- Permanent makeup dates back to at least the 1930s, when it became popular to provide permanent makeup in salons. According to George Burchett, a trailblazing permanent makeup artist who wrote "Memoirs of a Tattooist," some women in the past century have gotten their faces tattooed without knowing it. Burchett states that many women were being offered complexion treatments by beauty parlors, but these shops were actually injecting a vegetable-based dye under their skin.
- The following permanent makeup is popularly applied on the face: lip liner, eyelash enhancement, full lip color, beauty marks, eyeliner, and eyebrow color and shape. Naturally, some procedures are more painful than others. Particularly painful areas to get the procedure include the areas around the eyelids and mouth. Each procedure takes a different amount of time, but most last between one and three hours. Depending on which procedures you choose, you can pay between $300 and $1,000 per area.
- Permanent makeup is given its name not because it is actually permanent, but because it is not washable. Because the pigment is injected under the skin, it will remain there until the pigment shifts and fades as the skin stretches, and as it is exposed to sunlight. You may allow your permanent makeup to fade away, or you can go in for periodic touch-ups every few years to maintain your look.
- Fading will be more or less extreme depending on which colors you choose for your permanent makeup. Lighter colors like brown, tan and white are more prone to yellowing and fade much more quickly than black or dark blue. Discuss with your permanent makeup technician what shades she feels would look best with your skin tone. You may have to go in more frequently to get your makeup retouched if you spend a lot of time in the sun, as sun exposure will also cause the permenant makeup to fade.
- Do your research before deciding to get permanent makeup. Although your permanent makeup may fade, it varies from individual to individual. Do not expect your permanent makeup to fade in a matter of years just because your friend's did. Permanent dye reacts differently on each skin tone and skin type, so be absolutely sure permanent makeup is something you would like to have for life before taking the plunge. If you experience any severe redness or swelling after having your procedure done, see a doctor immediately. Your technician should always use clean gloves and a brand-new, clean needle for each procedure.
