Permanent Makeup. Sounds great. Its popularity has grown the past few years although it has been around for decades.  What once seemed a little sketchy is now widely available (but may still be sketchy, so choose your artist wisely). 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; 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.

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.

Shaded Eyebrow. A makeup-look for the brow, shaded in with pigment to create fuller, darker, defined eyebrows.

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.

With Alicia Shapira here at New Image Beauty Bar, 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 where there previously was no hair at all.  Alicia is trained and certified to work on the eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and scalp as well as on the body. About 25% of all Alicia’s work is performed to correct or fix the botched or poor-quality work from cheaper, old technologies like permanent tattooing or microblading from those artists who have little to no training performing permanent makeup procedures at lower cost to get your business.

For appointments with Alicia, please call or text 954-774-5087.