If you spend much time reading beauty magazines and you haven’t been living underneath a rock for the last couple of years then you will have heard of a revolutionary brow boosting treatment called Microblading. This procedure seemed to erupt overnight when Vogue Magazine dubbed it ‘the future for brows’. Celebrities such as Lena Dunham, Gwyneth Paltrow, Adele, Coleen Rooney, Michelle Keegan to name but a few, have famously been seen sporting fresh, defined, groomed arches thanks to Microblading. In 2018, even Dame Helen Mirren put her age defying, fresh faced look down to her newly Microbladed eyebrows, declaring that “it’s made a huge difference”.
Microblading may have become the jewel in the crown of the Permanent Cosmetics industry in recent years but it is by no means the only method of Permanent Makeup worth considering. Permanent Makeup has been around in one form or another for decades, but like all beauty treatments, the technology, tools, products and results are now light years away from the heavy dark tattooed brows of yesteryear. Whilst waking up with perfectly applied makeup every morning may sound like the stuff of dreams it is in fact, entirely possible. The most popular treatments are eyebrow, eyeliner and lip enhancement.
As a leading Microblading and Permanent Makeup Specialist and Trainer, I perform and teach hundreds of cosmetic tattoo procedures all over the U.K every year. In this article I answer some of the most common questions I get asked, dispel the myths and shine some light on the truth about Microblading and Permanent Makeup.
Microblading, Semi Permanent Makeup, Permanent Makeup - what’s the difference?
Well, essentially all these terms all describe very similar things. Confused? I’m not surprised. For the purpose of this post, I will refer to it as Permanent Makeup. These are terms that basically all mean Permanent Makeup. Permanent Makeup is the process of implanting pigment (colour) underneath the top layer of skin with a needle or needles, for the purpose of enhancing the area cosmetically.
These procedures are sometimes referred to as semi permanent by some artists, because the results are designed to fade over time and are not as permanent as a body tattoo. Some artists will refer to them as permanent because although the pigments fade, they remain in the skin indefinitely. The benefits of Permanent Makeup are infinite, it saves time, reduces stress and saves you money. What more could you want?
Is it a tattoo and will it hurt?
This is more often than not, one of the first things I am asked prior to or during a consultation and the fact is that yes, technically it is a tattoo. To the more conservative ear, this usually conjures up images of beefy men in leather vests, listening to thrash metal over a loud buzzing machine, so when they see me they are (usually) pleasantly surprised. Permanent Makeup is an advanced form of cosmetic tattooing and as such requires a skilled and artistic hand. An experienced and adept artist can perform procedures that are comfortable, so there’s really no need to worry.
Can anyone have Microblading or Permanent Makeup?
Most women who wear cosmetics regularly can enjoy the long lasting benefits of Permanent Makeup. A number of my clients are doctors, nurses or teachers – all professions that consume a lot of time and energy so these treatments are perfect for shaving valuable minutes off their morning routine. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, then sadly no. You’ll need to wait until you’ve had your little bundle of joy or stopped breast feeding before you can have your treatments. If you suffer with Keloid Scarring or Hyper Pigmentation or have any medical conditions then it’s probably best to discuss this with your artist before booking your appointment. If you’re not sure, just ask!
How long does it last?
The reality is that your skin plays a huge part in the final result of a procedure and how long it will last, so if your skin is in tip top condition and you take care of your enhancements as instructed, then the results can last years. Ultimately, these enhancements are designed to fade over time and ideally maintained every 12 – 18 months.
Is it safe?
My motto is safety first! It goes without saying, you should not take any risks with your health. Any reputable artist will follow a strict code of practice that ensures a safe treatment. Treatments should be performed in a professional, safe, comfortable environment that is licensed by the local authority and the artist should be fully insured.
These practises are absolute no brainers and worth investigating prior to booking any appointments with an artist for your safety and peace of mind. I personally use strictly “single use” sterile needles, blades and products that are safely disposed of at the end of every treatment. I also choose to work only with the best quality hypoallergenic pigments that meet European medical standards and always perform an allergy test prior to the first treatment, usually this will be done during a consultation.
A seasoned artist will take great care to explain the treatments in order to enhance your face the way you want it to. Such care may not be universal in the industry, so it’s important to check the credentials of anyone you’re considering as in recent years, numerous new clients have come to my clinic asking to correct or improve treatments done elsewhere.
Is Permanent Makeup expensive?
In short no, not really! A recent survey has revealed that the average British woman spends £756 on her hair each year. When compared with other cosmetic treatments that require frequent and costly maintenance such as Dermal Fillers or Botox, Permanent Makeup measures up as a relatively inexpensive option when you consider how long the results last. Where Permanent Makeup is concerned, the higher end of the market usually delivers the most satisfactory and long lasting results and this is why the quality and experience of the artist should be a deciding factor rather than price, after all this is your face!
Whatever the future may hold for Permanent Makeup, history has shown us that the tools and techniques are likely to keep evolving and improving. While we are poised to have less stigma against cosmetic changes than ever before, one thing is for sure, Permanent Makeup is very much here to stay.