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November 20, 2008

Accentuating the Eyes The Art of Permanent Makeup

Filed under: Makeup — admin @ 3:15 pm

Ask anyone which facial feature they most often notice first and many times the
answer is the eyes. Eyes are the most expressive feature on the human face;
through them we see emotion, thoughts, secrets and reflections of ourselves. To
illustrate the power of permanent makeup and the art of eyeliner let me tell you
about one of my clients. The star feature of her face was fabulous almond shaped
eyes. Following cosmetic surgery to take her back in time a bit, her eyes healed into
a different shape, which made the outer corners awkwardly rounded and one lower
eyelid partially drooped. Before agreeing to another surgery to fix it, she searched
for an alternative way to regain the almond shape. With a little design strategy and
meticulously placed pigment all around her eyes, we lifted the droop and then by
marking into puckered scar tissue, we re-created the almond-type point at the
outer corner of each eye. My client was amazed at how precise and subtle the
permanent makeup appeared and she was thrilled to be able to go without topical
makeup once again.

When I think of the power of permanent eye makeup, another client always comes to
mind. Advanced in years, she wanted the outer her to reflect the youthfulness of
the inner her. The blue color of her eyes was stunning, and definitely worth
flaunting; however, a few wisps of blonde eyelashes and a total absence of eyebrows
did nothing towards the cause. She started out conservatively with very soft,
natural-looking permanent eyebrows and lash enhancement. A year later she
returned, asking for a bolder look. Here is what she had to say: “Even with the
plastic surgery (3 facelifts), the permanent makeup is what gave me the most self
esteem. I wish I’d known about it and done it years ago.”

Consider the Advantages

Permanent makeup appeals to a wide variety of people. Busy moms, athletes,
travelers, equestrians, chefs, models, doctors, dancers, police officers, busy career
people and busily retired people have all been clients of mine. In my experience the
best argument for a cosmetic tattoo is simply convenience. Individuals who suffer
from allergies, toxicity issues, poor vision, hair loss or disabilities that limit manual
dexterity have benefited from permanent makeup. Of course, the most rewarding
aspect of permanent makeup is the most obvious: it stays put! Permanent eyeliner
will never smear or rub away through watery eyes, perspiration, wind, snow, rain,
fatigue, or a long night’s sleep. For those of you who like the compliment of eyeliner
to your face, permanent makeup can give you the look you want without the extra
work or cost involved with traditional makeup.

The Difference Between Lash Enhancement and Eyeliner

Skillfully applied lash enhancement looks very natural, not at all like makeup. For a
lash enhancement, one or more shades of color are placed in a sprinkle or a line at
the base of the eyelash hairs only, making the lashes appear darker and thicker.
Rather than eyeliner, I recommend lash enhancement to women, or men, who want
a lift to their face “naturally”. It makes a good argument for “less is more”.

Eyeliner begins with lash enhancement and then widens above or below the
eyelashes. Permanent eyeliner can have a hard edge, a softened edge, or even a
smudgy, shadow look placed where it most enhances you. It can be very precise,
with delicate, crisp endings to the lines; or it can be a soft powdery look. Eyeliner
really rocks as a way to bring a flattering color lift to the face. Sometimes a subtle
blend of multiple colors creates the perfect effect. I recommend you think
conservative, tasteful, and classic. Although this is not totally permanent, it is long
lasting. Choose cosmetic tattoos that will wear well through changes in mind,
lifestyle and age. To bring out the trendy, glamorous or outrageous expressions of
you just add topical cosmetics.

Like Makeup Only Better!

Permanent makeup is an excellent way to enhance your natural facial features.
Permanent eyeliner works especially to perfect the balance, shape and overall look
of the eyes. Time and again, I witness permanent eyeliner, or simple lash
enhancement, lend power, alertness, confidence and youthfulness to the faces of
both men and women. To read more about the art of permanent makeup please visit
my web site www.DawnColors.com.

Dawn Willard’s extensive career in the fine and applied arts has included lettering,
illustrations and photo and film styling. Twenty-three years as a photo and film
stylist taught Dawn and array of artistic skills, one being makeup. Ms. Willard’s
foray into permanent makeup began in 1996. She currently owns the Permanent
Makeup Studio in Asheville North Carolina. She has explored a variety of techniques
and has clients coming to her from Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, New
Hampshire, New Mexico and numerous towns in western and central North Carolina.
She can be reached at http://www.DawnColors.com or starjump@gmail.com.

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October 31, 2008

Permanent Cosmetics - Looking Your Best All the Time

Filed under: Cosmetics — admin @ 4:02 am

Permanent cosmetics, also known as cosmetic tattooing, is becoming increasingly popular over the use of conventional make up. The techniques used are often referred to as “micropigmentation“, “micropigment implantation” or “dermagraphics”. The implantation is a deposit of tiny individual implants of pigment or vegetable-based dye into the top layer of the skin. The benefits to those wanting a feature definition or scar camouflage are huge!

