Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyelining and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids. It is also used to produce artificial eyebrows, particularly in people who have lost them as a consequence of old age, disease, such as alopecia, chemotherapy, or a genetic disturbance, and to disguise scars and white spots in the skin such as in vitiligo. It is also used to restore or enhance the breast's areola, such as after breast surgery.

Most commonly called permanent cosmetics, other names include dermapigmentation, micropigmentation, and cosmetic tattooing, the latter being most appropriate since permanent makeup is, in fact, tattooing. In the United States and other countries, the inks used in permanent makeup and the pigments in these inks are subject to FDA or similar agency regulation as cosmetics and color additives.

Regulations and oversight

Permanent makeup regulations vary from country to country: sometimes by state, province, county or even city to city. For instance, in the US, while in most areas it falls under the cognizance of the Department of Health, State Boards of Cosmetology are often the oversight agency. In fact, in some areas a cosmetology or esthetics license is required, while in other areas, cosmetologists are prohibited from conducting these procedures. Exclusive to Australia, practitioners are prohibited from advertising the procedures as "permanent" since it is commonly known that tattoos will fade over time and it is their opinion that the "…benefits of cosmetic tattooing are not permanent and will generally only last three to five years." The purpose of the ACCC action was to alert the consumer public to the fact that touch ups may be required to maintain optimal appearance. Some believe this position is not consistent with the fact that permanent makeup is tattooing and tattooing is a permanent process.

Before undergoing any form of cosmetic tattooing, it is essential to ensure that a salon has appropriate approvals from their local health authorities for skin penetration procedures. It is important to note that just because a salon has local health approvals for general beauty therapy services does not necessarily mean that they have approval for cosmetic tattooing procedures, it is prudent to insist on seeing the certificate of registration.

Mobile tattooing (in home) services may be a breach of Health Guidelines in some locations, for example in Melbourne Australia they prohibit mobile tattooing services.

History

Permanent makeup dates back at least to the start of the 20th century, though its nature was often concealed in its early days. The tattooist George Burchett, a major developer of the technique when it become fashionable in the 1930s, described in his memoirs how beauty salons tattooed many women without their knowledge, offering it as a "complexion treatment ... of injecting vegetable dyes under the top layer of the skin."

Results

Immediate results

Permanent makeup results in enhanced features of the face—definition is rendered to eyebrows, eyes and lips by the use of colors. Results can imitate topically applied cosmetics or can be quite unnoticeable, depending upon the design, color value and amount of pigment used.

At first, permanent makeup results may look harsh. This is due to color remaining in the outermost epidermal layers of skin at the start. Color softens within a few days during the healing process as the upper layers of epidermis slough and are replaced by new epidermal cells.

Long term results

The best possible color results can perform for many years or may begin to fade over time. How much time is individual per person. While permanent makeup pigment remains in the dermis its beauty-span may be influenced by several possible factors. These can be environmental, procedural and/or individual factors. Sun exposure fades color. The amount and color of pigment deposit at the dermal level can affect the length of time that permanent makeup looks its best. Very natural looking applications are likely to require a touch-up before more dramatic ones for this reason. Individual influences include lifestyles that find an individual in the sun regularly such as with gardening or swimming. Skin tones are a factor in color value changes over time.

Imperfections

Permanent makeup is a welcome enhancement for most recipients. There are cases, however, of undesired results. The 4 most common complaints are "too dark," "wrong color," "uneven" and "too big." A skilled, experienced, permanent makeup professional is able to adjust the color and evenness of permanent makeup results in most cases. A design that is too large presents a serious challenge, however. Costly pigment lightening techniques and/or removal may be the only solutions.

However, before embarking on the aforementioned removal/correction procedures, it should also be noted that you still have the option of applying conventional makeup to correct any imperfections or to further enhance the overall effect.

Removal

As with tattoos, permanent makeup can be difficult to remove. Common techniques used for this are laser resurfacing, dermabrasion (physical or chemical exfoliation), and surgical removal. Camouflaging—adding a new pigment which counteracts the tattoo color and attempts to emulate normal skin color is considered a poor choice by professionals. Removal is more painful and laborious than the tattooing itself.

Adverse effects and complications

As with tattoos, permanent makeup may have complications, such as allergies to the pigments, formation of scars, granulomas and keloids, skin cracking, peeling, blistering and local infection. The use of unsterilized tattooing instruments may infect the patient with serious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Removal problems may also ensue, due to patient dissatisfaction or regret, and they may be particularly difficult to remove in places such as eyelids and lips without leaving permanent sequelae.

On very rare occasions, people with permanent makeup have reported swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Examples

This client had her eyebrows and top eyeliner permanently tattooed. The eyebrow tattooing is an example of a "powdery filled" technique as opposed to individual hairline strokes since the client already has eyebrow hair but simply wanted an enhancement and shaping. The top eyeliner represents a thin eyeliner tattoo and a "lash enhancement" procedure that is used to define the eye without making it look excessively made up.

