The Top 5 Permanent Makeup Applications

With advancing technology and the number of permanent makeup (PMU) artists increasing year after year, permanent makeup is more accessible, more cost-effective, and safer than ever. The number and variety of applications for PMU are also constantly growing. However, it seems like the tried-and-true types of permanent makeup remain on-trend at the moment. Let’s take a look at the top 5 when it comes to permanent makeup:

Permanent Eyebrows

You may have heard the terms eyebrow tattoo, microblading, microfeathering, or powder brows as terms to describe the various methods of achieving permanent eyebrows. All of these methods use  different techniques and result in different eyebrow looks. However, when it comes to permanent eyebrows, the most popular method is microblading.

What sets microblading, also called brow embroidery or feather stroking, apart from other techniques is that it is done with a hand tool. This tool contains a tiny needle that only cuts into the uppermost layer of the skin, creating a space for permanent cosmetic pigments to be placed. It allows skilled artists to create tiny lines that look like natural individual hairs.

So, what makes microblading the most popular method of creating permanent eyebrows? It has a lot to do with the application method. Because the pigments do not go as deep into the skin as traditional tattooing or even other eyebrow methods, the application fades more naturally over time.In addition, this method allows the brows to fade to a lighter shade of the same color instead of changing hues; therefore,touch-ups will not require the same level of  color correction required when touching up other methods. Additionally, because  eyebrow trends change in just a few years and our faces are constantly changing with age, the way microblading fades allows people to adjust their eyebrow shape and color every few years to match their changing tastes. Finally, using  high-quality pigments will ensure that you get the best results.

Permanent Eyeliner

Permanent eyeliner is done either with a hand tool or a digital machine that looks much like a pen that pixelates the pigment into the skin. With either application, pigments are inserted into the dermal layer of the skin.Artists will have a variety of line styles and  permanent eyeliner pigment colors for you to choose from to create the desired look.

Because the pigments are not deposited as deeply into the skin as a traditional tattoo, the results can be expected to fade in a couple of years and will need to be touched up regularly. However, the good news is that like microblading for eyebrows, when it is time for a touch-up, you can adjust your eyeliner style.

While eyeliner can completely change the appearance of your face and bring out your eyes, it also remains one of the trickiest types of makeup to apply yourself. Whether you are using liquid or a pencil, squinting and shaking hands make it the most challenging part of a daily makeup routine. Not to mention if your eyes water or you rub them, you could end up looking like a raccoon. So, it’s no wonder that permanent eyeliner is one of the most popular PMU applications today!

Lip Blushing

Overfilled fake-looking lips are out, and full, shapely, tinted lips are in! Lip blushing is a permanent makeup technique in which pigments are inserted into the lips using a small needle. Using this method, the technician can alter the shape and color of the lips to create a fuller yet natural look. A skilled artist can blend lip pigments  that match your favorite lipstick and compliment your skin tone.

Because lip blushing is less invasive, lasts longer, looks more natural, and heals faster than lip fillers, it is one of the most popular methods to accent and beautify your lips. Lip blushing also lasts about two years, allowing you to keep up with  changing lip trends.

Skin or Scar Camouflage

This method, also called paramedical tattooing, camouflages imperfections like scars, stretch marks, and discolorations. Unlike other permanent makeup procedures, this camouflaging is usually performed by a paramedical tattoo technician. With this technique, a needle is used to insert  skin tone micropigments into the superficial part of the dermis. These micropigments and color correctors are carefully chosen to blend with the surrounding skin to reduce or eliminate the visibility of the affected skin.

Freckle Tattoos

Because freckles appear due to sun exposure, freckle tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people wear sunscreen and avoid exposure to harmful UV rays. They are done with a variety of pigments that compliment the person’s skin tone and either a hand tool or a machine. Similar to many of the other techniques mentioned, the result lasts a couple of years.

People who had freckles as a kid and have reduced their sun exposure may opt to get freckles to obtain the natural sun-kissed look of their childhood. It allows them to look like they have spent time out in the sun without the risks associated with UV exposure.

Other people opt for something a little more out there. In recent years, constellations, especially zodiac signs, have become a popular choice when considering a freckle tattoo. However, we aren’t sure if the “AstroFrecks” will stick around or be a trend that fades fast. Either way, since freckle tattoos only last a couple of years, the choice does not have to be forever. You can always camouflage them or change up the pattern with your next touch-up.

Most permanent makeup methods are not as permanent as a regular tattoo because they are not placed as deeply into the skin. While the downside is that you can only expect your look to last a couple of years, these methods also allow for the flexibility to make changes as you age and change your style.

While permanent makeup can be costly and take a few hours to do, saving 5 minutes a day on your makeup routine each day can save you over 60-100 hours over the 2-3 year period your permanent makeup lasts. What will you do with that extra time?


For more permanent makeup ideas and information, follow us on  Facebook or Instagram.