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Cosmetic Ink
WHO BENEFITS FROM PERMANENT MAKEUP?
Everyone and anyone who can identify with any one of the following:
- Poor vision or just cant see well to apply your makeup anymore.
- Allergies to topical makeup or skin sensitivities.
- People who wear contact lenses.
- An unsteady hand or poor motor skills due to Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or stroke survivors.
- Loss of hair due to thinning or scars.
- People with busy lifestyles and hectic work schedules who want to look their best all day long with out having to stop, check, and re-apply their makeup due to smudging or smearing. Those of you whom after a busy day want to look great for your evening without having to do a thing.
- People who enjoy activities like working out at the gym, yoga, swimming, boating, hiking, biking, tennis, camping, etc., that are concerned with their eyebrows or makeup coming off. Some people even avoid activities such as these because of that concern. Through permanent makeup, I can give you the personal freedom you need to go do the activities you enjoy and look great doing it.
- People who have albinism. I have worked on many clients with this condition and the difference color and definition can make with permanent makeup is remarkable.
- People suffering from Trichotillomania. I have found this disorder to be prevalent mostly in young to middle-aged women. To those of you who struggle with this disorder, I can help you. I know at times it is worse then at other times. With permanent makeup, even during those stressful times, your eyebrows and lash line can look natural and defined. Just knowing your eyebrows and lash line are going to be there despite what you may be going through will give you a great sense of peace and make life a whole lot easier.
Permanent makeup can help many different people on many different levels or it can simply give you a few extra minutes in the morning or an extra cup of coffee. For some, I am making a real difference and changing lives and for others it is a luxury and a matter of convenience. No matter what your reason for choosing permanent makeup...I will make sure it is one of the best decisions you have ever made for yourself.
Referrals & Client
" thank-you's "
"My goal is to help you to achieve the Permanent Makeup that you have always wanted or never knew you could have".
Elizabeth is an established and gifted Permanent Makeup artist with more than 2,000 procedures since 2006. She is fast passing up her long time peers in the industry and continues to be booked up to two months in advance.
She is a San Diego native, and has worked at The Salon at the Vineyard in the Bernardo Winery for over 20 years.
Extremley rare in the industry, her initial training consisted of a 6 month apprenticeship with Cathy Montie, owner of Absolute Tattoo and president of CAPSBA (California Alliance for the Promotion of Safe Body Art) and is a representative of the Department of Environmental Health. She herself has been doing PMU for over 19 yrs.
Elizabeth has a thorough knowledge of the health and safety issues associated with Cosmetic Tattooing and Body Art.
"She builds respect by demanding the best effort from herself. Elizabeth is committed to making her personal goals and any project she is associated with a success and is always thinking of ways to improve the efficiency, safety, and outcome for her clients".
She travels each year to study under some of the most gifted artists in the industry. Along with her initial training, it is during these times that she has had the opportunity to study and perfect the art of lining, shading and achieving the beautiful effects that her clients love.
Welcome to Cosmetic Ink. San Diego Permanent Makeup. North County, California.
Society for Permanent Cosmetic Professionals
Hi Elizabeth,
Just thought I'd drop a note to say hi. I think about you often and about how lucky I was to find such a neat person to do my eyebrows. I dont know if I would have gone through with it if I hadn't met you. I felt very comfortable with you and had no doubts about the safety of you doing it. I know it is just eyebrows but if you could see how much time you saved me you would know why I am so thankful. Anyway I hope all is well with you and I just wanted to say hi.
Carla~Mira Mesa
I loved Elizabeth and the smokey eyeliner she did for me! She was flexible, professional, and very friendly. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for permanent makeup.
Renee~Chula Vista
Elizabeth~ Thank you for taking the time to send me my eyebrow collage.
My brows are beautiful again. I trust and appreciate your expertise. Your artisitc talent plays a role in creating and enhancing brows. You are the very best at what you do. How do I know?, How could anyone be better?
You have helped to keep what I was born with natural and pretty. That means a lot to me. My appearance is imprtant to me and the face is ,I think, the outer focus of who you are.
Brows frame it all.
