What is the Difference Between Permanent Makeup and Classic Tattooing?

Permanent Makeup and Tattooing

Permanent makeup (PMU) and tattooing have many things in common: Both techniques involve the insertion of color pigments under the skin using a needle. This pigmentation is long-lasting, both for PMU and for tattooing.

However, there are also some differences: In general, tattoos are made in a deeper layer of the skin than permanent makeup. In PMU, the pigment is found in the upper layer of the dermis, just below the epidermis. Tattoos are often deeper.

In principle, well-placed tattoos are found in the subcutaneous tissue. The color pigments are inserted between the fat cells of the skin. Because they are placed in a deeper layer, tattoos stay longer than PMU.

Is Permanent Makeup a Simple Tattoo?

Tattoo artists and beauticians both practice PMU tattooing. It is a tattoo, whose purpose is to color certain parts of the face (eyebrows, lips, eyelids). It is subject to the same regulations as "classic" tattoos, but it is still a case apart. Indeed, the injection of dyes under the skin - as for any tattoo - is performed on the face, particularly sensitive areas.

Nowadays, any makeup you can think of can be made in permanent makeup: eyebrows, eyeliner, lipstick, moles/freckles, and more! You just need to choose the hue of the dye that you want: blue or green on the eyelid, brown or red on the mouth. No more makeup flaws, no more time wasting every single morning!

How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last?

Duration varies among people and is dependent on the specific shade and brand used. Most colors last three to five years, although some may not fade for as long as 10 years! Periodic touchups are highly recommended to maintain the desired look.

Permanent makeup pigments are different from a tattoo ink and are designed to fade with time slowly, but using high-quality PMU pigments can make a difference. The pigment is placed into the skin approximately 1/3rd of the depth of a traditional tattoo; therefore, the color is softer.

At Quantum Cosmetic Inks, we have always used the highest quality ingredients that contribute to extending the life of your PMU tattoos. All our PMU pigments are organic, cruelty-free, kosher, manufactured with the highest level of sterility, and made in the USA. Our pigments meet the European Union high-quality standards as well.

More about our products here: 

• AREOLA COLORS
• COLOR CORRECTORS
• EYEBROW COLORS
• EYELINER COLORS
• LIP COLORS
• PARAMEDICAL
• SCAR COVER & CAMOUFLAGE
• SCALP MICRO PIGMENTS
• COLOR SETS
• AFTERCARE