15 Mar Semi Permanent Cosmetic Makeup vs. Permanent Cosmetic Makeup

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Regardless of what you may want to call it, or describe it as, you want the playing field of the clients mind to recognize and realize either way the procedure is indeed a tattoo.  Permanency to some degree should be expected and planned for, again it is to the degree which is often hard to predict.

Another fact that also comes with time and experience along with proper product knowledge and usages.

The process is just a little different, but groom their mind on the fact that all procedures heal, peel and fade. It revolves around the pigment insertion  depth, the volume of color placed into the skin, machine or manunaul tool used and techniques used. On that note, we shall briefly describe the differences and advantages.

Semi permanent cosmetic makeup – can be placed very shallow beneath the epidermis slightly into the upper most part of the dermis. This pressure and depth will always be a bit different on each client, simply put; some people have thicker skin than others.  You must master a feel in technique for the feel for this process.  It is almost like driving a car, we can describe it, but you have got to have the experience of being behind the wheel…i.e. (the tattoo machine)

It’s just a sense of knowing the skin that comes from over time in this field; this is not an easy answer for some as they long for the security of a black and white answer for ease of predictability for pleasing outcomes. Tattooing can be an adventure in the learning process and learning curve!

The pigment can be made into a ‘color wash’1. of Dark Brown from Absolute Perfection along with a few drops of liquid Numit into the cap with the Dark Brown to tone down the pigment intensity, creating a watercolor effect that is soft and subtle.  This is great for the client who wants that natural subtle look without the commitment of heaviness that could last for years versus six months to a year or so, or less.  Typically since we are going lighter on depth and making a pass with a thinner translucent pigment, the life of the tattooed area will indeed be just what the customer ordered or hoped for if you can pull it off.  However these techniques do require individual tweaking and expert knowledge of the products the technician is using along with expert depth perception for proper implantation.  The last thing an artist wants to do, is to guarantee a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure, and cannot deliver the goods.  This will make you quickly lose your confidence. The famous sisters of (Trial and Error) are going to be your teacher here, and sometimes that is not easy to accept.

Permanent procedures if done properly, with proven techniques and great pigments are much more predictable.  This should also be seen as permanent and indeed a tattoo that will heal, peel and fade. The time frame from 1 year, 5 to 10 years should always be a gauge.

The years or permanency of a permanent cosmetic procedure have a lot to also do with artist, colors, passes and depth placed into the skin. Let’s not forget to factor in, UVA and UVB exposure, products used on the face, and types of machines/techniques used to place pigment under the skin, etc.  Yes, I know you want a clear answer, but let me say that inserting it into the upper most part of the dermis using great products and multiple passes will indeed be the recipe for success for the longevity of the tattooed area, coupled with great after care.  Permanent procedures are best for those who want the ease of a lifestyle that may be free of makeup or may want to supplement with some traditional cosmetics when need be.  Either way they are committed to the idea for a perceived time that may incur years.

Every pot has a lid, and every shoe has a foot.  Always perform your consultation with great care. Stay on the same page with your client to avoid issues and misconception of the given area to be tattooed.  Managing unrealistic expectations is the one of the biggest issues facing our industry in the public’s eye.  Stay in the know, so you can be happily tattooing for a career lifetime and promote goodwill for our industry.

1. Color Wash – I personally make a pigment color wash from a few drops of Dark Brown Absolute Perfection pigment and a few drops of Liquid Numit.

BY: Pamela CCPC, CPDA and Susan Church CCPC, CPDA