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Permanent makeup (cosmetic tattoos) is often misunderstood by the general public. Many people believe permanent makeup is like getting a regular tattoo. There are similarities, but also important differences. Always consult a trained practitioner who communicates honestly about the risks and listens. Below is some information to help you to make an educated decision.

What is permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup is the placement of a pigment (solid particles of color) below the skin to create the impression of cosmetics. The pigment is placed in the skin with a needle.

Why are cosmetic tattoos different?
Essentially permanent makeup is a tattoo, but has a different goal than traditional tattooing. Permanent makeup artist Liza Sims Lawrence, founder of Wake Up With Makeup, LLC in Anchorage explains, “the goal is to be subtle rather than to draw attention.” The artist strives to harmonize with the facial features and skin tones.

What are pigments?
According to the article “From the Dirt to the Skin-A Study of Pigments” by Elizabeth Finch-Howell “The Dry Color Manufacturers Association (DCMA) defines a pigment as a colored, black, white, or fluorescent particulate organic or inorganic solid, which is usually insoluble in, and essentially physically and chemically unaffected by, the vehicle or substrate into which it is incorporated.” The vehicle, which can be distilled water or other appropriate liquids combined with an antibacterial ingredient such as ethol alcohol, must keep the pigment evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

What ingredients are in pigments?
Permanent makeup pigments always contain basic ingredients used by all manufacturers. A small number of pigments are created with iron oxides. According to Elizabeth Finch-Howell “iron is the most stable of all the elements and inorganic iron oxide pigments are non-toxic, stable, lightfast and have a range of colors.” Lightfast means the pigments retain their original hue over time. The difference in pigments is generally associated with the vehicle, or liquid, used to place the pigment under the skin. “I use distilled water and ethol alcohol,” states Finch-Howell, “I do not use glycerin as some other manufacturers do because it doesn’t evaporate.” “Glycerin is a humectant with an extremely large molecule,” continues Finch-Howell, “this molecule is literally punched into the skin.” Glycerin is also found in a variety of quality grades. Other permanent makeup practitioners prefer pigments with glycerin because they glide on the skin and do not dry out in the cup. Pigments do not contain mercury, talc or carbon.

What regulations apply to the permanent makeup field?
The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act does not regulate pigments. However the FDA requires all color additives to be screened and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration prior to being sold. Elizabeth Finch-Howell states, “There is a list of FDA approved color additives for food, drugs, and cosmetics [that] pigment vendors should be drawing from to formulate their pigments”. “All organic colorants are subject to batch certification by the Color Certification Branch of the FDA,” Finch-Howell continues, “of the approximately 90 pigments on the FDA approved color additive list, all inorganic colorants listed are exempt from certification.”

Do allergic reactions or side effects occur?
I have never had a client suffer allergic reactions to permanent makeup. According to Liza Sims Lawrence, authorized distributor of LI Pigments, “photo sensitivity reactions (sunlight) may sometimes be revealed by slight itching and raised, but this is normally associated with reds and violets used in body art tattooing.” Sims Lawrence continues, “Once the area is no longer exposed to intense sunlight, the itching and raising usually dissipates. In permanent cosmetics we do not often use body art reds and violets on the face. True allergic reactions are extremely rare.” Permanent makeup has been known to cause itching and burning during an MRI. However, the FDA states, “This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.” It is best to inform the doctor and MRI technician that you have permanent makeup

What is the difference between organic and inorganic pigments?

Organic pigments are made from plant matter and inorganic pigments are made from dirt, as are topical cosmetics. In permanent makeup, organic and inorganic pigments both play important roles; pigments are not labeled organic in the same way food is by the government. Organic based pigments are necessary for vibrancy of color. Inorganic pigments give us earth tones and are lightfast. According to Elizabeth Finch-Howell, her pigment company, Derma International, uses inorganic and organic pigments and has been operating for 17 years without a single allergic reaction ever reported.

Permanent makeup is an amazing opportunity for men and women to make their lives easier and to love the way they look every day, but there are many misconceptions. Talk to a professional, ask questions and review references. To learn more about the health advantages of permanent makeup and specifics on lip, brows and eyeliner procedures visit http://www.DawnColors.com.

Dawn Willard has been in the fine arts field for over 23 years. She currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville, NC. Ms. Willard accepts clients from many states including North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina. To learn more about permanent makeup and cosmetics visit http://www.dawncolors.com.

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Plastic surgery includes two broad fields, namely cosmetic (or aesthetic) and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance the appearance of a person, who finds his/her body parts, though otherwise fully functional, to be unattractive. Thus cosmetic surgery is performed with a purely aesthetic intent. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery focuses on concealing the destructive effects of trauma, disease or accident. That is, it strives to improve function and impart a standard look so the patient may lead a normal life.

