Permanent Make-up - Thoughts?

Shadiyah_dances · 01-02-2008, 11:27 AM

Hi ladies!

The "eyebrow plucking/waxing" thread got me thinking about make up too.

Anyone done permanent make-up? It's becoming more popular now for brows, eyeliner, lash liner, lip liner, full lips, etc. Anyone had this done? Would you recommend it? Did you have any reactions to the dyes they used? How about after effects, like swelling? I hear over time the browns fade to grays and you need touch-ups periodically. Pain wise, I've been told it's no more painful (with numbing cream) than a tattoo (which I don't have), but we're talking on the face here!

I know you definitely want a certified cosmotologist/facility and would only go to a place that has wonderful credentials and perform this specialty on a regular basis. I'd check the BBB as well for costumer complaints.

Stories & helpful hints?

meissoun · 01-02-2008, 12:10 PM

I've had permanent makeup done on my eyebrows 3 times so far (every few years) and will definitely do it again.
I just think that having eyebrows makes me look more intelligent

I really never had any health problems with it.

MEISSOUN

kat · 01-02-2008, 12:16 PM

I have a dancer who has permanent makeup -- but hers is tattooed, not a dye. She has eyeliner and a light pinky all-over lip color. She's had them for years, they aren't overly noticeable (very conservative) and she loves them.

I talked to a beautician in the area who does permanent makeup tattooing a few years back. Got to say, I'm way too chicken for the eyeliner, which would be my "permanent" choice.

jasani · 01-02-2008, 12:21 PM

A friend's wife had her eye's done (eyeliner) and her lips lined. She had to hide from the world for a couple of days as she looked like she had been beaten. Her eyes were black and blue in towards her nose and her lips swollen, but that subsided and she was better in about a week. I guess it depends on the skin sensitivity of the person, I don't know if everyone would have the same reaction. I personally would not do such a thing, well I would get my lashes dyed, but that's about it.

Zana · 01-02-2008, 12:47 PM

A dancer friend had a bad experience with permanent eyeliner, not so much with the tattooing itself as with the permanent makeup artist. My friend was very clear that she wanted only her top lid done; artist agreed, then went ahead and did the bottom anyway, without my friend's consent, because she "just knew it would look better that way." This was only one eye, of course, but my friend felt that she had no choice but to let the artist finish the job and do the other eye. You can imagine how angry she was!

She did not have a reaction to the dyes despite having sensitive skin, but the lines changed from brown to dark blue over a couple of years as her skin absorbed some of the dye components. Apparently this is not uncommon with tattoos.

You're the beautiful Shadiyah who dances in the DC area, aren't you? I have no personal experience with this so am relying only on anecdotes from others, but if it were me, I would not go to the salon on Route 7 in Skyline/Bailey's Crossroads that's more or less across from Target, in the same complex as the "modest clothing boutique." There seem to be lots of other options in the area, though.

Linnyg · 01-02-2008, 01:12 PM

I have a few tattoo's but none that are make-up. They hurt like the dickens. I don't think that I could handle letting someone tattoo my face, just way to sensitive. I can give you this bit of advice as far as any permanent ink on your body. Think long and hard before doing it so that years from now you are not kicking yourself. Make-up styles and colors change with fashion as does whether or not you want full eyebrows or thin ones. My policy has always been to each his own, it is your body and as long as you are happy with your choice, that is all that matters!

vilia · 01-02-2008, 02:39 PM

I was watching one of those makeover shows on the t.v. and the woman, who was older, had had permanent eyeliner. The makeup artist told her that as her face changes with age, permanent makeup will no longer look the same or be as flattering and that what's great about regular makeup is that it can change along with your looks.

I've noticed on myself that I do my eye makeup differently now that I'm older. What used to look good in my youth, doesn't anymore. I was tempted to do permanent makeup back then, but I'm so glad I didn't.

sabrinabellydancer · 01-02-2008, 03:03 PM

i have permanent eyeliner and love it. its the subtle lash enhancement type. not a bold line.

my mom is a permanent make up artist with many years experience. if you have any technical questions or want a rec. for someone reputable in your area she would be happy to help.
you can read the permanent makeup f.a.q. here if it might help answer some of your questions
permanent cosmetics san diego, permanent makeup san diego, permanent cosmetics makeup san diego by Del Mar Skin Care San Diego
pm me for her business ph. #

i think the key is to go to someone with lots of experience in application and sanitation. also, you have to go through their book of before/after and make sure they do the style you want, not just that they said they can do it.

also, its better to do less than you think you want the first time b/c its easy to add more later but going too heavy the first time can make you very unhappy.

make sure they use the highest quality pigments and their work area should be spottlessly clean. do they listen or do the hard sell? do they offer topical anesthetic? [i highly recommend it]

like regular tattoos the pigment will fade some over the years and people may need touch ups after 7-10 years. a lot depends on things like how much sun exposure do you get on the pigmented area. a good quality pigment shouldn't change from brown to grey, but over the years, the brown might fade in intensity.

khalilaNZ · 01-02-2008, 05:46 PM

I agree - like all tattooing, quality of the pigment and skill of the operater!! I like the eybrows that are done with tiny feathered lines rather than the solid ones - they look great. I would love to get the eyeliner done, but I change my hair colour and brow shape and make up ALL THE TIME!! so the commitment to permanent 'anything' on my face might be too much for me to handle!!

Whisper · 01-03-2008, 05:47 PM

I've been wanting my lips done. But at $500, give or take a little....I can't seem to be able to justify it yet. I mean - that's a costume! Though, the constant application of liner can get old..

Aradia · 01-03-2008, 08:25 PM

I have eyebrows, eyeliner and full lips, and love it!! The lips are very painful, so get a dental block, like when you get a cavity filled, or a root canal, that way you don't feel anything. My lips were swollen for a day, then peeled 3 days later, that was scary looking, but I love it, I can just put on mascara and clear gloss, and I'm presentable!!

Besides finding someone who as experiece also look for someone who has an artistic touch, it makes a world of difference, your face is the canvas!!