Everything About Cosmetic Tattooing – Permanent Makeup Guide

Cosmetic tattooing or permanent makeup is the most recent term that has gained immense popularity in the past few years. You’ve almost certainly heard of microblading.

Due to the exponential growth in interest in brows over the last few years, the eyebrow tattooing technique has become almost ubiquitous. However, brows are not the only parts that can be embellished with

Cosmetic Tattooing. Cosmetic makeup experts are also tattooing freckles, lip colors, and more.

Before you choose to get cosmetic tattooing, here is everything you need to know about it.

So, let’s get started…

Before moving on to the different types of cosmetic tattooing, let’s first understand what cosmetic tattooing is.

What is Cosmetic Tattooing?

Cosmetic tattooing, commonly known as permanent makeup, is a cosmetic method that uses tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) to create designs that mimic cosmetics on the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids. Permanent makeup includes eye lining and enhancing other parts, such as the face, lips, and eyelids.

This procedure is also used to create artificial eyebrows, particularly in people who have lost theirs as a result of any disease, such as chemotherapy, or a genetic disturbance, old age, as well as to conceal scars and hypopigmentation in the skin, such as in vitiligo , and to improve the skin discoloration caused by sun exposure. Also, it is used to restore or improve the areola of the breast, for example, following breast surgery.

Other terms used for Cosmetic Tattooing include derma pigmentation and micro-pigmentation. Cosmetic tattooing is the most accurate because the procedure is performed under sterile conditions, similar to that of a tattoo.

The inks used for permanent makeup must be approved as cosmetics in the United States before they may be used. The pigments used in the inks are color additives. These colors must be approved for usage before they can be sold on the market under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

1. Microblading

Microblading is a cosmetic technique in which a needle is used to introduce pigment under your skin in order to give you well-defined, natural-looking eyebrows. Overall, effects can last between 18 to 30 months, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and how frequently you get touch-ups.

⇒ How does it work?

Microblading, the most common type of permanent cosmetics, is an esoteric term for an eyebrow tattoo. Rather than the shockingly black brows observed on members of the Silent Generation, the current approach mimics individual hair strokes for a more natural appearance. Another term used for microblading is microshading. Cosmetic tattoo artists apply pigment right beneath the skin using a superfine pen.

The end result is, of course, well-defined, natural-looking eyebrows.

⇒ Who is eligible for microblading?

We all know that well-defined eyebrows stand out. And microblading is a wonderful technique for restoring your brows if you’ve less grown eyebrows. All you have to make sure of is to choose a reputable, experienced, and certified cosmetic tattoo artist for the technique.

⇒ Is there any limitation to the process?

Usually, the process becomes a bit difficult for those with oily skin or huge pores. Those with oily skin will not recover with the crisp strokes required for a natural appearance.

⇒ What are the prerequisites?

The most important prerequisite is to consult your dermatologist before going for the process. It will help you know whether or not your skin is suitable for tattooing. Also, another important consideration is to choose a professional for the process. So, make sure to conduct thorough research on the artist to ensure their work fits your personal aesthetic.

⇒ Does Microblading fade?

Unfortunately, yes! Microblading, like any tattoo, fades over time. You might need to get touch-ups after 12 to 18 months. It is because pigments start to fade gradually over time. And the thing is, it doesn’t fade uniformly. The cosmetic tattoo artist will add a color concentration to the previous work during the touch-up.

⇒ What are the possible dangers?

More like tattooing, cosmetic tattooing is also prone to infection (IF THE PERSON DOESN’T TAKE GOOD AFTERCARE). Also, it is imperative to get cosmetic tattooing from professionals only. Professionals are aware of how important it is to use disposable, single-use instruments for the process. So, make sure your artist opens the single-use tool.

You should always keep the region dry and out of the sun for around ten days to keep the infection at bay.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss your follow-up session at all. Yes, a professional cosmetic tattoo artist will always call you for a follow-up session approximately six weeks following the procedure. It is to confirm that the skin has healed properly and that you are satisfied with the results.

Apart from the medical hazards, there is a chance that you may be dissatisfied with the end work and will be stuck with unloved brows for over a year.

⇒ How much does the total process cost?

Microblading or Brow tattoos can range between $400 and $2,000, depending on the artist and the amount of work needed.