Reconstructive surgery is a way of veiling defects by using skin implants and tissue flaps. Either local tissue is used or tissue is transferred from another part to the problem area. Reconstructive tissue flaps comprise of skin, muscle, fat, bone or a combination of these elements. The most common reconstructive surgery is to cover the defects of burn survivors and other accident victims.

Another common reconstructive surgery is breast reconstruction for women who have had mastectomy - surgical removal of one or both breasts, either partially or completely. Mastectomy is performed to combat breast cancer, or to circumvent the disease if a woman is at a high risk of acquiring it. Rhinoplasty may also be considered as a reconstructive procedure if the extent of damage to the nose cartilage and bone is rather grave. In such a case, tissue is moved from another body part and grafted in the damaged area.

One of the most prevalent uses of reconstructive surgery can be found in the field of professional contact sports. Players are likely to suffer injuries during vigorous contact sports, and such injuries can only be treated by reconstructive surgery. Though rare, sexual reassignment surgery is another example of reconstructive surgery. There is a certain gray area between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and distinguishing one from another can be confusing at times. But in a gist, reconstructive surgery is usually performed to correct an abnormality, and not to enhance an otherwise normal appearance.

Nicola publishes an informational site about eyelid surgery, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Eyelid Surgery and Blepharoplasty at http://eyelid.plastic-surgery-info.net

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Plastic-Surgery-Info.net

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When you walk into a room, be noticed for yourself rather than for the cosmetics being used. Applying cosmetics correctly is an art that begins with determining skin type and coloring. Find the right cosmetic product to enhance your best features and provide quality care.

Three Easy Steps to a Flawless Complexion

Have you ever felt that no matter what cosmetics you use, your makeup looks flawed and faded by lunchtime? It needn’t be thanks to a host of great products - a natural complexion is possible. The secret is applying and layering the right cosmetics.

1. Applying Cosmetics - the Importance of Toner and Concealer

the anchor for cosmetics
makes the skin look smoother
prepares it for foundation
helps cosmetic products stay on longer
apply toner after cleansing
smooth all over the face
follow with concealer around the nose, on the eyelids, and underneath the eyes

Buy an oil-free product, with light-reflecting properties for a smooth finish; a pearlescent powder to lessen imperfections. Or one that contains many different shades to help reduce redness, uneven tone, and dark shadows.

2. Flatter with Foundation

apply base with a brush or sponge
start by the nose and smooth outward
try applying small amounts to begin with - more can be added if necessary

There are products that claim to stay put for 16 hours without fading and contain oil-absorbers to keep the complexion fresh.

3. The Finish

for a healthy, natural look, use blush
pick a shade to match skin tone and coloring
apply in circular motion on cheeks
to get a rosier look, choose a cream blush and blend with the fingers

Products can be found that feature several shades in one compact. These can be swirled together and applied all over or individually on cheekbones and brow bone for a gentle effect. How about the offer of two iridescent powders that can be used as eye shadow or all-over highlighter - with an attached applicator that is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

Deal with spots, blemishes or smudges by applying dusting powder. This sets a creamy texture for hiding dark areas.

Tips for the Lips

always keep conditioner on even when not wearing color
if dry or flaky, gently clean with a soft toothbrush to remove excess skin

lips should be as smooth as possible for the application of lipstick
begin by applying a bit of lip balm or cream
let this absorb while applying remainder of the cosmetics
now the lips are conditioned and ready
use a brush for better control

Rule of thumb - if lip color is strong keep the rest of your face soft, and vice versa. Choose one feature for the focus.

Eyes

Applying a thin layer of foundation or primer on the eyelids will help correct imperfections. Take your hair color as a guide.

blondes - creams and taupes
brunettes - mochas and chocolate browns
auburn or redhead - coppers, peaches, and reddish browns

or cool tones like pink and lavenders
gray hair - grays, soft purples, and blues

Technique - emphasize the crease line for depth

begin with the lightest color
dust over the entire eyelid
apply lightly from lash line to just beyond the crease
glide up to the brow bone
applicator will naturally lift off face

Now dust a medium shade in the crease line (something with a bit more depth than what went on originally). Extend slightly beyond the crease, up toward the brow bone. This adds depth to the eyes.

When you are finished applying cosmetics there should be no visible line where applications begin or end. Now dust the entire area with loose powder to help set and blend.

Add mascara and brow pencil, as needed. Find a long-wearing that defines curls and lengthens lashes without smudging, clumping or flaking. There are products that are safe for those wearing contact lens.

Last Important Tip

Watch for outdated cosmetics and replace as needed. Enjoy your look and have fun experimenting.

http://www.skin-care-n-cosmetics.com and http://www.perfume-n-cologne-shop.com

You are invited to check us out for some good product names that help you achieve the results you want.

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