Thank you for restoring my "face-frame".
On top of all that Elizabeth you are a lovely person with a kind heart and special spirit and I consider you my friend. Bless you
Maria~Mission Bay
It was always taking me a long time to put my makeup on each day so I had my eyebrows and eyeliner tattooed with Permanent Ink. The outcome was beyond my expectations! The style, thickness, and color was just as I suggested I wanted. I am so happy with my "new look". It's awesome, and I've shortened my time for getting ready for work in half. I'll be going back in the summer to have my lips tattooed, and I can't wait. What a wonderful discovery.
Carol~Del Mar
Elizabeth~Thanks a "latte".....
for everything! Your integrity is beyond reproach and certainly uncommon these days....and my friends will all know about you.
I'll wave next time we're at the winery!
Thank you, Susan~CA
I LOVE my lips, they look great!
Kim~Escondido
"I love my clients"
Dear Elizabeth,
I told my eyebrow story to anyone who would listen. Lots of "they look great!" My husband is so pleased, as am I, with the whole darn experience. He is extremely complimentary of your professionalism and care in your work. We so appreciate how you took the time to work with me in getting the right brow look.
Thanks for everything Elizabeth. It has been a wonderful experience and I couldn't be happier in finding someone who took such great care of me. I enjoyed the laughter and conversation.
Patricia~TX
Elizabeth did superb work creating my permanent make up eye brows.I had been a client of Elizabeth's in her role as a manicurist for several years and was excited when she decided to learn to do permanent make up.She is extremely professional and considerate in all that she does. I was a little nervous at first, she assured me that my comfort and concerns were her first priority. She took her time in explaining every detail and made me completely at ease. The results are amazing and I would highly recommend her.
Judith~CA
Elizabeth:
I have to write a note to let you know how amazing it is to have beautiful permanent eyebrows. When I wake up in the morning, rather than seeing virtually no eyebrows in the mirror, I see PERFECT ones! Your wonderful artistry saves me AT LEAST five precious minutes of makeup application every day. (My husband said I will soon recoup the cost by saving eyebrow pencil purchases!) Seriously, though, you are an amazing artist. My eyebrows are wonderful and I am enjoying every minute.
When I saw your great website and the fact that you actually completed the rigorous training of a tattoo artist, I knew you were the one for me. Of course, meeting you "sealed the deal." Your personality, professionalism, expertise and, most importantly, your obvious care and follow-through sold me.
As I told you when we last met, I will be calling you very soon to schedule a permanent lipliner procedure. It is just too wonderful not to take advantage of it agaIn. I love you!
Dara~CA
I am so happy to have eyebrows when I wake up!
Lois~CA
Hi Elizabeth:
I will stop by one day and show you how great my eyebrows look. I love them!
Thanks so much,
Susan~Rancho Bernardo
Letter of referral:
It is my pleasure to offer this letter of
recommendation for Elizabeth. I have known Elizabeth for four years and as her trainer under an apprenticeship she served in my shop during 2006. She is my "shining star". During this time I have had the opportunity to observe her in professional and educational endeavors, and would like to highlight some of her outstanding skills.
During her apprenticeship with me, she proved herself a dedicated and meticulous student. Her hunger for knowledge frequently caused her to extend her research more deeply into specific topics to generate more in-depth questions for me. She has a "can-do" approach to problems and quickly looks for the best solutions with a calm demeanor.
Diligent, and with advanced training, these skills have taken her to a new level as an artist. She has the ability that is critical in choosing the right colors and design that will suit the clients face. Her experience has contributed to her ability to perform beautiful permanent makeup that a client will be pleased with.
Elizabeth builds respect by demanding the best effort from herself. She is committed to making her personal goals and any project she is associated with a success and is always thinking of ways to improve the efficiency, safety, and outcome for her clients.
I can highly recommend Elizabeth as a talented professional in the permanent cosmetics industry, and your permanent makeup artist of choice.
Cathy Montie
Absolute Permanent Cosmetics
San Diego, California
The middle photo was taken immediately after. As you can see, the permanent eyerows are darker than the healed version as in the below photo. Toupe is an ideal color for women with graying hair. Healed to a soft powdered look.
