Permanent Makeup. Sounds great. Its popularity has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years as the price has dropped at the low end, although it has been around for decades.  What once seemed a little sketchy is now widely available (but may still be sketchy). This is because, in recent years, Chinese companies are making and selling the equipment online so cheaply that it costs little for beauticians and nail salon technicians to try to cash in with minimal training or preparation.

The benefits of permanent makeup can be numerous when you know the facts. A little exploration will save you time, money and potential injury.

The world of permanent makeup does not have a standardized system of terminology.   Many practitioners use whatever jargon they like, as there is little regulation. As a consumer, it is important to do research beforehand.  Ask to see a portfolio, as well as a Health Department Certificate of Inspection and the practitioner’s current license issued by the State Boards. Inquire specifically about the equipment, beautician’s training, years of permanent makeup experience and the number of procedures performed. Get referrals and read reviews.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the key terminology to enable you to cut through the marketing blather and navigate this often confusing niche.

Permanent Makeup.  A cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis (or skin)) to produce designs that resemble makeup.  This is the most common term used in the USA. Elsewhere, it is referred to as Semi-Permanent, which is a more accurate term because there is no such thing as permanent makeup as it all eventually fades. The term “semi-permanent” is becoming more widely used — as newcomers in an overcrowded field attempt to stand out.

The deeper the inks are put into the skin, the longer it will last – sometimes up to a lifetime same as with other tattoos. It is just a question of how long it lasts and whether it morphs into unusual colors.  Lasting longer is not better; our faces age and styles change, over time.

There is an assortment of permanent makeup equipment on the market and, as expected, technicians today usually use whatever is cheapest (Chinese made) and popular at the moment.  Handheld tools range from small razor-like blades (microblading) to standard electric tattoo machines and inks which, along with the technician’s skill and experience, can create a wide range of results.

Side effects can range from the unpleasant to the downright dangerous. A harsh and unnatural look. Excessive pain.  Colors morphing into unsightly shades of blue and green.  Bleeding, bruising and scarring.

Cosmetic Tattooing.   Generally the same as above specifically for eyebrows, which is the most popular area for permanent makeup.

Medical Tattooing. Same as permanent makeup – but used to cover scars, cover vitiligo or create areolas in a form of skin-deep cosmetic reconstruction.

Microblading.  A manual tattoo made with a handheld tool that looks like a slender Exacto knife but instead has tiny blades at the tip.  The blades make small incisions in the skin with the tool’s tip which has been dipped in pigment.  Effective, its crude nature is similar to the application of tattoos in prisons as is still practiced today.

As Microblading becomes more widespread, many nail salons and threading studios are charging rock-bottom prices.  As you would expect, technicians often receive minimal training (a few hours to a few days) and little practice before working with clients.  The results are often severe looking, unpredictable and include numerous health risks.  They are using a blade to cut your skin, so there is the danger of bleeding, contamination, infection, and scarring.  With the current hype on microblading, many permanent makeup technicians are calling what they do microblading and consumers do not know the difference. Again, this is where the consumer must do their homework and decide whether saving a little money is worth the risks.

3D Eyebrows. Generally, same as microblading. Individual hairs are cut and inked into the skin producing an array of results based on equipment, product and technician expertise.

Feathering. Same as 3D Eyebrows (or microblading).

Hair Strokes. Another term used for 3D Eyebrows, feathering and micro blading.  There is no shading involved, just application of pigment onto the skin.

MicroArt^TM Semi-Permanent Makeup. MicroArt^TM is a proprietary technology developed by acclaimed Hollywood entrepreneur and former special effects makeup expert Tanya York — with the help of a team of mechanical engineers and cosmetic biochemists.

The goal was to develop a makeup procedure that would look more natural than any form of permanent or semi-permanent makeup and eliminate all side effects. Side effects of other forms of permanent makeup range from short-term, such as downtime, scabbing, bruising and heavy bleeding to the long-term side effects such as scarring, inks that change colors on the skin and makeup that changes shape over time due to the skin’s aging process.

MicroArt is an entirely new generation of permanent makeup. It has eliminated all such side effects through:

• Equipment: Specialized equipment developed by MicroArt for unrivaled precision. Unlike the equipment used in other low-tech permanent makeup that costs hundreds to a couple thousand dollars, MicroArt equipment is custom engineered to micro-surgical quality and costs about $80,000 each.
• Clinics: MicroArt procedures are performed only in a certified, professional medical office passing regular, stringent County Health Department inspections.
• Products: Special, natural pigments developed that will not change color and are hypoallergenic (safe for your skin).
• Technique: Proprietary techniques developed over the years to ensure the ideal, custom shape and color is provided to each client.
• Technicians: All technicians are personally trained, full-time, for months and certified by Master MicroArtist Tanya York. MicroArt Technicians are not licensed to perform services on Ms. York’s clients until their work is indistinguishable from hers.
• To Learn more click here

There are no other forms of permanent cosmetics like MicroArt.

To view photo gallery click here.

With MicroArt, individual hairs are precisely layered on the skin, creating a completely natural look. Brows can be reshaped, darkened or thickened. Brows can even be created entirely by MicroArt where there previously was no hair at all.  MicroArt can be applied on the eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and scalp as well as on the body. It eliminates all side effects of other forms of permanent or semi-permanent makeup. The results are remarkably natural and flattering. About 25% of all MicroArt work is performed to correct or fix the botched or poor quality work from cheaper, old technologies like permanent tattooing or microblading.

For your free consultation call 888-943-8880 or click here