The makeup world is truly fascinating and has a long, awing history. Archeological evidence shows that usage of makeup dates back to the Stone Age.
But there have been various innovations and trends in the makeup industry over the centuries. While some have faded, one that continues to grow popular is permanent makeup.
Otherwise known as cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation, permanent cosmetics, PMU has taken center stage. If your dream life is spending 15 minutes eating breakfast and getting ready, permanent cosmetic options are the way!
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Let’s take a closer look at some of the various permanent makeup procedures you can try:
What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup, otherwise known as cosmetic tattooing or micro-pigmentation, is a tattoo technique that helps you create a look you would usually achieve with makeup products.
While permanent makeup does not always last as long as a tattoo, it’s longer-lasting than your everyday makeup products. Typically, permanent makeup can last one, three, five, ten, fifteen years or more depending on many factors which influence its longevity.
Today, permanent makeup has taken the industry by a storm as customers prefer it over a time-consuming makeup routine.
A Closer Look at the Permanent Makeup Industry
The Covid-19 pandemic caused a significant disruption in the beauty market. Thus, 2020 was a redefining year for makeup tech and practices. Multi-national beauty corporate and startups alike had to adapt to changing customer expectations and behaviors.
During this time, the Medical Aesthetics Market and PMU industry grew exponentially. In fact, research shows that the beauty industry will likely reach $805 billion by 2023.
Moreover, technicians licensed in micro-pigmentation can earn an additional $50k to $150k a year, depending on the procedures they perform per week.
Going Back in Time: The History of Permanent Makeup
‘Tattoo’ became a part of the English Language when English-speaking sailors brought back a fascinating tradition to Europe. These sailors had gotten tattooed during their journey across the Polynesian island.
A tattoo is a mark created by inserting ink or pigment which sinks deep into the skin. Typically, people get tattoos as a type of body decoration, as a reminiscence of the past, to create memories, or modify the body.
On the other hand, permanent makeup is the application of implanting pigment for eyeliner, eyebrow, lip enhancements & corrections, nipple areola and in some cases, covering over scars, burns and vitiligo. The first documented permanent makeup treatment dates back to 1902 when the famous U.K. tattoo artist Sutherland MacDonald electrically tattooed a permanent complexion or blush.
After that, in the 1930s, there was a sudden rise in permanent makeup services, such as ‘complex treatment,’ where the professionals would implant customers with various different pigments.
Today, cosmetic tattooing has come a long way and can help you achieve that perfect eyebrow arch, fuller looking eyelashes, and long-lasting lip blush.
Popular Permanent Makeup Treatments
Now that we’ve covered the basics of PMU, let’s discuss some of the various treatments you can get:
Popular PMU Treatments for Eyebrows
Let’s start with some of the different permanent makeup treatments you can try to create perfectly shaped eyebrows:
Other Eyebrow Tattooing vs. Microblading
While microblading counts as a type of tattooing, there are a few significant differences between this practice and other eyebrow tattooing.
Let’s discuss them in more detail:
Microblading Includes Pigments, Sometimes Referred to as Ink
Eyebrow tattoo artists employ liquid ink or pigment to create your desired eyebrow. However, in microblading, the cosmetic artist usually implants the pigments more superficially, using a variety of different techniques to simulate natural hair strokes underneath your skin.
Moreover, pigments used for permanent cosmetics, if properly produced, blended correctly and the correct color used for the procedure, tend to fade to a lighter version of the original color.
Microblading Mimics the Look of Natural Hair
The techniques of microblading and other eyebrow tattooing are pretty different. The artist creates a more solid design and sometimes thicker, dark brow in other eyebrow tattooing depending on the client’s face and preferences.
On the contrary, cosmetic artists performing microblading create multiple individual hair-like strokes to offer a more subtle natural look.
Thus, microblading creates fuller brows by gracing your skin with a hair stroke like appearance, whereas other eyebrow tattooing techniques give a more solid look appearance.
Microblading is also a Permanent Process, but may not be as long lasting. Microbladed eyebrows can last one to three years or maybe longer depending on many factors, including but not limited to, technique, machine versus hand tool, pigment used, color used, sun exposure, health history of the client, after care employed etc.
Microblading
Microblading is among one of the most popular types of permanent makeup. The state-of-the-art PMU technique stimulates individual hair strokes that look similar or almost identical to your natural hair.
For this, the cosmetic tattoo artist uses a super fine microblade which is made in various shapes to deposit the pigment under your skin.
Brow Mapping
Some cosmetic tattoo artists use the ‘brow mapping technique’ to draw perfect eyebrows before starting the procedure.
Procedure Time
Microblading may take two to three hours, depending on the artists’ skill level, pigment/s used (if blends are used), technique employed (if more than one technique is used in combination) etc.
Healing Process
The microblading healing process takes approximately thirty days; however, you’ll notice your desired results within a few weeks.
How Long Does it Last?