Client came in with eyebrows drawn on exactly how she likes them. Any look can be acheived as long as the design is within what I feel is suitable for a cosmetic tattoo. Remember, it's permanent.
Here they are healed. After 6 months, she decided she wanted a darker makeup-look version of what you see here.
We used just a few drops of pigment to the wash to create this shadow effect. Very natural and just what the client wanted.
You can see from this clients previous photo that some women have an eyebrow that pops up. If it is extreem, then in my opinion it's best to use a light wash to give a soft eyebrow so it's not as obvious.
This golden blond healed to a soft neutral blonde once healed.
These are the golden blond eyebrows 1 1/2 yrs later.
blond eyebrows. Her right brow was short. We added to the front and the tail to balance them. What a huge difference it made.
These are freshly done permanent eyebrows. They will soften to a soft edged brown. Client had no hair. Redness existed in the brow area due to an allergy to her pencil.
Throw away that eyebrow pencil!
"Elizabeth, thank you so much for giving me beautiful eyebrows. I threw away my eyebrow pencil!"
Eyebrows frame the face. Done correctly, permanent eyebrows create a natural look and eliminate the need to draw eyebrows on a daily basis.
Imagine the time saved by having Permanent Eyebrows.
First, the eyebrow design is created to fit your facial features. A blend of applied techniques are used to achieve your desired look. A soft powdered brow, hair simulation or a makeup look.
We must also take into consideration that the skin is our canvas, and not all techniques will age as well for one as for another. For instance a "hair stroke" or "feathered hair stroke" will only look great on tight non-porous skin. A preferred technique is the "powder fill". The end result is a beautiful soft-edged eyebrow that has dimension and flow. It looks like soft powder. This ages quite nicely over time.
Effortless, soft, natural eyebrows.
Together we will decide on a design that is suitable for cosmetic tattooing. Only the best pigments are used. As your permanent eyebrows age, you can be assured that they will fade to a softer, lighter version of what they once were. No off colors here.
Simplify your mornings with permanent eyebrows from Cosmetic Ink.
Aside from the before and after pictures on my website I keep an extensive portfolio showing many different examples
of the procedures I perform.
Perfect for a blushing bride. All you need is lipgoss.
Lips before permanent lip color
Right after procedure. There is minimal swelling. This color will heal to a soft light rosey pink. These lips are not uneven, client tends to hold her lips to one side when open
Permanent Lipstick - subtle and sexy.
"I can't believe I started to fall asleep while you were doing my lips! Others told me that it was very painful. I could barely feel you working on me. I am so pleased, what a great experience it was and now I have beautiful lips again". A.F
Permanent lip definer or full lip color.
The aging process causes the color and definition of our lips to fade, leaving lips looking pale and thin. We can re-create that youthful, appearance by having permanent lip color applied. By using a very effecting topical, Elizabeth is able to use anesthetics that numb the lips very comfortably. In fact, the majority of women fall asleep during this procedure.
Imagine your lipstick never wearing off.
Full permanent lip color can be applied in a natural hue or a more vivid color. Elizabeth handdraws the shape to ensure balance and symmetry. No ink is applied until the color is choosen and pattern drawn meets the client's approval.
Soft and natural to bold and sexy. A "Lip-definer" is pigment applied in a way that recreates the definition of your faded lip line to produce a fuller, look. Full lip color serves a number of solutions from uneven lip color, loss of pigment, uneven lip lines and pale lips. It can replace the need for lipstick or provides a nice base for a softer more natural look.
Lip color is enhanced by wearing gloss or different shades of lipstick over your permanent lip color - you will find your color lasts all day
Just add lip gloss and your ready to go.
No more smearing or re-applying lipstick throughout the day
Up close you can see where the liner is in relation to the lashes. This is a conservative liner with a slight tail to give her length and lift. You can see in the next photo how it looks.
Soft modest black eyeliner with a slight smudge over the top of the line.
This is a freshly tattooed lash enhancement. The lower enhancement will look much softer and smaller when healed.
