Permanent makeup, also called micropigmentation or tattoo makeup, has become a popular cosmetic treatment for a number of reasons. Not only can it help to save you time and money in the long run, but permanent makeup can also help to address some of the most common cosmetic concerns more easily and effectively than traditional makeup products can.
Not sure if permanent lip makeup is right for you? Take a look at these five ways that you could be able to benefit from this treatment.
1. To Correct Asymmetry
While no one has lips that are 100% perfectly symmetrical, some people have more pronounced asymmetry than others, which can throw off the balance of other facial features. If one side of the lip is shaped differently from the other, for example, or if one side appears to be significantly larger than the other, you might consider getting permanent lip makeup to create the illusion of a more symmetrical and therefore more aesthetically pleasing lip shape.
In the hands of an experienced professional, you can “cheat” the lip line slightly outside of its natural border, which can help to correct asymmetry while still maintaining a smooth, natural look. One common mistake that inexperienced providers often make, however, is placing permanent lip liner too far outside of the natural lip line, which ends up looking fake and unbalanced.
2. Your Lips Are Thinning
As we age, the amount of collagen proteins in our skin begins to decline, leaving many people with thinning, deflated lips. In this case, permanent makeup can be combined with injectable lip fillers to help plump the volume of the lips and redefine a smoother, more youthful lip shape. It is important to remember that permanent makeup alone won’t be able to smooth away wrinkles or create more volume, but it can very nicely complement the results of lip fillers.
While there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer as to which should come first — the fillers or the permanent makeup — I personally prefer to have the fillers done first so that the lips are smoother and more taut when it’s time to for the makeup. We usually recommend that patients space these two treatments about two weeks apart to make sure any residual swelling is gone and that the filler has had a chance to settle into place.
3. You Have Naturally Pale Lips
No matter their age, some people naturally have very pale, light-colored lips that closely matches the tone of their surrounding skin, which therefore camouflages their lips. Rather than putting on lipstick every single day, many people in this situation choose to have permanent lip makeup done to give their lips that pop of color that they don’t naturally have.
That said, permanent makeup doesn’t have to be very dramatic. You can achieve a very subtle look by working with a highly-skilled and experienced provider who works with a light hand and knows how to blend the right colors for very soft, natural results.
4. You Have an Active Lifestyle
Another reason you might want to consider getting permanent lip makeup is if you play sports or lead an active lifestyle. Not only can makeup be a runny mess when you’re working out or playing a sport, but it can also be a disaster for your skin if you forget to take it off. With permanent lip makeup, you can have the beautiful look you want without the hassle of putting makeup on, only to have to take it off before each workout.
5. You Have Makeup Allergies
Many people have allergies to certain ingredients that are often included in lipsticks and other makeup products, such as nickel, perfumes, fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. In fact, some red pigments used to make lipstick contain carmine, which is derived from crushed up beetles. Despite its widespread use in many different cosmetic products, carmine is a common skin allergen.
If you struggle with severe makeup allergies that make it difficult to find products that don’t cause an adverse reaction, permanent makeup could be a great solution. You won’t have to risk an allergic reaction every time you try a new product, plus an experienced permanent makeup artist should be able to match any lipstick color you bring in.
The Bottom Line
There are lots of reasons why you might be considering permanent lip makeup. Whether you’re bothered by lip asymmetry, lack of natural color, changes due to the natural aging process, or you’re simply tired of taking the time to put lipstick and lip liner on every morning, permanent lip makeup could be right for you.
Before jumping right into the process, though, make sure you’re working with someone who has ample experience as a makeup artist and who understands how various colors bend and react with each other. The quality of your results will directly reflect the skill and expertise of your permanent makeup artist!