Wake up with Makeup

Today’s health and beauty buzz is on permanent makeup or sometimes referred to as micro dermal pigmentation.

Permanent makeup is the implantation of tiny particles of pigment into the dermal layers of the skin.

The permanent makeup machine is specially designed to do this and differs from a traditional tattoo machine.

There are various parts of the body where permanent makeup can be performed.

·   Eyebrows: - This is an important focal point of the face.  One in three people have some kind of problem with their eyebrows. Some people have sparse, uneven or nonexistent eyebrows. Hours can be spent trying to draw on brows in the morning. Permanent makeup beautifies the brows with an exact design.

·   Eyeliner or lash enhancement: - The eyes are a prominent feature on the face and the “gateway to the soul”… Pigment applied to the eyelash line can create an illusion of having eyelashes for people who have sparse lashes. It is an advantage for women who find it difficult to apply liner, wear glasses and cannot see properly, have arthritis in their hands or are in a hurry and still would like to look good. It is great for swimmers and athletes as well.

·   Lip liner or full lip color: - The lips are the"gateway to the heart". Lip liner is used to contour and shape the lips. It is used to rectify problems when the lips are too full or not full enough. It can also be used to even an uneven mouth. Full lip enhancement, adds pale color to the lips.

·   Remedial permanent makeup: - With the use of skin toned colors, certain imperfections can be improved. After a mastectomy and reconstruction of the breast, the nipples and aureole can be pigmented onto the breast.

                         Tips on choosing a permanent makeup artist

1.  Go for a consultation.  Discuss exactly the effect you are hoping to achieve. Take a look at photographs of work done on other clients.  Use this time to get to know the technician. Colors of pigment should be discussed and a scratch test performed. This is usually done in an inconspicuous area behind the ear to make sure you are not allergic to the pigment. The area is checked the next day for any reaction.

2.  Ensure the operator is licenced and experienced in the art of permanent makeup. Certificates and licence should be displayed and on going education is required for all technicians in order to remain licenced.  Some of these procedures are paramedic and require a skilled technician. Ask how many procedures he or she has performed. Ask if you may contact a previous client. Be aware that different States have different licencing laws.

3.  Make sure the facility is clean. Sterile sealed needles should be used on each and every person and then discarded.  The technician should take before photographs and photographs will be taken after the procedure. Disposable gloves should be worn and often a face mask will used by the technician. Other instruments should be sterilized in an autoclave sterilizer.

4.  Your technician should be trained in blood borne pathogens and adhere to standard practises.

5.  Ask your doctor to refer you to a skilled professional or do some research yourself. Contact professional societies such as the SPCP and ask for a list of their members in your area. Try to get a personal recommendation if possible.

6.  Your medical history should be honestly discussed with the technician and it is most important to discuss a predisposition to cold sores (herpes virus) if your lips are being treated. Often the technician will recommend a medication be obtained from your physician prior to treatment.

                                           Facts on permanent makeup:-

•       Permanent makeup can fade over time. This is due to wear and tear on the skin, use of certain products on the skin, exposure to sun and your own body chemistry. Touch ups are required periodically.
•       The cost of permanent makeup varies greatly depending on location and skill of the technician. Don't go for the cheapest deal you can find. You get what you pay for in this case. Procedures range from $400-00 to $800-00. This will usually include a topical anesthetic ointment which is applied to the area prior to treatment. It should also include one touch up.  Touch ups are done to fill in any areas missed the first time or when the pigment was perhaps not administered deeply enough into the dermis in some areas. Touch ups intensify the color which will fade in the initial few weeks and are used to correct any discrepancies. This is usually done 6 to 8 weeks after the initial procedure when the area is healed.
•       Numbing ointment is applied to the area prior to the implantation. This greatly helps with the pain associated with the procedure. Tolerance is different for everyone. Sometimes a numbing injection can be administered by your dentist prior to the lips being pigmented. This does somewhat distort the mouth making it more difficult for the technician.
•       It is a lengthy procedure so allow yourself plenty of time. It can take upwards of 2 or more hours. You will probably be swollen and should go straight home to rest. Have someone drive you if you have taken anti histamines or pain medication. Swelling varies and can last anything from a few hours to a couple of days.
•       During the procedure, there will be some bleeding and the area will be tender for a couple of days. Make sure you follow the after care instructions carefully. Not co operating can jeopardize your result. If in doubt, ask.
•       Permanent makeup is very safe. According to the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP), there is no associated risk of HIV or increase in Hepatitis B due to permanent makeup.
•       There is generally no allergy risk to the pigments, it is important that the technician be as skilled in pigment selection as in technique. Certain colors change once implanted into the skin.   
•       Permanent makeup should be natural and look better than manually applied makeup.

       Permanent makeup is different from a tattoo in that it is not implanted as deeply into the skin as a traditional tattoo. Technicians undergo a thorough training and are usually trained estheticians, nurses or specialize specifically in permanent makeup. Although poorly applied permanent makeup can be somewhat rectified by using an erasing procedure, it is difficult, timely, expensive and painful. Choose carefully. 





My beautiful and very talented mother.



      One of the best permanent makeup artists in our area, my mother, recently retired. She performed hundreds of permanent makeup procedures and people travelled from around the country to see her. Many doctors and surgeons referred patients to her. She has been in the beauty business for 56 years. She was one of the pioneers of permanent makeup in South Africa and has trained many technicians, myself included. It is however, not my forte due to my aversion to needles and blood.

Stay healthy, happy and safe.

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