Upper soft black eyeliner with a soft lower line
This eyelier is right after her appointment. You can seee there is minimal swelling.
This woman was used to wearing a green shadow as a liner. We comprimised with a small upper and lower eyeliner and a wash of green above.
This is a smokey look that will beautifully enhance the upper lid. Up close it looks dark but at a normal distance its gorgeous.
Fresh eyeliner will always appear 1/3 larger in size than when healed. A smudgy or smokey look will appear no different until healed when using a darker color.
You can see how an upper eyeliner and enhancment can give the eyes lift. The photo on the right is a healed close up of the same client
Permanent Eyeliner - subtle or dramatic!
"I can wake up in the morning and look like I have eyes. My eyeliner is so natural looking and if I want it darker I have a great base already there". C.A
Safe and comfortable permanent eyeliner.
Having permanent eyeliner applied is safe and very tolerable. Effective methods of anesthesia are used to make what most say feels like a vibration-type of feeling, but nothing unbearable. You can expect some puffiness for the first few days with a heavy "makeup look".
Beautiful eyes all day long.
Permanent eyeliner helps shape and defines the eyes. Subtle or dramatic. A Lash Enhancement will define the eye and make the lash line appear fuller. Permanent Eyeliner is a plus for anyone with small pale eyes or no lashes.
From bold and defined to soft and smoky any look can be achieved that is fitting for your style. A lash enhancement is always done with upper eyeliner.
There was apparent miscommunication between this local artist and the client. We used a technique to remove and lighten some of the unwanted ink that was used. This is why we use pigments and not tattoo ink on the face.
Hairstrokes and shading to correct a faded blue-toned permanent eyebrow that was done years ago by another artist.
Color correcting and or lightening of existing permanent makeup is sometimes needed
when a procedure has faded to an undesirable color or applied too dark or poorly placed
in the intitial application.
Correcting permanent makeup takes an experienced hand. A qualified artist will help you
determine which is right for your situation. A plan of action should be discussed so you
can know what to expect
With correct color choice, design and technique, undesirable results can be avoided.
Making your correction appointment.
When consulting about having a correction done by Elizabeth, please understand that
maintenance over another technician's original work can be as involved as starting over.
Together we will dicuss your options and your visits will be charged accordingly.
It can take anywhere from one to three visits to obtain a desirable result depending
on what method is appropriate.
Unfortunately 40% of my work is corrections. This is why it is so important to choose a talented, skilled, and experienced artist. Permanent makeup should go on beautifully the first time. I have gained the knowledge and experience needed to correct any color and shape. If you have had permanent makeup done that you are dissatisfied with please call me for a free consultation.
Permanent Makeup requires knowledge of the skin, structure of the face, traditional color theory as well as
color theory as it relates to the living canvas of the skin. Colors placed under the skin surface behave very differently than colors placed on top of the skin. Color theory has to completely be relearned when youre talking about implanted colors.
It also requires a thorough understanding of traditional cosmetic makeup application,
Always schedule a consultation before making an appointment for any permanent procedure. Look at their finished (healed) work. Pictures of fresh work are not a good indicator of what the finished result looks like. Fresh permanent cosmetics may look a stark to the average person, so be sure to see healed results.
Take time, do research, ask questions and make an informed decision.
Your face is too important to gamble with.
The facts about training and being "certified".
In the industry of Permanent Makeup, there is a great need for higher industry standards of training. The fact is most technicians have taken a 2-5 day introductory course to prepare them to work on your face.
It is very seductive when classes are offered as a form of what is called training but is really more of an introduction to the craft and then offer a certificate where the technician thinks they are "certified" and move on with their idea of this art form. Tattoo artists do long apprenticeships and for a good reason, it gives you time to do work, see it come back and learn.
I have clients come to me that have had prior work done by artists who have been in the industry for many years, and their work is sub-standard.
What I would like to see is the standards of training raised by offering apprenticeship type classes. I realize that not everyone lives in an area where there is a trainer who offers this type of program. In my opinion it would be very helpful to a learning technician to be able to see the work they performed, how the color healed, how the design looks, get input from the model etc and spend more time with their trainer. In other words a program that is more like a traditional tattoo apprenticeship.
