Let’s be real, the allure of permanent makeup is strong. I mean, who wouldn’t want to wake up with perfectly defined brows and flawlessly lined eyes every single day? For those not in the know, permanent makeup (also known as micropigmentation or cosmetic tattooing) is a procedure where pigments are implanted into the dermis layer of the skin to create the appearance of makeup, like eyeliner, eyebrows, or lip color. Sounds amazing in theory, but in practice? I have some serious reservations. And before you jump on the permanent makeup bandwagon, hear me out. Here are five reasons why it’s just not my cup of tea
Fade to… Funky: Okay, so imagine this: you splurge on getting your dream brows microbladed. They’re perfectly arched, the exact shade of ash brown that complements your hair and skin tone. You’re living your best #browlife. But fast forward a couple of years, and what happens? Those gorgeous ash brown beauties have mysteriously transformed into a weird, muddy greyish-purple. Or worse, they’ve faded unevenly, leaving you with patchy, ghost-like brows. Ink fades, loves, and it rarely fades uniformly. Trends change, hair colours change, you might even change your entire aesthetic, and suddenly, your “permanent” makeup is a not-so-subtle reminder of your past beauty choices. You’re left with a constant battle against the fade, either trying to colour-correct the discoloration or shelling out more cash for touch-ups. #makeupregrets
The “Has-Been” Hazard: Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? Remember when pencil-thin, barely-there brows were all the rage? Or how about that frosty blue eyeshadow that everyone rocked in the ’90s? Yeah, beauty trends are notoriously fickle. What’s considered chic and stylish one day can quickly become dated and, well, embarrassing the next. Committing to a specific look with permanent makeup is like wearing a scrunchie and neon leg warmers in 2024. It might have been cool once, but now? Not so much. You risk being forever trapped in a beauty time warp, sporting a look that screams “I peaked in 2016”
Microblading Mishaps: I’ve scrolled through enough Instagram beauty fails to know that microblading gone wrong is a real thing. And it’s not pretty. I’m talking brows that resemble angry caterpillars, eyeliner that looks like a wobbly tightrope, and lip liner that’s migrated halfway up your face. Sure, finding a highly skilled and experienced artist is crucial, but even then, there’s always a risk of something going awry. Infection, scarring, uneven pigmentation – the list goes on. Honestly, I’d rather spend five minutes every morning with my trusty brow pencil than risk ending up with a permanent beauty blunder. #nopressure
The Commitment-Phobe Conundrum: I’m a self-proclaimed commitment-phobe, and that extends to my makeup routine. One day I’m feeling a dramatic winged liner, the next I’m embracing a fresh-faced, no-makeup makeup look. My beauty mood changes as often as my Spotify playlist. Permanent makeup just doesn’t mesh with my indecisive, experimental nature. I need the freedom to switch things up, try new looks, and express myself through different makeup styles. Locking myself into one permanent look? That’s basically my worst nightmare.
The “What If?” Worry: Let’s say I wake up one morning and decide, “You know what? I want bright pink eyebrows.” Or maybe, “Electric blue eyeliner is totally my vibe now.” With permanent makeup, those whimsical beauty impulses are a no-go. You’re stuck with the look you chose, whether you love it or hate it. I thrive on the ability to experiment, to change my look on a whim, to embrace different facets of my beauty personality. Permanent makeup feels restrictive, limiting, and frankly, a little scary.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But what if I change my mind? Can permanent makeup be removed?” The short answer is yes, but it’s not a walk in the park. Removing permanent makeup typically involves laser treatments, which can be pricey, time-consuming, and sometimes even painful. The laser breaks down the pigment particles in the skin, which are then gradually eliminated by the body’s natural processes. Multiple sessions are often required for complete removal, and there’s always a risk of scarring or discoloration. Other removal methods include saline removal, dermabrasion, or surgical excision, each with its own set of potential risks and benefits. So, before you go under the needle, consider the long-term implications and the potential challenges of removal. It’s definitely not a decision to be taken lightly.
And finally, as a professional makeup artist, I have a unique perspective on this whole permanent makeup trend. For me, makeup is an art form, a powerful tool for self-expression, a way to enhance and transform. It’s about playing with colours, textures, and techniques to create different looks, adapt to various occasions, and reflect the ever-evolving facets of one’s personality. Permanent makeup, by its very nature, takes away that artistry, that flexibility, that transformative power. It locks you into a single look, limiting your creative potential and preventing you from fully exploring the vast and exciting world of makeup. I believe in the power of transformation, the joy of experimentation, and the freedom to express yourself through the art of makeup – something that permanent makeup simply can’t offer. My kit is full of possibilities, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything, not even perfectly arched brows 24/7.
