eyebrows and 3-5 yrs. for lips and eyeliner procedures. That way your permanent make-up always looks nice and fresh. Permanent Make-up can last for many years but this is dependent on several factors including skin type, sun exposure and lifestyle.

Can I Still Wear Conventional Make-up?

Yes, permanent makeup is designed to enhance your natural features but you still have the option of applying conventional makeup over your procedures after fully healed.

Is There Anything Else I Should Be Aware Of

Yes, If you suffer from or have ever had a cold sore, fever blister or the herpes virus then be sure to let your artist or tech know. They will then instruct you to ask your doctor for an antivirus medication to prevent a breakout from the lip procedure. Eyeliner procedure should never be performed if you are having an outbreak this could possibly cause the infection to travel to the eyes. If this happens simply reschedule your appointment. Medication should be taken as instructed by your medical doctor. Always go to your consultation most are complimentary and the procedure should be schedule no less then 3 days after your consultation to give you proper time to reconsider your procedure. After all it is your lovely face.

Lisa McGrath is a permanent makeup artist with a back ground in tattooing. http://www.naturallygorgeous.net

Lisa McGrath is a permanent makeup artist with a back ground in tattooing. http://www.naturallygorgeous.net

Author Bio: Lisa McGrath is a permanent makeup artist with a back ground in tattooing. http://www.naturallygorgeous.net

Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: permanent makeup, permanent cosmetic makeup, anti aging, health