Unfortunately for most wanting to become a Permanent Makeup artist don't know exactly what they are looking for in a fundamental trainer. There are very few trainers offering apprentice type training. So what is left to choose from are short term programs which look more appealing when considering family or work schedules, so part of the problem is the demand from students wanting to take a down and dirty class and get back to their businesses, etc.
There are pioneers in this industry that are dedicated to higher training standards. Some offer intense training programs that you can be assured that when one is finished they will be confident to work on their own. I encourage anyone who is looking for training to contact the SPCP.
"We are never beyond learning". It was once said
"Without continuing our education we risk becoming antiquated in our techniques, an island unto ourselves ". No truer words ever spoken.
A technician needs to have a thorough understanding of skin anatomy and the healing process.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is comprised of three layers, the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous. The epidermis is the outermost layer and contains no blood vessels or nerves. Its basic function is to provide a tough exterior to protect the body against environmental or physical injury, bacterial or viral invasion, and prevent moisture loss and dehydration.
The epidermis is further divided into five sub layers, which are characterized by the stages of hardening of keratinocytes, the primary cell type found in the epidermis. Keratinocytes begin their migration in the basal layer of the epidermis and grow progressively flatter and harder until they reach the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, where they die and are eventually slough off. In order for the permanent makeup procedure to be effective, the pigment must be implanted below the epidermis into the dermis. If the pigment is not placed deeply enough it will wear off quickly as it is sloughed off with the epidermal cells. Needles inserted too deeply will cause unnecessary pain and bleeding and may even produce scarring.
The thickness of the epidermis varies from one area of the body to another. It is thinnest on the eyelids and thickest on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. An experienced permanent makeup artist will be able to adjust needle insertion depth in order to place the pigment properly into the dermis to get the best possible result.
The healing process begins as soon as the integrity of the skin is damaged. Within a short time the first phase of healing, the inflammatory phase begins and the body tries to minimize the damage being inflicted. Various chemical signals or factors are released that attract phagocytes to the damaged tissue. Phagocytes are the clean-up cells that consume bacteria, debris and damaged tissue and also release the chemical signals that initiate the proliferation phase of tissue healing. The migration and division of cells, collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation and epithelialization characterize this phase.
Choosing the Right Artist For You
If you've decided permanent makeup is right for you, choosing the right technician is imperative. The technician you choose should be well trained and experienced in executing the procedures. Woman considering Permanent Makeup should know their technicians credentials, but knowing their capability is equally important. Permanent makeup is permanent. Though many things are important when choosing a technician, its not all about education, equipment and credentials. For example, great hand- eye coordination, an artistic eye, and genuine caring can't be taught. Pinpoint accuracy and preciseness are borne in the hands of an accomplished technician.
I suggest these additional tips for choosing a technician:
*Ask around. Check credentials. Clients should know what type of training their technician had. How long their initial training was, and whether they stay up-to-date with continuing education in this fast-growing field. Qualified technicians will gladly share this information.
*Ask to see their portfolio. Look at the results. How precise is your technician? Look for before and after pictures in your technicians portfolio. The photos should be clear and enlarged to show detail. The level of detail a technician is capable of will reflect in her portfolio. Ask if the photo's are of the artists own work.
*Communication. Be sure you're comfortable in every way with your technician. Be sure your needs and desires are understood.
*Cleanliness. Many states have adopted their own method of oversight and regulation. In California, the State Department of Environmental Health inspects and issues licenses to body art facilities. This helps to ensure that the facility is maintained according to safety and sanitation regulations but does not at all regulate the ability of the technician or quality of the work.
The technicians work area should meet all cleanliness standards.
Elizabeth holds 5 certificates and travels annually for advanced continuing education classes. Most recently she traveled to Los Vegas to spend a few days with Teryn Darling at Girlz Ink. She has been in the beauty industry for 25 yrs. She is also an accomplished seamstress, with great attention to detail she designs, and constructs historical costumes.
