9 Things You Should Know About Permanent Makeup

1. Permanent makeup can cause serious infections. 

According to board-certified dermatologist and founder of Art of Dermatology, Dr. Jessica Krant, permanent makeup is a real, invasive procedure that carries the same risks as regular tattoos. Infections can be transmitted not only from the needle itself, but from the ink too. “Recently, there have been a lot of reports in the news about tattoo inks arriving sealed from the factory with bacteria that are difficult to diagnose and treat.” So readers, beware.

2. Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s good.

Always do your homework and don’t just go to anyone, warns medical and permanent makeup expert Mary Arnold-Ronish. “The cheapest places are usually the worst. I’ve spent close to 20 years fixing other technicians’ work, so trust me, be careful.”

3. Natural is the way to go.  

 “Most patients don’t care for drastic changes, but if you’re thinking of getting something trendy (like green eyeliner) permanently tatted on you, you might want to reconsider,” says permanent makeup pro and Intradermal Cosmetic Technician, Ashley Swain. “It’s best to go with a more natural look instead.”

4. Always ask for before and after photos.

When you go in for a consultation, ask a ton of questions and request to see before and after photos, advises Arnold-Runish. “Anyone that is good at tattooing your face should be proud to show you his or her work.” 

5. Permanent makeup can lead to allergic lumps.

Inks and dyes (particularly the blacks and reds most commonly used in makeup tattooing) can trigger allergic reactions in some people, notes Krant. “Normally, when we learn of an allergy, we try to avoid contact with the offending allergen, right? In the case of tattooed pigments, which live under your skin, however, the allergen is permanently embedded and thus, a constant source of inflammation, irritation, soreness and itching.” Eek.

6. If you don’t feel comfortable, leave.

If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician or the facilities that she is working out of, leave, recommends Arnold-Ronish. “I can’t tell you how many people come to me to fix their makeup and confess that they really didn’t feel comfortable from the start at the other place but felt too embarrassed to leave. Remember, this is your face and it is permanent.” 

7. The older you are, the longer it takes to heal. 

You should be told to come back to see your technician after about 4-6 weeks (add a week for each decade after forty), says Arnold-Ronish. “You’ll also need a ‘touch-up’ after the healing process has been completed, as it’s not unusual for women to lose too much ink in one place, leaving the color uneven, or even missing in a spot. If you are good at what you do though, the client should not have to endure more than one touch up, and sometimes not even that,” she notes.

8. Your makeup will fade.

Don’t forget that over time, and with the elements your face is exposed to, there will be some natural fading. Here are a few things that will keep your makeup looking better longer, according to Dr. Krant. 

  • Apply sunscreen before you leave the house every day, at least an SPF of 45.
  • Avoid any exfoliates on your face over the makeup area.
  • If you are in a pool or the ocean, use Vaseline over your makeup to protect it from fading fast.  

9. It’s not very easy to get rid of.

Hate your permanent makeup? Bad news: laser tattoo removal isn’t that reliable, requires multiple treatments, and generally only fades tattoos at best, rather than completely removing them, points out Krant. “To make matters even more complicated, it’s not always safe to laser around your eyes, or the eyelids.”

images: IMAXtree


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