Permanent makeup is back in the spotlight. Whether it's microblading, candylips or even repigmentation, a closer look at these methods that border on natural for an almost perfect beauty.
When we talk about permanent makeup, we think of the bluish and arched eyebrow tattoos that defined the 80s. We also imagine the famous, heavily defined and somewhat crude lip contours... Long out of fashion (and for good reason), permanent makeup (also called semi-permanent because it does not last a lifetime) is making a comeback, and we catch ourselves saying it to our greatest delight!
Revived by stars, influencers and other trendy beauty enthusiasts, permanent makeup allows you to achieve clean eyebrow lines, an awake look, fuller lips (without injections), or even correct certain areas of skin depigmentation (e.g. vitiligo), but also to make a major cut in your collection of makeup products!
What exactly is permanent makeup?
To put it simply, permanent makeup is a type of tattoo. Indeed, it works on the same principle as this sometimes controversial precision art. It involves inserting organic (insoluble) pigments under the top layers of the epidermis using sterile surgical needles, in order to achieve a long-lasting makeup effect, but always in a subtle and natural-looking way!
Who can get permanent makeup?
Expert dermatologists and aesthetic professionals can perform it without any problems. Be careful, before any procedure it is best to check customer reviews and the practitioner's reputation, in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Permanent makeup is considered a surgical procedure and must be performed by genuine professionals who pay close attention to proper hygiene conditions and good practice. Keep in mind that once applied, the makeup can no longer be removed! You must therefore think twice before going for it, or be patient (for up to 3 years) before seeing it fade away completely.
Good aftercare tips?
For permanent makeup to last as long as possible, it is important to take care of your skin. Hydration is a key step to promote healing. Another important point: avoid prolonged exposure to the sun in order to keep the pigments for as long as possible. Some permanent makeup can last up to three years before the next touch-up!
Permanent eyebrow makeup for a lifted and glamorous look
The best-known and most popular permanent makeup is probably for eyebrows. There are several techniques available to suit all desires and needs.
The hair-by-hair technique (microblading)
For a structured look and especially to fill in sparse eyebrows, nothing beats the hair-by-hair technique, also known as microblading! How does it work? Using a small scalpel with a tip of 14 pigment-soaked microblades, the practitioner or dermatologist will draw each missing hair to fill in or reshape the line. The procedure takes about 1 hour and can be more or less painful depending on each person's sensitivity. After the first session, you will be asked to return for a touch-up about 4 to 6 weeks later.
The powdery effect (dermopigmentation) or the ombré trend
Ombré is the permanent eyebrow makeup technique that is currently very popular. Its powdery effect gives the impression of makeup applied with eyeshadow or powder (as the name suggests). This technique is slightly different from microblading because the hair is not drawn, the pigment is inserted under the top layer of the skin using an electric needle that stabs the skin back and forth (like a sewing machine) to deposit a layer of material. This technique is ideal for defining and adding volume to the brow bone. It is said that dermopigmentation is less painful than microblading, but once again, it is a matter of personal experience.
Good advice? After getting these fresh, new eyebrows, disinfectant and petroleum jelly are essential to help with healing and prevent infection. 48 hours after the procedure, you can return to your normal daily routine, including applying your creams and serums, and even your special eyebrow serum!
Semi-permanent lip makeup: avoid it or try it?
Forget heavily defined and tacky lip contours, in 2021 permanent lip makeup is delicate, glamorous, and almost natural. Its goal? To give lips a plump effect without having to go through injections. Permanent makeup can also slightly color the lips of those who lack pigmentation. Lately, Candy Lips has been the trend, this permanent lip makeup technique. This technique places pigments on the superficial layer of the skin to color it. It is also possible to slightly increase the volume of your lips by defining the contour with a light pigment.
Good advice? Let's keep in mind that it is a surgical procedure. Lip tattooing can be even more painful than eyebrow tattooing, as the skin layer is very thin and the area is quite sensitive (there is no anesthesia!). Post-operative instructions must be followed scrupulously to avoid any infection. For an even more beautiful result after this mini-procedure, remember to take care of your lips with a plumping and ultra-hydrating lip balm!
Permanent makeup for repigmenting areas of the skin
Permanent makeup is not just for eyebrows or lips! It is also a good way to correct certain skin imperfections. It can even be considered a medical support in the case of certain conditions such as vitiligo. Permanent makeup pigments the areas of skin affected by this depigmentation, giving the epidermis a uniform appearance. In other cases, for example after breast cancer, permanent tattooing can be considered to reshape the nipples. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, permanent makeup can then become a significant source of moral support!
On a more trendy note, permanent makeup is also increasingly sought after to create fake freckles. The method is delicate and must be performed by a genuine professional, otherwise you could easily end up with a disaster. It would be a shame to end up with botched freckles right in the middle of your face.