ABOUT EYELASH EXTENSIONS:

Like hair extensions, eyelash extensions add length, thickness and fullness to natural eyelashes. Synthetic single fiber polyester thread-like materials are applied to individual eyelashes to create a fuller, longer look.^{[citation needed]} The adhesive used is surgical-grade. This type of eyelash enhancement is not the same as department store strip lashes. Extensions come in various lengths, colors and thicknesses, and can be worn during sleep, showering and swimming.^{[citation needed]} However, excessive exposure to oil can weaken adhesive bond. [ Eyelash extensions] differ from "fake" or "false" eyelashes in that they are applied one extension to one lash. The procedure to attach the extensions takes an average of one and a half to two hours for a full set of extensions of roughly 30-80 lashes per eye. If properly applied with medical grade adhesive, eyelash extensions are designed to bond to one's natural eyelash.Eyelash Extensions

Uses

Eyelash extensions may last from two weeks to two months, depending on the cycle of hair growth. Most people choose black lashes, however, brown, red, green and purple are available. Mink lashes are available, but most people for ethical and cost reasons, chose synthetic lashes. Mink sets may cost from $500.00 and up. Eyelash extensions have been around since the late 1990s, and originated in Japan. Used by fashion models and Hollywood. Eyelash extensions are worn by celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Star Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Lindsay Lohan, Gwen Stefani, Lucy Liu, Naomi Campbell and Liz Hurley. However, since the early 2000s, many salons have offered this service. Eyebrow extensions are available as well, however are not as popular as eyelash extensions. False eyelash strips, or small groups of false eyelashes, are not considered to be "Eyelash Extensions."

As hair grows out, it cycles and falls out naturally, thus shedding the extension with it. Only licensed estheticians or registered nurses may legally apply eyelash extensions to clients. In some States, cosmetologists may be allowed by law to perform eyelash extensions. Some areas of the country do not require any sort of official training to perform lash-extensions, but generally spas and salons will require some sort of professional license. Prices range depending on location of salon and type of service offered. Generally the price is $199.00 to $500.00 per set for a good quality set. Re-lash is usually $75.00 to $150.00.

The procedure for eyelash extensions differ from each technician. The technique involves attaching a synthetic,silk or mink and even human eyelash extension to an individual eyelash on the client. The selection of the donor lash to which the extension is to be attached is a specialist task. It involves, carefully separating the natural lashes with a fine point tweezer to reveal one healthy eyelash. The eyelash extension is then dipped into medical grade adhesive and attached to the natural eyelash. The process is repeated until all eyelashes are covered. The eyelashes should last about three weeks, at which point a re-lash or touch up may be done. The bonding agent used during the process is just as important as the lash procedure itself.

Industry

Many consumers are led to believe that there is are major differences between some of the brands on the marketing selling individual eyelashes. Most salons, as well as those self-employed are able to order extensions from the very same factories as the name brands. People who want to perform eyelash extension treatments, must attend an eyelash extension course to be able to know exactly how to apply the lashes in a safe and hygienic manner. Eyelash extensions often professionally applied at medical spas, salons, nail salons, and even at makeup stores.

The Lashologist Council of America offers a certification program that candidates earn a Certified Lashologist (TM) accreditation in eyelash extensions. The group is a non profit industry association.According to the organization's website, they are a "non-profit organization promoting the vision and support of the highest quality to the Lashologist profession."

• Lashologist Council of America

ABOUT MAKEUP ARTIST:

 

A makeup artist is an artist whose medium is the human body, applying makeup and prosthetics for theatrical, television, film, fashion, magazines and other similar productions including all aspects of the modeling industry. Awards given for this profession in the entertainment industry include the Academy Award for Makeup and even several entertainment industry awards such as the Emmy awards and the Golden Globes to name a few. In the United States as well as the other parts of the globe, professional licenses are required by agencies in order for them to hire the MUA. Bigger production companies have in-house makeup artists on their payroll although most MUA's generally are freelance and their times remain flexible depending on the projects.The use of digital cameras may have made the use of bridal make up more popular .

Makeup techniques

Fashion Makeup

Fashion makeup is used in magazine photography as well as on the fashion runway. Avant Garde Makeup is also an applicable technique used for projects that require experimental themes. Fashion makeup is also commonly used in television and film ranging for the natural prime to more sophisticated applications such as color balance.

Theatrical Makeup

Stage makeup is used as a method in conjunction with stage lighting to highlight the actors' faces in order make expressions visible to the audience from moderate distances. This often includes defining the eyes and lips as well as the highlights and lowlights of the facial bones.

Special Effects Makeup (FX Makeup)

The use of special effects techniques enhancing physical features to exhibit metaphysical characteristics as well as fantasy makeup. The use of prosthetics and plaster casting are also required for projects that entails non-human appearances. Accents such as theatrical blood and ooze are also techniques applicable to this type of makeup.

Airbrushing

The use of an airbrush which is a small air-operated device that sprays various media including alcohol and water-based makeup by a process of nebulization. The earliest record of this type of cosmetic application dates back to the 1925 film version of Ben-Hur, it has recently been re-popularized by the advent of HDTV and Digital Photography, wherein the camera focuses on higher depths of detail. Liquid Foundations that are high in coverage but thin in texture are applied with the airbrush for full coverage without a heavy build-up of product.

Bridal Makeup

Bridal Makeup is fast becoming a new segment within a makeup artists repertoire. From ethnic, to glamouros to contemporary, most makeup artists now are a major vendor within the wedding planning space in Asia, Europe and North America.

High Definition

This is an art which involves the use of light reflectors and ingredients such as minerals to give the skin a flawless finish. This was developed due to the further development of High Definition mediums and the cost implications of airbrush makeup.