A close-up of that healed lip-blush 💋
Do you find the terms permanent makeup, semi-permanent makeup, cosmetic tattooing, and makeup tattoo confusing? You are not alone - these are questions we are asked on a regular basis. In the world of permanent makeup, procedures can be known by multiple names. We at Adorn Cosmetic are here to demystify the alphabet soup of PMU (permanent makeup) terms and set the record straight.
What is Permanent Makeup?
According to the Society of Permanent Makeup Artists, permanent cosmetic makeup is cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as “micropigmentation”, “micropigment implantation” or “dermagraphics”. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits colored pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis. In plain English, this means that a pigment is deposited in your skin
Permanent cosmetics procedures are performed using various devices, including the traditional tattoo coil machines, the pen or rotary machine and the non-machine or hand device. The process includes a consultation, the application of pigment, and at least one or more follow-up visits for evaluating the healed design work and color of the pigment.
Permanent makeup is an umbrella term for a whole range of procedures such as:
Powder Brows
Other procedures such as medical tattooing for scar camouflage
What Is Makeup Tattoo?
You may have heard about the term makeup tattoo, which is often used interchangeably with the term permanent makeup. The term makeup tattoo is not a misnomer, since permanent makeup is applied under sterile conditions similar to that of a tattoo. However, when tattooing, the artist uses ink, while permanent makeup uses pigments. Tattoo ink comes in all colors, while permanent makeup uses black pigments, different shades of brown, and shades of pink for lip blushing. Permanent makeup pigments are iron oxides, typically mixed with water and glycerine. Tattoo ink is made up of pigments combined with a carrier and a number of chemicals such as lead, chromium, nickel, titanium dioxide. So while the term “makeup tattoo” is technically accurate, permanent makeup is different from tattoos.
What Is Micropigmentation?
Micropigmentation, also known as permanent makeup, permanent cosmetics or cosmetic tattooing, is a cosmetic procedure used to improve or replace lost coloring on your skin. The procedure is performed with a pen-like instrument or standard tattoo gun. The needle will penetrate a few millimeters into the middle layer of your skin (dermis) and an iron oxide pigment is injected. If this definition of micropigmentation sounds familiar, that is because it matches the definition of permanent makeup.
What is Semi-Permanent Makeup?
If you are wondering what is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent makeup, the answer is None. Semi-permanent makeup is a misnomer. All makeup tattoo procedures are permanent. The visible pigment will fade over time, as skin cells are constantly being replaced. Most permanent makeup procedures last anywhere from 18 months to 5 years. However, you should think about micropigmentation as being permanent because it can be very difficult to remove.
Permanent makeup is a highly effective and convenient option for clients who want to spend less time applying makeup every day. With permanent makeup you can cut ten minutes a day or more out of the time you spend putting on and taking off makeup. It is a popular choice for clients who have fair or uneven brows, allergies which make conventional makeup impossible, hair loss due to aging, chemotherapy, alopecia, or eczema, or vision or other mobility issues that make it hard to apply makeup. A tattoo can mimic eyeliner or lipstick, or it can darken and create the look of thicker eyebrows. It can also camouflage scars and help with the look of an uneven hairline.
Think of Permanent Makeup As Your Forever Look
Permanent makeup, semi-permanent makeup, micropigmentation, or makeup tattoo - whatever term you choose to use, it is important to remember the permanent nature of these procedures. As seamless and easy as it is, you are still making a permanent decision — at least one that will last for a few years. Please realize that before you commit to any pigment or shape for your eyebrows, lash line, or lips.
We encourage you to do research on your provider and make sure that their work is something you would like to keep on your face forever. At Adorn Cosmetic, we share dozens of Before & After photos to help you get an idea of our work. If you have any questions, please schedule a consultation so we can help you make the right permanent makeup decision for your goals.