The world of cosmetic enhancement has evolved significantly over the years, offering various methods to enhance one's natural beauty. One of these innovations in through permanent makeup tattoos. Cosmetic tattooing offers a long-lasting and convenient solution for those seeking a low-maintenance beauty routine.

In this article, we will delve into the world of permanent makeup, including:

  • What a cosmetic tattoo is
  • How permanent makeup is different from “normal” tattooing
  • Licensing requirements to become a permanent makeup artist

Additionally, we will touch upon the different types of cosmetic tattooing, including semi-permanent options.

What is Permanent Makeup? 

Permanent makeup, also known as micro pigmentation or cosmetic tattooing, is a form of tattooing that’s meant to enhance a person’s features. For example, eyeliner tattoos, eyebrow tattooing, and freckle tattoos are all examples of a cosmetic tattoo procedure.

The primary goal of permanent makeup is to create a long-lasting, naturally enhanced appearance, so daily makeup application isn’t needed.

How is it Different from a "Normal" Tattoo?

needle for PMU treatment
PMU machine

While permanent makeup and traditional tattoos involve pigment injection into the skin, they differ significantly in technique, purpose, and appearance.

Different Purpose

Traditional tattoos are easy-to-see pieces of art on the body. Permanent makeup is designed to enhance natural features and create a subtle, polished look without looking like a tattoo.

 The main goal is to make it look like you’re wearing makeup without having to actually put any on. For example, someone might get a lip tattoo on the lip line to mimic liner.

Usually Involves Different Needles

Permanent makeup (PMU) uses a fine needle. This is necessary to mimic the natural texture of skin and hair. The tattoo needles used for body art are generally larger and designed to go into a deeper layer of the skin to create lasting designs. 

Additionally, PMU artists sometimes use a tattoo machine, but there are specific permanent makeup machines.

A Separate License is Needed

In most places, the permanent makeup industry is separate from the tattoo industry. So artists have to get a different license from tattoo artists. 

This requirement exists because the techniques and training for permanent makeup are different. However, there is some crossover: a PMU artist and a tattoo artist both have to have blood borne pathogens training.

Different Types of Cosmetic Tattoos

eyebrow tattooing

Via New York Institute of Beauty

Here are some of the most common types of cosmetic tattoos:

  • Eyebrow Microblading: This technique involves the creation of a “hair stroke” to fill in sparse eyebrows or reshape them for a more defined look. Microblading results in a natural and fuller appearance of the eyebrows. This can make it easier for brows to look darker against a person’s skin tone or clients can choose specific styles like “ombre brows.”
  • Lip Tattooing: Lip blush or lip liner procedures can enhance the color and shape of the lips. Lip tattoos are popular for those seeking a subtle yet long-lasting way to improve the appearance of their lips.
  • Eyeliner Tattoo: Eyeliner tattooing helps define the eyes by adding permanent eyeliner. It is a popular choice for those who want to maintain a smudge-proof and hassle-free eye makeup look.
  • Lash Enhancement: This makes the lashes look fuller by tattooing a thin black line right at the lash line.
  • Areola Tattooing: This is a specialized technique used to recreate the appearance of the areola and nipple for individuals who have undergone breast reconstruction surgery. It can help restore a sense of normalcy and confidence.
  • Scalp Micropigmentation: While not strictly cosmetic, scalp micropigmentation is a procedure that mimics the appearance of hair follicles on the scalp. It is commonly used to create the illusion of a closely shaved head or fill in thinning hair.
  • Covering Stretch Marks: Once stretch marks are fully healed, it is possible to fill in the area with skin tone ink to camouflage them.
  • Freckle Tattoos: For people who want to have freckles, a PMU artist can help create that effect.

Semi-Permanent Cosmetic Tattoos

permanent lip colour for women

Via Semi Permanent Makeup Kent

Semi-permanent cosmetic tattoos are another category within the realm of cosmetic tattooing. 

