Permanent makeup can leave you looking and feeling glamorous everyday. There’s nothing quite like waking up with makeup! But, as with anything which becomes more and more popular, more and more questions arise, due to curiosity and uncertainty. We think this can only be a good thing, and always encourage our clients to ask away about any concerns they may have regarding permanent makeup, no matter how big or small they think their concerns may be.
The last thing you want when you opt for permanent cosmetics is to find out that you’ve got it wrong, or you haven’t got the results you wanted, because you didn’t ask the questions you wanted to! We can’t stress how important it is to make sure you have all of the information you need before you go ahead with a treatment. It’s always best to get the facts and put your mind at ease. Asking questions and doing your research is also a great way to find out the truth and banish any misconceptions or any untruths you may have heard on the grapevine. Here are just a few common misconceptions about permanent makeup:
It’s Only For Women
We’ve lost count of the amount of times we’ve heard this. We’d like to let everyone know permanent makeup is for BOTH WOMEN AND MEN. Because of words like ‘cosmetics’ and ‘makeup’, the perception of the treatments seem more relevant to the female audience, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Permanent cosmetics can naturally or dramatically enhance male features too – whether it’s transforming eyebrows which have been left sparse as a result of hairloss, or redefining the lip line with a soft lip blush. A subtle guy-liner is also a very popular treatment amongst our male clientele, helping to naturally and subtly enhance the eye area.
It’s The Same As Cosmetic Surgery
Hearing the term permanent cosmetics can often be misinterpreted and some people actually think it’s the same as cosmetic surgery. Although cosmetic surgery is a big part of the beauty industry, permanent cosmetic treatments and cosmetic surgery procedures could not be further apart.
Permanent makeup involves a clinical set-up for hygiene purposes, but it does not involve a general anaesthetic or going under the knife. It can transform and enhance your features, but it’s not the same as having fillers or any other surgical. Permanent makeup is a much, much less invasive treatment!
It’s Just Like Tattooing
Permanent cosmetics can be called many things, such as permanent makeup, cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation, microblading or microstroking. Whenever pigment is put into the skin with an instrument, it’s tattooing. It is important to accept this and recognize that we are in good company.
The difference between traditional tattooing and cosmetic tattooing are the products we choose to create our work. Specific pigments have been developed for permanent cosmetics to replicate the look of conventional makeup. Many different machines or hand tools can be used; here at Karen Betts Professional we use a machine which is very quiet and gentle for use on delicate areas. We also use specialist needles designed for cosmetic and medical work.
Permanent cosmetics cannot be completely separated from tattooing because there are religions that prohibit tattooing in any form, and we do not want to mislead anyone with descriptions that later may be found to be confusing.
It Hurts!
Another question we are often asked is “does it hurt”? Our clients are often pleasantly surprised that treatments don’t feel the way they expected and are not uncomfortable. The most common comparison for most treatments we hear from our clients is that it feels like having an electric toothbrush held against the skin. Bizarre you may think, but with the vibration of the permanent cosmetic device, this actually is a good analogy.
Of course, we all have different pain thresholds, but remember your artist will always make sure you’re comfortable and use a numbing cream to ensure pain is kept to an absolute minimum.
It’s For People Who Have Concerns
Medical tattooing can be a life-changing experience, giving people the brows, eyes or lips they’re seeking. It even goes as far as areola tattooing for breast cancer patients, hair loss treatments for alopecia patients and scar camouflage treatment. Permanent cosmetics can also be for people that have hair loss due to over plucking and many other reasons.
But – permanent makeup doesn’t have to be for medical reasons. It can be for any reason you like, whether it is cosmetic or not! You may just want to enhance your natural features, or not have to spend as much time on your makeup in the morning. Whatever the reason, as long as you’re happy and comfortable – it could be a treatment which may be right for you.
It’s Unnatural And Fake-Looking
Permanent makeup has come a long way over recent decades, and the developments in machines, pigments and techniques mean truly natural results can be achieved. For eyebrow treatments, specialist hair stroke techniques can be used to create the illusion of a naturally full or defined brow. Many of our clients tell us of the compliments they get – and people can’t quite put a finger on what’s different! When it comes to lips, the colour can be quite dark at first, but it fades into a beautifully complementary colour, leaving you with lush lips 24/7! Subtle eyeliner can make your eyes pop, even with just a thin line through the lashes!
Though, the ‘natural look’ isn’t for everyone. You may want colourful eyeliner, dramatic brows or bright lips. Whichever choice you make – it’s up to you at the end of the day, and permanent cosmetics can usually accommodate and perfectly mimic your everyday makeup.
It’s for ‘Young’ People
Every now and again, we hear from a mature client that worries permanent makeup is just for “young” people. That’s not true at all! No matter what age, you can find the treatment that’s perfect for you. A good artist knows how to adapt their techniques to compliment mature skin and work with their client to achieve desired results, no matter what age they are.
We hope we’ve helped clear up a few misconceptions or rumours you may have heard about permanent makeup. Remember, it’s all about you feeling comfortable, confident and in the know about what treatment you’re considering. You need to be clear about what exactly permanent makeup is and if it’s for you. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact us.