Pros and cons of permanent make-up

on 18/11/2012 at 2:32 pm

When it comes to doing your make-up in the morning, if you are either bind or partially sighted the process may go one of either two ways.

You have learnt how to apply your make-up over time and have confidence in your abilities. You create a beautiful masterpiece, which you wear with pride all day long

You attempt to apply make-up, get bored or frustrated, lose your confidence wash it off and head for the door, preferring to wear nothing at all than to ‘look like a clown’.

Am I right?

Well, there is actually a way that you can avoid both of these scenarios and that is to opt for permanent make-up.

On a recent visit to the studio of Karen Betts, renowned permanent cosmetics artist and trainer, I had the opportunity to watch someone having their eyebrows tattooed on after cancer treatment had left them with no facial hair. It was amazing and the results really were great. However, if I’m honest, the idea of actually having it done myself still made me slightly nervous, as permanent make-up is not really something that you ‘try’ is it – after all it can’t be washed off!

This kind of procedure requires research into the risks involved. Finding an accredited specialist who not only has years of experience, but who can also prove that they have done the procedure you require hundreds of times before, is key.

Still interested? Here are some things you may want to know:

Permanent make-up is a technique which employs tattoos as a means of producing a look that resembles make-up.
Popular areas of treatment include eyeliner as well as colour to the face, lips, eyelids and particularly to the eyebrow area.
Permanent make-up can be used to disguise scarring and pigmentation issues.
Permanent make-up can be used to restore or enhance the breast’s areola, such as after breast surgery.

The benefits:

Results can be extremely convincing and can be almost unnoticeable.
The results can last from months to years.
Permanent make-up should withstand thorough washing and exfoliation.
Permanent make-up will just need to be topped up once the effect starts to fade.

The risks:

If not done properly permanent make-up can look ‘too dark’, ‘too heavy’ or even uneven. This can often be adjusted however in some cases you may have to wait for the treatment / colour to fade. Otherwise costly pigment lightening techniques and/or removal may be the only solutions.
As the treatment involves tattooing of the skin, this can sometimes result in reactions and allergies to the pigments, the formation of scars, granulomas and keloids, skin cracking, peeling, blistering and local infection. The use of unsterilised tattooing instruments can also lead to serious diseases.

So, if you would prefer to have your make-up done and dusted in no time at all, if you are scared of applying too much slap or don’t have anyone to check your handy work everyday, permanent make-up could be the choice for you. However, consider the risks and remember that permanent make-up could be a quick win, but the best way to learn how to do perfect make-up, is to do it yourself everyday – practise makes perfect after all!