Unlike traditional permanent makeup, semi-permanent options gradually fade, typically lasting anywhere from six months to a couple of years. This can be appealing to individuals who want to experiment with a specific look or who are unsure about a permanent commitment. 

Some popular forms of semi-permanent cosmetic tattoos include:

1

Henna Brows

Henna-based eyebrow treatments offer a semi-permanent option to enhance eyebrow shape and color. Henna brows last around two to six weeks, depending on factors like skin type and aftercare.

2

Microblading with Semi-Permanent Pigments

Although microblading is typically permanent, some practitioners use semi-permanent pigments that fade over time, providing a less permanent solution for those who may want to change their brow shape or color in the future.

3

Semi-Permanent Lip Blush

Like traditional lip tattooing, semi-permanent lip blush offers an enhanced lip color that gradually fades over time. This allows individuals to adapt to changing beauty trends or preferences.

Maintaining and Caring for Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup can offer convenience and long-lasting results, but proper care is important to make sure these tattoos look good long-term. Here, we will explore the key aspects of maintaining and caring for your cosmetic tattoos.

  • Immediate Aftercare: After the procedure, your technician will provide specific instructions to follow during the initial healing period. This often includes keeping the treated area clean and dry, avoiding sun exposure, and refraining from swimming or using hot tubs to prevent infection. Aftercare might differ for people with dry or oily skin.
  • Healing Process: The healing process varies depending on the type of cosmetic tattoo and individual factors. Typically, there will be some initial swelling and redness. Over the next few days to a week, the treated area may scab or peel, a natural part of the healing process. It's essential to avoid picking or scratching the area to prevent pigment loss. Your artist may suggest certain products to held the healing process or to reduce swelling.
  • Touch-Up Sessions: Permanent makeup may require a follow up appointment to perfect the results. These sessions are typically scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after the initial procedure. During the touch-up, any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the color and shape fit your liking.
  • Long-Term Maintenance: While permanent makeup is designed to last for an extended period, eventually the fading process will mean another appointment is needed every few years. Factors such as sun exposure, skincare products, and your body's natural exfoliation process can influence the tattoo's longevity. 

Prepare for a Tattooing Career with the Artist Accelerator Program

student work from the Artist Accelerator tattoo artist training programs

Learning the difference between traditional tattooing and permanent makeup is an important distinction to make, but it can also be pretty eye-opening to all the details that come with learning to tattoo. Without the right knowledge, it’s impossible to level up your skills and become a professional tattoo artist. 

However, finding the straightforward information you need to progress is difficult. And with so much out there online, it’s hard to avoid picking up bad habits from incorrect and outdated resources.

This is one of the biggest struggles new tattooers face, and too many talented artists have given up their goal of getting into tattooing because of the years it would take to unlearn their bad habits. 

That’s why aspiring artists are learning to tattoo with the Artist Accelerator Program’s structured course. As a student, you learn every step of the tattooing process from professional artists with the experience and advice you need to build your skills and create incredible tattoos. 

With the Artist Accelerator, you can stop wasting time searching through incorrect information. You just get the clear, easy-to-understand lessons you need to start improving fast… along with support and personalized feedback from professional artists in our online Mastermind group.

Over 2500 students have already gone through the course, with many of them opening up their own studios. If you want to join them and learn the skills you need to start tattooing full time faster…

Click here to learn more about the Artist Accelerator Program.

Looking for a tattoo apprenticeship?

Tattooing 101's Artist Accelerator 90 day program is the closest thing to a real apprenticeship

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AUTHOR
Nathan Molenaar

Nathan is a licensed professional tattoo artist with over 8 years’ experience working at studios across the globe, including Celebrity Ink, the world's largest tattoo studio chain.

When he's not tattooing, he spends his free time sharing his experience and knowledge with aspiring artists who dream of pursuing a career in the tattooing industry.

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