These cosmetic procedures are performed using different kinds of machinery such as the traditional tattoo or coil, the pen or rotary and the non-machine or hand method.

The process includes the initial consultation and application, and then one or two follow up visits for adjusting the shape and color or density of the pigment.

Those Who Benefit

anyone who wants to enhance their appearance
following surgery or an injury
loss of hair including eyebrows and/or eyelashes
vitiligo those who may have lost their pigment to areas of skin
physically active people who don’t want to worry about “sweating off” or reapplying cosmetics
those who can’t wear cosmetics because of allergies or sensitivities
the vision impaired
the motor impaired with unsteady hands
entertainers, actresses, and models
mothers and other busy professionals who can’t find the time

What Can Be Done?

eyebrows, proper placement will open up the eyes

eyeliner, top and bottom - can be used to help reshape the eye
eyelash - making them thicker and fuller
lipliner and full lip color - redefinition of an irregular line; restoration if fading has occurred
beauty marks

Is it Really Permanent?
These actions are considered permanent because the coloring is set and cannot be washed off. However, fading can occur, so periodic maintenance is required. Consider this and all other aspects when choosing a technician.

Some factors that can negatively influence the longevity of these cosmetics are the sun’s UV rays and tanning booths, some drugs, excessively dry skin, and smoking. Stay away from Alpha- hydroxy, Retin-A, and glycolic acids because these kinds of substances slough away top layers of skin and eventually the implants will be affected.

How Much Does it Cost?
These cosmetic procedures are commonly known as para-medical. If work is performed in a physician’s office or in specialized clinics the rates may be higher. However, the cost should not be the most important issue but rather the training and skill of the technician and the client’s confidence.

How Long Does it Take?
It will generally take 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours with much less time for the follow-up.

Is it Painful?
This is invasive so there may be some discomfort but will vary according to the individual and to the skills of the technician. A topical anaesthetic can be used if needed. There may be a small amount of bleeding but the area is washed at the end of the process and antiseptic cream applied.

Is It Safe?
Visit the location where this is to be done. Look for all materials including needles, machine parts and supplies to be kept in a sanitary manner. Gloves should be worn, workers clean and neat, fresh drapery used for the patient and the room tidy and free from any contaminants.

Regardless of all precautions understand that an allergic reaction could occur at any time so testing may be done by request.

What If I Don’t Like It?
Although this type of cosmetics is permanent, there is a flexibility to change color and shape somewhat, depending on the expertise of the technician. There are some methods for removing tattoos including laser treatments, abrasion, and surgery. But there are side issues such as many visits, cost and possibly a change of color to a less desirable shade.

Take note that colors initially will appear darker but will lighten during the healing which takes about a week or longer depending on the individual and the procedure.

Choosing a Technician
Consider the training, experience, and do look at photographic testimonials. Remember that the shape and proper placement is as important as the correct coloring. The desired result is discussed at the first visit. It is important that at all times there be interaction between both parties. You do not want to live with someone else’s mistake.

MRI
Caution - if it is necessary at some time that you undergo a diagnostic procedure known as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a burning sensation may occur and there may be some swelling in the areas that have been colored. It is not harmful but can be uncomfortable for a short time. The pigments can interfere with the image acquired by the scan. Do inform the radiologist so that this can be taken care of.

The New You
This new look can enhance your life! Wake up to perfectly applied makeup every day. Join actress Joanna Kerns, Donald Trump, former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley and soul-rocker James Brown, to name a few.

Not for You? Consider Semi Permanent
Now that you have reflected on this type of cosmetics maybe there are second thoughts. So here are some other things to think about. The Magic Stylo pen is a perfect alternative or it can be used in addition to the permanent cosmetics for a ‘touch up’. It is a long lasting (8 - 24 hours) semi-permanent pigment and smudge-proof.

be sure to apply to dry, clean skin
always cap the pen after each use
apply to extend lips and use before lipstick
apply to eyebrows to create a natural look
will clog around eye shadow, lotions, and lipsticks if not used correctly

If the pen clogs, gently clean the tip with a small alcohol pad. Then, give a little shake for the liquid to flow to the tip again.

How it Works

It soaks into the skin rather than “cake” on top thus creating a more natural look. Doesn’t rub off and is “kiss-proof”. It can be removed easily with any makeup remover.

Check out brand names such as Revlon, Max Factor and Clinique who advertise lasting performance cosmetics.

Finish the Day Free Of Cosmetics
At the end of the day do remove all traces of makeup, leaving your face clean and fresh for the night.