2. Lip Blushing

Lip blushing, also known as lip tinting or lip tattooing, is a kind of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing procedure. The cosmetic tattoo expert uses small needles to deposit pigments in your lips. Lip tattooing is more of a cosmetic enhancement rather than traditional tattoo artwork.

Cosmetic tattoo expert uses tiny needles to apply pink ink to your lips during the permanent lip makeup operation.

⇒ How does lip blushing work?

Experts say lip tattooing or blushing is a “more intensive” process than other permanent makeup tattoos. It is because the skin on the lips is thinner than the rest of the skin. Depending on the type of skin on your lips, you may have to go for two to three touch-ups.

Professional cosmetic tattoo experts work with natural lip color to provide a slightly darker layer of pigment to their clients. The outcome resembles a freshly bitten, blurred lip, just the way it happens after a make-out session.

Moreover, just like tattooing, you’ll need to get touch-ups to get your desired look, as the color will last only 12 months to 18 months.

⇒ Who is eligible for Lip Blushing?

Individuals who adore the blurred-lip look and have a strong tolerance for pain can go for Lip Tattooing. Know that your lips are far more sensitive than the rest of the face; you may experience pain and swelling. The level of pain may vary. Also, you’ll have slight puffiness just after the procedure, just like it happens just after the insect bite.

Is there any limitation to the process?

So far no limitation to the process!

⇒ What are the prerequisites?

The most critical prerequisite is that you see your dermatologist prior to opting for the procedure. It will assist you in determining whether you are eligible for lip blushing. Additionally, it is critical to select a professional for the process. Therefore, do extensive research on the artist to ensure that their work aligns with your needs. Do read reviews and feedback on their website. If possible, try to connect to their past clients to know more about them.

⇒ Does Lip Blushing fade?

Alas, the answer is yes! Lip blushing fades with time, just like any other tattoo. It is possible that you will require touch-ups after 24 to 36 months.

This is due to the fact that pigments begin to fade gradually over time. And the point is, it doesn’t fade in a consistent manner. During the touch-up, the cosmetic tattoo artist will intensify the color of the previous job by adding more pigment.

Lip tattooing lasts about 2-3 years between treatments. After the initial healing stage, which lasts 10-14 days, your lips should be completely healed in around four weeks. Also, the aftercare protocols and best practices for lip blushing are quite similar to those for a permanent tattoo.

⇒ What are the possible dangers?

Because of the red pigment in the tattoo, there is a larger chance of an allergic reaction. And if you do develop an allergy, you should be informed that there is no simple cure. When a corrective laser is used to eliminate red pigment, the skin becomes black in almost all cases. Using the services of a skilled and experienced artist will ensure complete safety.

⇒ How much does the total process cost?

Lip blushing or lip tinting can range between $400 and $1,000 per session, depending on the artist and the work needed.

3. Permanent Eyeliner

Permanent eyeliner , alternatively referred to as an eyeliner tattoo, is a procedure that eliminates the need to wear eyeliner every day. Experts use tattooing ink down the lash line to mimic the appearance of eyeliner. This technique is used to achieve the appearance of fuller eyelashes for those with few lashes.

⇒ How does Permanent Eyeliner work?

Eyeliner tattoos are placed along or above the lash line to provide the illusion of thicker lashes. There are two types of eyeliner tattoos: conventional and lash line augmentation. The conventional tattoo is put directly above the lash line, emulating an eyeliner line. While the lash augmentation is placed within the lash line for a more natural appearance. A lash augmentation will only give the illusion of longer lashes and makes you look beautiful. All in all, eyeliner tattoos are an “excellent” way to add definition to the lashes.

⇒ Who is eligible for Permanent Eyeliner?

Those who like bigger eyelashes or who use heavy eye makeup to make their lashes appear thicker and bolder, as well as those who were born with thinner lashes, are the best candidates for permanent eyeliner tattooing.

⇒ What are the prerequisites?

All you have to do is to choose a professional for the process. Therefore, do extensive research on the artist to ensure that their work aligns with your needs. Do read reviews and feedback on their website. If possible, try to connect to their past clients to know more about them.

⇒ Does Permanent Eyeliner fade?

Like other permanent makeup treatments, permanent eyeliner will also fade away over the course of a year or two.

⇒ What are the possible dangers?