Elizabeth's Permanent Cosmetic training history:
*2006 ~ 6 month apprenticeship with Cathy Montie of Absolute Permanent Cosmetics and Body Art in San Diego, CA. Specializing in use of the coil machine, lining and shading techniques. Certificate in fundamental and advanced training.
*2007 ~ 16 hours Continuing advanced education. Posh and Polished Permanent Cosmetic Excellence. Instructors Liza Sims and Pat Connell. Class focus on Designer Liner, Dimensional Eyebrows and Creamy Lip color.
*2007 ~ 8 hours Continuing advanced education hours in Cosmetic tattoo removal and lightening with Cathy Montie, Absolute Permanent Cosmetics and Body Art.
*2008 ~ 16 hours Continuing education. SPCP annual convention in Houston TX
*2008 ~ 2 weeks Hands-on Continuing advanced education with Liza Sims CPCP-SPCP of Wake up with Makeup, Anchorage AK.
*2009 ~ 16 hours Continuing education hours SPCP annual convention Las Vegas NV.
*2009 ~ 17 hours Hands on Continuing advanced education hours with. Teryn Darling of Girlz Ink in Las Vegas NV.
WHAT IS PERMANENT MAKEUP?
Permanent makeup is cosmetic tattooing, a very specialized form of tattooing. There are many marketing terms out there like micro-pigmentation and semi-permanent and they all mean the same thing, the tattooing of makeup. It is the art and science of implanting pigment through the epidermal layer of the skin into the upper dermal layer of the skin. The epidermis is the outer layer of skin that is visible to all and is constantly shedding and renewing itself. Due to the fact the pigment was placed into the epidermis and the upper dermal layer, the color we have chosen for you will appear a bit darker then the healed and final result. When the color in the epidermis sheds you will see a lighter softer version of the pigment through a thin veil of healed epidermal skin.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes, if your artist is following proper guidelines. It is your responsibility to yourself to do your homework and ask questions. The same strict sanitation and sterilization guidelines followed by Nurses, Doctors and Hospitals are followed by myself, and are in accordance with San Diego County Health Department as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This includes; brand new single use sterile needles which are properly disposed of after each client, the use of an autoclave which is tested periodically to insure proper sterilization, all machine parts are either disposable or sterilized after each client, gloves are new and clean for each client and changed during the procedure as needed, a new bed sheet for each client that is disposed of properly after each procedure, a new and clean disposable apron is worn by myself and disposed of after each client, as well as many other precautions to insure my clients safety as well as my own.
The possibility that you would have any allergies, reactions, or complications from these procedures or pigments is extremely rare, almost non-existent, especially with todays health standard. It is important for you to follow all aftercare instructions. I provide an after care kit for each client which includes your ointment and instructions.
ARE YOU LICENSED?
Yes. I am licensed/permitted with both San Diego County Health Department and the City of Poway Business Licensing.
I also have achieved numerous certificates in blood born pathogens and cross-contamination prevention, as well as artistry, technique, color and design.
I am also a member in good standing of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP). The SPCP is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safety, excellence, and professional standards by providing education, certification, and industry guidelines. As a member I have hours of training and certifications that must be met yearly.
DOES IT HURT?
Once again this is where the skill of the technician is very important and not only can but will make all the difference. With the topical anesthetics available to us today, discomfort is very minimal and works for most. However, there are some people with a very low pain tolerance and just applying a topical anesthetic doesnt quite work for them. For this reason I have spent much of my time training on how to properly anesthetize the skin and have learned the tricks of the trade. These are the little things that make all the difference and are not known to a technician unless they are out there diligently training and have a few years in the saddle. Even my full lip clients are absolutely amazed on how comfortable it is.
WHAT METHOD OF IMPLANTION DO YOU USE?