Microblading may last two to three years or longer depending on many factors which influence its longevity, including, but not limited to, the pigments used, client lifestyle, machine versus hand method, depth of implantation, technique used, sun exposure, health issues of the client, diet, and other factors.
Powder Brows
It is a permanent makeup technique that creates perfect brows using different techniques for a soft powder look appearance. Cosmetic artists add density to your eyebrows with the help of a tiny needle that implants pigments into your skin.
Thus, the powder brow technique results in a pixelated effect, which appears as though you’ve filled your brows with a pencil or powder brush.
Procedure Time
A powder brow procedure usually lasts one and a half hours to two hours.
Healing Process
The powder brows healing process usually takes up to four weeks or longer to heal depending on many factors, including, but not limited to, age, skin type and skin regeneration.
How Long Does It Last?
It typically lasts one to three years or longer depending on many factors which influence its longevity, including, but not limited to, the pigments used, machine versus hand method, depth of implantation, technique used, sun exposure, client lifestyle, health issues of the client, diet, and other factors.
Ombre Shading
Another popular permanent makeup technique is an ombre eyebrow, otherwise known as ombre powder eyebrows.
During this process, cosmetic artists use a specialized machine to create an array of pixilated dots. As a result, you can achieve a powder-like, shaded brow.
Moreover, the ombre shading technique starts light at the front of your brows and transitions to being darker at the roots to create a gradient and fuller effect.
Healing Process
Ombre shading takes two to four weeks or longer to heal depending on many factors, including, but not limited to, age, skin type and skin regeneration. For the first few weeks, your brows might appear very dark.
However, after this, it will start to scab. Once the scab peels off, the brows usually will appear lighter.
How Long Does it Last?
On average, ombre shading lasts one to three years or longer depending on many factors which influence its longevity, including, but not limited to, the pigments used, machine versus hand method, depth of implantation, technique used, sun exposure, client lifestyle, health issues of the client, diet, and other factors.
Micro feathering
One of the most recent permanent makeup treatments for eyebrows is micro feathering. It is a comparatively new trend that has gained popularity throughout the years.
The cosmetic artist uses needles or blades to stimulate hair strokes that mimic your natural hair in micro feathering.
The result is a fuller, fluffier, more prominent eyebrow.
Procedure Time
Each micro feathering appointment usually lasts between an hour or two.
Healing Process
Micro feathering requires approximately four weeks or longer to heal depending on many factors, including, but not limited to, age, skin type and skin regeneration; during which you might notice initial swelling followed by scab formation.
After the scab peels off, your brows might appear light before returning to your desired shade.
How Long Does it Last?
The micro feathering procedure usually lasts one to three years or longer depending on many factors which influence its longevity, including, but not limited to, the pigments used, machine versus hand method, depth of implantation, technique used, sun exposure, client lifestyle, health issues of the client, diet, and other factors.
What are the Risks of Popular PMU Treatment for Eyebrows?
There are certain risks of getting permanent makeup treatment for your eyebrows, including, but not limited to:
- Allergic Reactions
- Fuzzy Lines
- Granulomas
- Infection
- Premature Pigment Fade
- Scarring
Who Should Try Permanent Makeup Treatment for Eyebrows?
There are many reasons but here are some of the most common. Give PMU treatments for eyebrows a try if you have:
- Sparse or Patchy Eyebrows
- Want Fuller Eyebrows
- Want Natural Eyebrows
- Eyebrow Hair Loss
- Alopecia
Popular PMU Treatments for Eyes
Now let’s talk about some PMU treatments to make your eye color pop and appear brighter:
Permanent Eyeliner
Permanent eyeliner is a super popular procedure that leaves you with fuller and more beautiful looking eyes.
During this process, your cosmetic artist will hand-place pigment to mimic the look of liquid eyeliner or eye pencil. They may add a wing or other features depending on which one of the three procedures you choose:
- Eyelash Enhancement- Here, your cosmetic artist will give you a subtle eyeliner to create fuller eyelashes
- Halo- It helps add natural beauty to your eye
- Cat Eye- Here your permanent makeup artist will add a stunning wing to your eyeliner
Procedure Time
The procedure for permanent eyeliner usually takes two to three hours.
Healing Process
The average healing period for permanent eyeliner is usually about four to six weeks or longer to heal depending on many factors, including, but not limited to, age, skin type and skin regeneration.
How Long Does It Last?
It can last between eight to thirty six months, or longer, depending on how you care for it and many other factors which influence its longevity, including, but not limited to, the pigments used, machine versus hand method, depth of implantation, technique used, sun exposure, client lifestyle, health issues of the client, diet, and other factors.
What are the Risks Associated with Popular PMU Treatment for Eyes?
Risks of getting permanent eyeliner include, but not limited to:
- Allergic Reaction
- Eyelash Loss
- Fuzzy Lines
- Infection
- Scarring
Who Should Try Permanent Makeup Treatment for Eyes?
