What is Cosmetic Tattooing or Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup, also known as Micro-pigmentation or cosmetic tattooing removes the daily regimen of having to apply makeup. Cosmetic tattoos don’t run or smear and are great for people with allergies to traditional cosmetics as well as for those who are simply tired of applying makeup or desire a consistent look. Here we discuss the most popular types of cosmetic tattooing, including permanent lip, eye, and eyebrow makeup.

Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing in which pigment is applied to the upper layer of the skin, applied using a variety of tattoo methods including traditional tattoo machines, rotary or pen machines or by hand. Although permanent cosmetics can fade over time and require periodic touch-ups, they are considered permanent because the colour doesn’t wash off.

To achieve best results, permanent makeup usually requires one or more touch-up procedures after the initial application, however most technicians include the price of touch-up procedures as part of a package. Initial permanent makeup sessions typically take one to three hours to complete and touch-ups take significantly less time. Permanent lip, eye, and eyebrow makeup are most popular applications, however cosmetic tattooing is also used to redefine weak facial features or camouflage scars.

Cosmetic Tattoo Eye Makeup

Permanent eye makeup is typically applied in a variety of ways to help enhance the eyes. When applied to line both the top and bottom lids, it can create a soft or defined look and everything in between. Permanent eye shadow is available in a variety of colours and can be applied in a considerable variety of styles. Given eye shadow is one of the most difficult types of permanent makeup to apply, it’s important to choose an experienced technician.

Cosmetic Tattoo Eyebrows

Permanent makeup can be applied to create the appearance of hair and is often used to define, shape, and fill in sparse areas of the eyebrows. Permanent eyebrow makeup can also be used to create the look of a full pair of eyebrows for people who have lost all of their facial hair, often due to chemotherapy or other medical conditions. An experienced technician can produce the appearance of individual eyebrow hairs and create a natural look.

Cosmetic Tattoo Lips

Are you tired of reapplying lipstick throughout the day? Perhaps you are dissatisfied with thin or crooked lips. Permanent lip makeup can create fuller, more defined lips. You can pick a shade that matches your favourite lipstick or a neutral shade for a more natural look. Both permanent lip liner and lipstick can still be applied in a variety of colours.

If a more natural colour is used, a different lipstick colour can still be applied. When a vivid shade is applied, all that is needed is a subtle lip gloss or cosmetic balm to enhance the lips.

Permanent lip makeup can add fullness and balance crooked or uneven lips. It can also minimise the appearance of wrinkles around the lips.

Cost of Cosmetic Tattoos

The cost of cosmetic tattooing or permanent makeup is often directly related to the experience of the technician and quality of the service provided. Sometimes you may pay more for your procedures when performed at a physician’s office or specialised clinic rather than at a salon or tattooing studio, though this is not necessarily representative of the experience or skill level of the technician. Some technicians charge by the hour and can be as much as $250 per hour for advanced work.

In general, a single procedure costs between $200 and $800 which should include at least one follow up visit and a quality post-procedure cosmetic tattoo balm or cream to take with you. Natural cosmetic tattoo aftercare products are recommended over those that contain chemicals and animal based ingredients. Balms are typically the best choice as they apply nicely to the skin and have a nice gloss appearance.

Cosmetic Tattoo Risks

Experienced technicians can create an extremely natural look with the proper application of permanent makeup though with that said, there are risks which are not dissimilar to getting a regular tattoo. Bleeding may occur during the tattooing procedure with swelling, bruising, and tenderness of the treated area also common but not something you should be concerned about.

Poorly sterilised tattooing equipment can lead to infections and although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to certain shades of cosmetic tattoo ink. Applying a premium cosmetic tattoo aftercare is your best investment to prevent infections, especially before you leave the studio into the big bad world of bacteria. Regular applications of aftercare will provide a barrier between your skin and the outside world until your skin has healed. A quality chemical free aftercare should provide natural anti- inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Hemp Seed Oil and Lemon Balm combine very effectively in this regard and help the cosmetic tattoo to heal significantly faster than it would ordinarily.

Dissatisfaction is another consideration associated with permanent makeup though there is often flexibility to change colours and shapes of permanent lip, eye, and eyebrow makeup should you want a new look at a later stage. Laser tattoo removal is an option should you ever want to remove your cosmetic tattoo however those considering permanent cosmetics should view it as a long term option.

Cosmetic Tattoo Aftercare

As with all tattoo procedures, it is vitally important that you apply an effective cosmetic tattoo aftercare treatment. Avoid chemicals where possible and products that were not formulated for cosmetic tattoos. Bepanthen is a good example of this. Products containing animal products and paw paw have a tendency to extract the ink from the skin thus leaving mixed results. Choosing an organic cosmetic tattoo aftercare is your best insurance against infection, and for obtaining optimal end results.