Is Permanent Makeup or Microblading Right for Me?
Permanent Makeup (aka Microblading, Cosmetic Tattoo)
Full, perfectly-shaped brows have become a focal point for today’s beauty aesthetic. As Harper’s Bazaar reports, from Angelina Jolie to Cara Delevingne, or any of the Kardashian/Jenners, eyebrows are officially an obsession. For those of us who have uneven brows—perhaps previously over-tweezed or hard-to-see due to fair complexions—our daily makeup ritual requires a steady hand and an artistic eye to achieve a symmetrical, filled-in and properly shaped eyebrow. The time, skill and product required for this daily routine is an effort many leading industry professionals, models and artists have recently bid farewell to since recent advancements in permanent makeup have entered the marketplace. And the results have been amazing!
These new sophisticated digital devices create beautiful, natural looking—and long lasting results which has driven demand for permanent makeup (also called cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation) by the most discerning experts and clients, alike.
Now Available at Janet St. Paul Studio
As our clients know, the standards Janet St. Paul uses to determine which products and services are offered in the salon are exacting and require intensive research and training before they hit the shelves or the services menu. We are excited to announce that Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty now offers permanent makeup at our downtown Austin salon. So, if you have ever wondered, “is it right for me?” we’re happy and prepared to help you decide, knowing that you can trust the capable and award-winning hands of our amazing team.
What is ‘permanent makeup’?
Micropigmentation, also known as permanent makeup or cosmetic tattooing is the process of implanting tiny particles of pigment into the dermal layer of the skin, creating a makeup look for eyebrows, eyeliner and lips that can last up to five years. Therefore, the results of these applications are actually semi-permanent, with yearly touch-ups encouraged to refresh the color.
While this technique is considered a form of tattooing, pigment is implanted into the skin at a lesser depth than traditional tattoos. The range of colors for brows, lashes and lips has improved dramatically, offering more variations in color, similar to how your colorist approaches hair. Today, natural highlight/lowlight effects are now possible, delivering beautiful and dimensional results.
When done by a trained cosmetic professional makeup artist, this state-of-the-art procedure can be so subtle it is virtually undetectable. Lips appear fuller with a natural, healthy tone. Permanent makeup can also add fullness, shape and finesse to eyebrows and the lash line.
Who needs micropigmentation?
For most of our clientele, the time savings plus the confidence of waking up looking fresh and refined are some of the main reasons they choose micropigmentation. Both women and men who want to fill in sparse or thinning eyebrows or just to enhance their appearance by framing their face with more natural-looking brows are drawn to micropigmentation. Also, for those who suffer from health conditions which make applying cosmetics difficult, like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or conditions marked by hair loss, such as alopecia, or chemotherapy, micropigmentation can deliver a huge benefit toward helping in their daily lives. For those who can’t wear other cosmetics due to allergies or sensitive skin, micropigmentation can also be a big benefit.
How is the procedure done?
Micropigmentation, microblading or permanent makeup all refer to the same process. This procedure is performed with a grouping or configuration of tiny needles affixed to a hand-held wand which is used by our trained makeup artist to manually create lines that resemble delicate eyebrow hairs. The device (both handle and attached needles) used for microblading is pre-sterilized and disposable.
Does it hurt?
Because a numbing cream is applied, discomfort is typically described as minimal.
How many visits does it take?
To achieve the best results, all permanent makeup is a two-step procedure. For brows, the initial session is a two-hour appointment followed by an initial touch up four to six weeks later. This allows a week for brows to heal fully and lighten as they heal. (Please note: the brows will appear darker and thicker for the first few days after the first session.) For lips or lip liner, a similar recovery timeline between first and second appointments is expected, depending on individual healing/recovery time and how pigment is retained. For some, a third application may be desired to achieve color saturation. For eyeliner, the recovery time is about 7-10 days with a touch up appointment four to six weeks after.
How a client takes the pigment is unique based on one’s individual complexion tone and texture. A consultation with our professional cosmetician will be helpful to set expectations for each individual’s custom service.
How long does it last?
Cosmetic tattooing can last one to five years, depending on a number of factors: skin type (normal, dry, oily) texture (smooth, rough) or age (youthful, mature). The area will naturally fade over time, with natural skin exfoliation.
What do clients say?
Clients who have experienced our permanent makeup and microblading services are thrilled! Not only do they love their new maintenance-free look, but the excitement of waking up every day looking and feeling fresh, tossing eyebrow pencils, eye and lip liners in the trash, and adding four to six hours of time saved each week are just some of the reasons this new service is a hit!
Learn more about our permanent makeup services here. Call or email us to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if permanent makeup is right for you.