Permanent makeup is performed by any one of the following devices; the coil machine, the rotary, the digital, and the manual method (tap method). All four devices can produce the same beautiful result. With a trained and skilled technician, one devise or machine does not hurt any more or any less then the other. It is not the device/machine; it is without question the artist behind the machine/device. Which ever device a technician chooses to work with, they should learn it until they know it intimately and it has become an extension of their hand. I have trained and have performed all procedures using all the different devices over the years and have a great respect for them all. Every artist must choose a tool and my personal choice is the coil machine. I love the coil machine because it offers such a wide range of needle groupings that are just not available with the other devices. It is these groupings that help me to achieve the smudgy eyeliners and the soft powdery eyebrows.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Eyebrows, eyeliner, and lipliner will generally take from an hour to an hour and a half to complete. A full lip procedure can take up to two and a half hours. Keep in mind this includes approximately twenty minutes to fully anesthetize the area.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
All color fades and that is just a fact. The color our hairstylist uses for our highlights fade, the paint on our cars fade and at a much faster rate if a car is left outside compared to a car that is parked in the garage, even the professional and industrial paint used on our homes fade in time. Everything has a life span and nothing lasts forever. The expensive fillers millions of people are using like Botox, Restylane, and Juvederm, although they wonderfully get rid of lines and creases which in turn make us look younger, wear off and must be re-applied every three to six months on average. We even see our manicurist every two to four weeks. Everything fades or degrades with time. Permanent Makeup, however, lasts longer than most other beauty/cosmetic procedures while comparably priced. Permanent makeup will last years for some and others will need to refresh their color annually. It is my experience that although some will need to refresh their color annually it will last much longer for most. All permanent makeup fades due to the exfoliation process, this is the process of the epidermis continually shedding and regenerating itself. Permanent makeup will last longer for some and not as long for others due most importantly to lifestyle, health, and skin type. Some contributing factors that will accelerate fading are: sun exposure, using products that promote cell regeneration (Retin-A, Renova, Glycolics and Alpha Hydroxy Acids), extra oily skin which regenerates more rapidly, unhealthy skin, medications, and smoking.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN TATTOO INK AND THE INK USED IN PERMANENT MAKEUP?
Pigment and ink are different and it is pigment that it is primarily used in permanent cosmetics. This is why we use pigments, because we want our eyebrows to look natural. We prefer the soft blondes, the beautiful shades of brown, and taupes for our eyebrows. Some like black for their eyeliners but others prefer the black/browns, charcoal, or the medium and even soft browns. To achieve these beautiful colors we are using pigments formulated specifically for the face. There are many manufacturers of permanent makeup pigments and alot of mis-information about them. Some list their ingredients, others will not, even when requested by an artist. I have tried just about every line available early on and have my tried and true manufacturers that I can depend on.
HOW MUCH DOES PERMANENT MAKEUP COST?
The fees for permanent make-up vary between the technicians from extremely low to very expensive. Be very careful of extremely low fees. You absolutely get what you pay for in this business and it will show. Those that are good and do great work are charging for their talent, skill, training, and education. Those who are not skilled and talented are making their living off those of you who are price shopping. This does not mean the most expensive is the best choice either. Look, I fix a lot of work and see a lot of things that just breaks my heart. My advice to you is to ask the right questions and look at the artists portfolio. The portfolio should be extensive and impressive. Ask about training and education and ask to see their certificates and licenses.
WHAT IS A TOUCH-UP AND WILL I NEED ONE?
A touch-up is an appointment that is needed most of the time to complete the procedure process. The touch-up appointment is a fine tuning session to make any adjustments that may be needed or desired to the shape, fullness, and color and to go over any areas that may not have taken well the first time. Almost always the color implanted is not perfect the first time when healed that is why permanent makeup is almost always a two or more step process. My personal experience is that most will require one touch-up, whereas some will require a second touch-up appointment. Once in a great while I will have a client where everything healed just perfectly and a touch-up is not needed at all, rare, but it does happen. It is my opinion everyone should utilize that touch-up appointment, even if everything appears perfect. A second coat will give your procedure depth and longer life. We put a second coat on our nails and on our walls. Everything looks better and lasts longer with a second coat, so will your eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips. I love touch-up appointments. This is where I get to look at my work and add the finishing touches to make what already looks great even better.
IS THERE A FEE FOR A TOUCH-UP APPOINTMENT?