There is so much to learn about our skin, its care, all the products that are out there and how best to look and feel good. This goes a long ways to helping our self-esteem and building confidence in ourselves. We can do a minimum skincare regime of cleaning our skin, to using daily rituals of moisurizing and toning; using makeup or going for permanent cosmetics. We trust that we have some good information available on our sites. Look for us at http://www.perfume-n-cologne-shop.com or http://www.skin-care-n-cosmetics.com

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July 21, 2008

Skin Deep Cosmetic Beauty Permanent Makeup and Eyebrow Design

Filed under: Makeup — admin @ 4:01 am

The importance of eyebrows as a powerful beauty asset is often overlooked.
Eyebrows can be shaped to pull together all of the elements of the face into balance,
giving your best features glory and the flaws respectful supporting roles. People
with thin, partial or no eyebrows often choose to use pencil or powder to create
their eyebrows daily and even multiple times daily since this makeup tends to
smudge or disappear. Many of these people are ending that daily ritual with
permanent makeup. Permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattoo or micro
pigmentation, is used to create a variety of changes in the face. Eyebrow
enhancement is an extremely popular permanent makeup procedure.

Eyebrow Design Need Only Be Done Once

In her book Bobbi Brown Beauty, Ms. Brown writes, “….a well-groomed, well-defined
brow can be extremely flattering and add considerable strength to a woman’s eyes.
It can open up her face so that she actually needs less makeup. A well-shaped brow
can also help lift deep-set eyes or maximize small eyes. There are even instances
where a lifted, manicured brow has had the same effect as a surgical eyelift.” Good
brows are rarely accomplished by guesswork. A permanent makeup artist must be
adept in the art and the science of designing the shape, color and placement for
beautiful symmetrical eyebrows that enhance through the decades. A well-chosen
neutral eyebrow will flatter you through all your hair color changes. Adjustments in
the color of your permanent makeup can be made, if necessary, when you have a
touch up on it every one to five years.

Cosmetic Tattoo, A Versatile Solution

The causes of missing hair in the eyebrows are many-genes, illness, over-plucked,
age related hair loss and physical trauma for instance. An inspired and talented
cosmetic tattoo artist can work with the “landscape” of the brow area be it totally
blank, scarred or deeply wrinkled. A lifting arch can be put into straight or droopy
eyebrows, width into thin ones, length into short ones and symmetry into
asymmetrical ones. Whatever the case may be, tattoo offers a precision that is
difficult to obtain and keep with regular makeup. Tattooed eyebrows stay put
whether the design is strong and precise or subtle and natural looking. Eyebrows
can be applied in delicate hair strokes, a powder fill or a combination of the two,
always using more than one color of pigment to create the illusion of dimension. As
much as possible of one’s natural brow hair is incorporated into the design. The
solution of permanent eyebrows is used by men, as well as women.

Make A Statement

Eyebrows not only frame the eyes, but when shaped appropriately for a face they
bring the entire face into focus, giving a person more presence. The eyebrow
design may even serve to qualify that presence as, for instance, down-to-earth,
glamorous, soft or assertive. In other words, eyebrows can influence the way people
perceive you. In fact, eyebrows can influence the way you perceive yourself. Even
when you know beauty is on the inside, you want to look your best. Confidence can
change the impression you leave in all of your social and professional interaction.
Positive, healthy self-esteem allows you to focus on important goals, instead of
stress about looking old, tired or unattractive. Legendary makeup artist Kevyn
Aucoin said, “the most dramatic thing you could do to change your look is to shape
your eyebrows.”

Always Plan Ahead

A permanent makeup procedure is a process that most commonly requires two
sessions, usually three or four weeks apart for permanent eyebrows. In the first
session the design is applied and in the second session color, shape and detail is
refines. Building the eyebrows in stages can minimize or eliminate altogether that
oh-so-scary dark eyebrow stage. You need not feel self-conscious about your
appearance at any point in the process. If you are planning to have surgery to lift
the brow, eyes or full face complete the surgery and the healing process before
adding permanent cosmetics to your face. When planning to have Botox,
chemotherapy or radiation therapy get your cosmetic tattoos applied first. In
regards to laser treatments, discuss these during your consultation.

Dawn Willard’s extensive career in the fine and applied arts has included lettering,
illustrations and photo and film styling. Twenty-three years as a photo and film
stylist taught Dawn and array of artistic skills, one being makeup. Ms. Willard’s
foray into permanent makeup began in 1996. She currently owns the Permanent
Makeup Studio in Asheville North Carolina. She has explored a variety of techniques
and has clients coming to her from Illinois, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, New
Hampshire, New Mexico and numerous towns in western and central North Carolina.
She can be reached at http://www.DawnColors.com or starjump@gmail.com.

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