As is the case with brows and lips, the primary danger is infection. Hence, it is critical to take very good after care of your eye lashes once you undergo the treatment.

⇒ How much does the total process cost?

Permanent eyeliner or eyeliner tattoos can range between $400 and $1,000, depending on the artist and the work needed.

4. Scar Disguise

Scar disguise, also known as scar camouflage, is the process of tattooing the skin with various shades of flesh tone pigments. Its objective is to conceal a scar or patch of skin that lacks pigment or color. It is a subset of permanent cosmetics that falls within the medical or paramedical tattooing category.

⇒ How does Scar Disguise work?

Scar camouflage is a tattoo of flesh-colored pigment on the skin that conceals a scar. Although it is most commonly used to conceal mastectomy scars, artists may conceal a variety of scars, stretch marks, or acne scars.

A tattoo expert will first analyze your scars, and then custom blends a pigment that matches your skin. He/she will implant the pigment in thin layers just beneath the skin’s surface, less than a millimeter deep. The whole treatment takes around two to three sessions to complete the project.

⇒ Who is eligible for Scar Disguise?

Anyone who has scars that are lighter than their natural skin tone is a good candidate for this procedure.

This treatment is ineffective on brown, purple, or red scars. Experts suggest that laser and bleaching treatments should be performed first, followed by camouflage. While this treatment is effective on hypertrophic scars, it is ineffective on keloid scars. Individuals who have hypopigmentation spots are also typically good candidates. Besides that, candidates with scars caused by acne or sun exposure can also opt for this treatment.

⇒ What are the prerequisites?

The scar or stretch mark must be completely healed (which typically takes eight to twelve months) so that any lingering redness or purple hue has completely gone and vanished, leaving the area with a disturbance in melanin production.

⇒ Does Scar Disguise Tattooing fade?

Scar camouflage lasts longer than other forms of semi-permanent makeup because scar tissue is denser and does not include sweat glands, unlike other types of semi-permanent makeup. Their effects can last for several years if you have a modest level of sun exposure and mild skin upkeep.

⇒ What are the possible dangers?

The most frequently encountered danger is a lack of artistic ability. To produce the illusion of skin tone, some artists simply paste a mixture of white and brown together. Due to the molecular structure of the hue, the brown frequently turns orange over time, whilst the white remains constantly bright, which has the effect of increasing the visibility of the scar. As a result, it is critical to perform research and ascertain

whether the artist’s approach is a good fit for you.

⇒ How much does the total process cost?

Scar disguise tattooing can range between $2000 and $5,000, depending on the artist and the work needed.

5. Freckle Tattooing

Freckle tattooing is a semi-permanent process that replicates the appearance of natural freckles. To implant pigment into the skin, either a tattoo machine or a hand-held tool is utilized. As with any cosmetic surgery, there are a variety of reasons why someone might want freckle tattoos. The majority of individuals adore the way a dusting of freckles on their faces appears. While, others prefer to have their astrological constellations tattooed.

⇒ How does Freckle Tattooing work?

As the process is similar to tattooing, cosmetic tattoo artists begin by sketching individual freckles with an eyeliner pencil. The pigment is injected into the skin using a hand-held tool or a tattooing apparatus to get the desired effect. Freckle tattoos are semi-permanent makeup, similar to microblading.

Tattoo artists tattoo each freckle with a stick-and-poke technique (tattooing with a single needle rather than a machine). Each freckle requires approximately four or five pokes.

They’ll gradually build up a freckled face using diluted pigment until the freckles appear soft, natural, and just beneath the skin. After a first pass with the needle, the artist administers numbing cream to the client’s face and returns to make some areas larger or darker without causing more suffering.

⇒ Who is eligible for Freckle Tattooing?

Individuals who adore their freckled appearance are ideal candidates for this procedure. Typically, individuals who had freckles as youngsters but lost them as they grew older and desired a youthful appearance without having to expose themselves to light are the best candidates for freckle tattooing.

⇒ What are the prerequisites?

Of course, finding the right professional is the primary condition to have a stunning freckle tattoo.

⇒ Does Freckle Tattooing Fade?

Yes, just like other permanent tattoos, freckle tattooing also fades over a period of time. Usually, freckle tattooing lasts longer than other permanent tattoos. Because tattooed freckles fade, maintenance is required. Experts recommend doing a whole face of freckles for the greatest results. After that, individuals are suggested to get a yearly touch-up to maintain.

