About the Ultimate

Permanent Makeup Directory

The Permanent Makeup Directory provides you with an extensive database of reputable Permanent Cosmetics Professionals, but it is up to you to go the extra mile to find the skilled technician that fits your needs – one that has an experience level you are comfortable with, a personality that meshes with yours and a work environment in which you can feel relaxed. Researching Permanent Makeup Artists is one of the best ways to help ensure that you have a pleasant experience and achieve results that are up to your expectations.

Of course, there are countless horror stories about permanent makeup procedures gone wrong – blue eyebrows, crooked eyeliner or running lipliner. In most cases, however, these awful experiences are the results of work done by an unqualified, undertrained technician, and could have been avoided altogether by a little investigation done on the part of the patient. Always remember that laws and guidelines governing Permanent Cosmetics vary from state to state. In some cases, a certain area may have no regulatory body at all, meaning that anyone could pick up a tattoo pen and claim to be a licensed Technician.

No need to fear, though. The number of well-trained, professional Permanent Cosmetics Technicians is consistently growing, and finding the one for you is only a matter of a little research. Great credentials generally translate into a great outcome! As previously mentioned, this network basically eliminates step one for you in the quest for permanent makeup. We recommend only the most qualified and highly regarded Permanent Cosmetics Professionals in the industry, and encourage you to browse the listings for a technician in your area.

Happy searching!

Schedule Consultations with Permanent Cosmetic Technicians

Before you receive your permanent makeup procedure, professional Technicians require that you schedule and attend a consultation with them. These consultations are generally the only opportunity you have to get to know your Permanent Makeup Artist before they tattoo your permanent makeup. The meeting should determine whether or not you are comfortable with the person, the procedure itself, the after care responsibilities and the future touch-up applications.

Treat your consultation appointment as an interview – a good Technician will view it in the same way! They will be asking you questions to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure you are considering, and to make sure that your expectations for the outcome of the procedure are realistic. A Permanent Cosmetics Professional will let you know if you are hoping for results that cannot be achieved through permanent makeup.

Though you (hopefully) have done your research prior to the consultation, do not feel, because you are in their office, that you are locked into selecting that Technician as your Technician. If you are not 100% sure that you want this person tattooing permanent makeup on your body, you have every right NOT to book a procedure appointment with them! In the same regard, a Technician has the right to turn a patient away if unconfident in their candidacy. A consultation carries no obligation – it is in essence an information session, and should be taken advantage of for that reason!

Important Permanent Makeup Tips

Here are some things that you don’t want to forget to discuss during a consultation:

Any allergies you may have
Anesthesia options
Pre-procedure recommendations
The Technician’s experience, certifications and education
Examples of the Technician’s previous work
Safety precautions taken during procedures
How long the specific procedure will take to complete
Cost
Color options
Future touch-ups
Specific after care instructions
Any facial products or medications you use at home, and if they will affect the color retention post-procedure
ANY question that you have about ANY aspect of Permanent Makeup! These could be anything from what’s in the pigment to what the state regulations are.

What Can I Expect for My Procedure?

Like any tattoo, Permanent Cosmetics applications are invasive procedures; therefore, it's likely that you will feel some mild pain and discomfort during your treatment. However, your Technician will generally offer a selection of topical anesthetics to help reduce and/or eliminate the pain. A pre-procedure anesthetic will be applied beforehand; however, certain topical anesthetics are most effective when applied on broken skin. These will be administered after the first needle strokes have been made, and again throughout the procedure. Be sure that you've discussed anesthesia options with your technician during the

consultation, prior to the procedure day.

What Can I Expect After My Procedure?

Afterwards, the procedure area will show some redness and slight swelling, which should subside in 24-36 hours post-application. You should be able to return to work and normal activities the same day of your procedure. In addition, the new pigment will appear relatively dark – probably darker than you imagined. Don’t worry though – the pigment will lighten as the healing process begins. You can expect subtle scabbing over the procedure area within the first week post-procedure. DO NOT PICK AT THE SCABS! Doing so could pull the new pigment out – or worse, cause scarring.

Your Technician should give you clear post-procedure instructions for the care of your new permanent makeup. You should be given or advised on a soothing ointment to use over your procedure area – products containing vitamins A and D are widely recommended. Applying a clean cold compress will also help with any pain or swelling post-procedure. Generally, you will be advised to avoid direct sunlight during your recovery period (3-5 weeks). During your consultation, be sure to discuss any facial product you normally use to see if they will have an adverse effect on your new permanent makeup.

Follow-Up Appointments

In most cases, the full potential of your permanent makeup application is reached with a series of follow-up appointments. Be sure that you are clear on whether the original price of your procedure includes the cost of these appointments. Each session should be conducted after your procedure area has fully healed so that you and your Technician can clearly determine what – if any – adjustments need to be made. Oftentimes during these appointments, symmetry, color and shape are perfected. Depending on the skill and technique used by your Technician, your procedure should last for years without noticeable fading. (Again – this goes back to research and finding a great Technician!)

Read our Client Procedure Guide to learn all about the different options in Permanent Cosmetics.

Recent Reviews

Enduring Beauty Permanent Makeup

Awesome!

Karla from Traverse City, MI - 05/12/2010 21:00:22

I had my eyebrows and eyeliner done at Enduring Beauty. Tammy and Darcy ar...

The Ultimate Permanent Makeup Directory is the industry's #1 network, connecting qualified Permanent Cosmetics professionals and Permanent Makeup clients across the United States. This organization is also a valuable tool for students of Permanent Cosmetics to learn about the best Permanent Makeup trainers and education centers countrywide. Utilize this unique resource to search for a technician or school in your area, or create a listing of your own to promote and advertise your Permanent Cosmetics practice.