There are many reasons but here are some of the most common. You’re a good candidate for permanent makeup treatment for eyes if:
- You use eyeliner daily and want a permanent solution
- You want to avoid eyelid surgery
- You want to make your eyes pop
Popular PMU Treatment for Lips
Lastly, let’s discuss how permanent makeup treatment help creates fuller, more beautiful lips:
Lip Blushing
Lip blushing is a permanent makeup technique designed to enhance your lips’ natural shape and color.
Otherwise known as lip tinting, lip shading, lip pigmentation, lip tattooing, lip enhancement and lip PMU, your cosmetic artist will deposit pigments into your lip area during this process.
As a result, the procedure creates the illusion of fuller and pinker lips.
Procedure Time
The initial lip blushing procedure usually requires two to three hours.
Healing Time
Your lips may require five to six weeks or longer to heal depending on many factors, including, but not limited to, age, skin type and skin regeneration.
How Long Does It Last?
On average, lip blushing lasts one to three years or longer depending on many factors which influence its longevity, including, but not limited to, the pigments used, machine versus hand method, depth of implantation, technique used, sun exposure, client lifestyle, health issues of the client, diet, and other factors.
Ombre Lip Blush
Ombre lip blush or lip color is another incredible permanent makeup technique used to create a 3D lip.
As a result, the technique creates a defined, more natural look.
Procedure Time
Ombre lip blush usually takes two to three hours.
Healing Time
It usually requires three to five weeks or longer to heal depending on many factors, including, but not limited to, age, skin type and skin regeneration.
How Long Does It Last?
It may last for two to three years or longer depending on many factors which influence its longevity, including, but not limited to, the pigments used, machine versus hand method, depth of implantation, technique used, sun exposure, client lifestyle, health issues of the client, diet, and other factors.
What are the Risks Associated with Popular PMU Treatment for Lips?
Risks associated with permanent makeup treatment for lips include, but not limited to:
- Allergic Reaction
- Fuzzy Lines
- Herpes Flareup
- Infection
- Scarring
Who Should Try Permanent Makeup Treatment for Lips?
There are many reasons. Here are some of the most common. You’re the perfect candidate for PMU treatment for lips if:
- You want to achieve fuller, more enhanced lip
- You have pale lips
Permanent Makeup vs. Tattoo
While tattooing and permanent makeup involve using needle cartridges to create long-lasting modifications, there are significant differences between the two.
Let’s discuss these in detail:
Equipment
Tattooing and permanent makeup can use different types of equipment. The former involves tattoo machines with motor tattoo machines, coil tattoo machines, and wireless tattoo pens or tattoo needles.
On the other hand, permanent makeup also includes the same tattooing machines but also, embroidery tattoo pens, battery and motorized devices, hand tools and special needles for eyebrow, lip, or eyeliner tattooing. Many artists also use the same tattoo machine equipment as body art. Some use the same type needles
PMU Pigments vs. Tattoo Ink
Tattoo ink comes in various colors, some very bright, some more muted tones, blacks, browns, grays, washes which the tattoo artist implants into your skin. On the contrary, permanent makeup includes black colors, soft brown hues, pink and red shades; corrector/additive colors include yellows, mustards, greens and olive shades. If a fantasy color is desired for additional eyeliner enhancement, colors such as blue, geen, olive and teal shades are also used.
Healing and Durability
Since permanent makeup procedures are less invasive, they take less time to heal. Moreover, they tend to fade away with time and turn lighter before they need touch-ups.
On the flip side, body art tattoos can last much longer before they need touch-ups.
Popular Pigments by Li Pigments
Li Pigment is revolutionizing the makeup world with safe, organic, and long-lasting pigments.
Li Pigments realized that with a bit of innovation, a unique mixing process, and the ideal skill set, they could develop safe pigments that hold their color.
Its incredible Forever Series features several luxurious and lovely pre-neutralized shades that promise long-lasting lip enhancement and a natural healing fade. The creamy base of our micropigmentation pigment produces an unmatched and gorgeous result for all skin types.
In addition, our Loaded Pigments comprising a water base and color neutralizers help enhance your eyebrows. This organic permanent makeup pigment comes in sixteen shades and helps eliminate unnecessary separation, and creates fuller eyebrows.
Or, if you are a newbie entering the permanent makeup sphere or seasoned artist, you can check out Li Pigments originals; Aqua, Velvet, Micro-Colors or the Li Pigments Artist Signature Series Pigments. Here you’ll find sets of an eyebrow, eyeliner, and lip shades manufactured from high-quality products through proven methods that ensure long-lasting results.
The Bottom Line
If you want to enjoy the “I woke up like this” look, permanent makeup techniques are perfect for you!
But ensure you do your research before getting any permanent makeup procedure. Every artist has a different level of expertise and knowledge.
Moreover, remember to talk about skin allergies or sensitivities before getting a permanent make up procedure.
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