What are Permanent Cosmetics?
Also called cosmetic tattooing, permanent make-up, or occasionally, micropigmentation, it is a procedure of artistically placing color into the upper dermal layer of the skin. Although permanent, aging and sun exposure will cause it to fade over time. For this reason, touch-up or refresher appointments may be desired every few years to keep your makeup looking it’s best.
The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) defines permanent cosmetics as, “the cosmetic implantation technique deposit(ing) colored pigment into the upper reticular layer of the dermis.” It is recognized by the SPCP that this is tattooing and should not be presented or represented in any way to the consumer as anything else. The most commonly known permanent cosmetics are: eyeliners, brows, lip liners and full lip colors. There has been a revolution in the tattooing industry in the last 20 to 25 years in this country and the service known as permanent cosmetics has contributed greatly to that revolution. Prior to this time period tattooing was socially accepted among a subculture in our society, but the majority of Americans 50 years of age and older would not have considered getting a tattoo. However, permanent make-up moved tattooing into a “realm of respectability” that had not been seen before. Women over 50 began experiencing problems that affected their self-image an