Touch-up frequency is determined by skin metabolism. Keep in mind that iron-based colors are absorbed faster by the skin when you’re anemic. In such a case, you’ll need to get touch-ups maybe twice a year.

Moreover, the chemicals you use on your skin affect the outcome and duration of your freckle tattoos. Hence, it is critical to avoid using retinol, AHA, and BHA-containing skincare products as they exfoliate the skin, causing quick freckle disappearance.

⇒ What are the possible dangers?

There is the possibility of infection, an allergic reaction, and inappropriate application as well. Moreover, freckle tattoos are difficult to manage. You’ll need regular touch-ups as facial tattoos are prone to uneven fade.

Therefore, choosing a professional cosmetic tattoo expert for your freckle tattooing is imperative. Also, don’t miss seeing their past client’s feedback and reviews on their site. You can even request images of previous clients to evaluate how your artist’s pigment fades.

⇒ How much does the total process cost?

Freckle tattoos can cost as low as $80, and for a bit more facial coverage, they can cost as much as $300 or more. The number of freckles you desire and the artist’s level of experience will determine the cost.

6. Cheek Blush Tattooing

Lastly, we have Blush tattooing on the list. Blush tattooing is also a kind of cosmetic tattooing that has gained immense popularity in the past few years.

Cosmetic tattoo experts use micro-pigmentation in this treatment, often known as cosmetic tattooing. The blush is placed to the cheeks, adding a subtle tint of pink to the cheeks without being too obvious or overpowering the look. This light and a subtle dusting of pink on the cheeks is both adorable and sexy.

⇒ How does Cheek Blush Tattooing work?

Cheek blushing is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing process that involves depositing pigments in your cheeks with the help of tiny needles. While this is frequently referred to as blush tattooing, it is more of a cosmetic addition than traditional tattoo art . The blush is applied via micro-pigmentation, often known as cosmetic tattooing. It adds a soft tint of pink to the cheeks without being overbearing. This pink blush on the cheeks is light and discreet yet lovely and playful.

More often than not, professional tattoo artists avoid cheek blush tattooing. The tattooed region does not fade uniformly, giving the appearance of an uneven blush or, worse, red blotches. Such skin treatments may sometimes create an uneven fading or color disintegration.

⇒ Who is eligible for Cheek Blush Tattooing?

This is for those who don’t step out of their house without applying blush. Blush tattooing is a purely cosmetic treatment. So, if you wish to have permanent pink cheeks, this is a good option. However, experts often advise avoiding this one, as the blushed area doesn’t fade uniformly, leaving the skin blotched in most cases.
What are the prerequisites?

As said earlier, not many tattoo artists prefer doing Cheek Blush Tattoos. So, finding a professional would be a tad bit difficult. Make sure you find an expert for your blush tattoo. Do check his past blush tattooing work. Also, ask for the images of their past clients’ fading tattoos so that you know how it looks when it fades.

⇒ Does Cheek Blush Tattooing Fade?

Yes, it does, and the worst part is it doesn’t fade uniformly. When your tattoo fades unevenly, it looks unappealing. More often than not, people with blush tattooing need regular touch-ups.

Also, using poor quality skin care products and sun exposure cause fading. That’s why most competent artists will refrain from permanent tattooing blush.

⇒ What are the possible dangers?

Because of the uneven fading, this is one of the tattoos that most cosmetic tattoo artists avoid performing. As a result, uneven fading cannot be avoided. Furthermore, failing to provide enough aftercare can result in infection and allergies. As a result, you must use extreme caution when getting blush tattooing.

⇒ How much does the total process cost?

A cheek blush tattoo can range between $400 to $800 depending on the tattoo artist and his/her reputation.

Summing it up…

So far, we’ve covered cosmetic tattooing. Hopefully, this article has been informative and will assist you in selecting the best permanent makeup. Permanent makeup or cosmetic tattoos look beautiful when done by a professional.

Only professionals can help you get a tattoo you’ll love for the rest of your life. Also, remember that tattoo aftercare is critical. So, make sure you follow the instructions provided by your tattoo artists. This will ensure that you have a beautiful tattoo for a long time.

Happy Tattooing… ☺ ☺