What are the benefits of semi-permanent makeup?
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Everyone wants to look good and feel confident in themselves - it’s a simple fact. Also, in today’s busy world, everyone wants to save time, money and effort.
Luckily, there are plenty of different ways to go about it; one increasingly popular method is semi-permanent makeup.
What is semi-permanent makeup?
Firstly, if you’ve never heard of it before, you might be wondering exactly what it is! It’s essentially a type of tattoo which isn’t permanent; a cosmetic tattoo. Semi-permanent makeup is applied by professional makeup artists, such as the Yvette Clinic, through the use of vibrating microneedles that inject pigment into the superficial layers of the skin.
Types of semi-permanent makeup that can be applied in this way include semi-permanent tattoo lipstick and/or lip liner, eyeliner and eyebrows.
Sometimes this is referred to as permanent makeup, as it’s more permanent than makeup you apply daily, but it doesn’t actually last forever. You can’t wash it off though and can last several years, so you need to be in it for the longhaul when it comes to a decision like this.
(Oh, and cosmetic tattooing can also be used in other ways such as for scar camouflage or even to cleverly disguise thinning hair. More recently, freckle tattoos have become popular to give a youthful look and mimic natural freckles!)
The benefits of semi-permanent makeup
If the thought of tattooing your face sounds pretty scary then you might be wondering why people opt for semi-permanent makeup instead of regular makeup. Well, semi-permanent makeup has multiple benefits over standard kinds of makeup, some of which we’ll explore below.
Semi-permanent makeup is a maintenance-free solution saving time and hassle
One of the primary benefits of semi-permanent makeup is that compared to normal makeup, it’s maintenance-free. For those who simply don’t have enough time in the morning to go through a complicated makeup routine, this can be massively beneficial. For busy workaholics or busy mums, semi-permanent makeup can be a lifesaver!
If you want to wake up and look great without the hassle of applying makeup every morning, then it’s the perfect solution.
You will also save time in the evenings as you won’t have to remove the makeup either!
According to the Express the average woman spends 29 minutes applying makeup to achieve a natural look. So we can only assume more time is spent applying makeup for bolder, more dramatic looks. I know I used to spend at least 30 minutes each morning applying makeup when I wore it daily for work and easily one hour trying to make my face look perfect for an evening out!
By opting for semi-permanent makeup you can massively reduce the time spent applying makeup or even cut it out altogether for a more natural look. This time can then be better spent on things such as exercising, family time, reading or even getting more high-quality sleep!
Semi-permanent makeup gives a long-lasting effect that requires no altering in your day-to-day life, helping you to look great with minimal hassle. You don’t need to worry about smearing or smudges, you can go about your life with the assurance that you’ll get home looking the same as you did when you walked out the door. There’s no need to reapply during the day as semi-permanent makeup simply stays put.
Semi-permanent makeup can be applied to give a youthful and natural look
As we grow older, our skin starts to show natural signs of ageing. Lips and eyes especially can start to lose colour and volume, which in turn can lead to negative effects on self-esteem and the like. Semi-permanent makeup can help you retain a youthful look while looking entirely natural.
It can have wonderful positive effects on the tone and shape of your lips and eyes, and as it’s all internal, there are hardly any visible signs of the makeup.
For those looking for a natural boost in both look and feel, semi-permanent makeup can be a wonderful solution.
In a way, it’s exactly the same as if you apply regular makeup - you can opt for a look that is obvious you are wearing makeup or a look that is more natural. The same applies to semi-permanent makeup.
It can be used to enhance natural features to make them look slightly better without it being obvious there is any makeup there. This can be created by using colour pigments close to the natural colour, using shading instead of blocks of colour, using thin lines instead of thick lines and of course by choosing an experienced practitioner who specialises in a more natural look.
Semi-permanent makeup can be cost-effective compared to regular makeup
As you’ll know, good-quality makeup isn’t cheap. Applying it every day is expensive, and you can easily end up spending thousands each year if you get into it. Semi-permanent makeup is a different game; while it might seem a relatively expensive process to get it done, it’s almost a one-time investment.
You may need touch-ups in the future, but at fairly irregular intervals such as once per year. Compared to normal makeup, it’s incredibly cost-effective.
When you combine that with the time you can save each day by not having to sit in front of a mirror, laboriously applying makeup, it’s a significant benefit.
Having looked at prices in my local area for semi-permanent eyeliner the prices vary from £195 to £395. It can depend on exactly what you want from a thin natural line on one eyelid, to a more dramatic smoky winged eyeliner. Considering it can last for up to five years, with only one or two top-ups needed each year (at a much cheaper price), it can be very cost-effective.
Semi-permanent makeup can be great news for your skin!
While some people can wear makeup with no worries about the effect it might have on their skin, some people have sensitive skin that can react negatively to certain products causing irritation, red skin or blotchy skin. Those with highly sensitive skin may struggle to find suitable makeup products at all, so semi-permanent makeup can be a great solution.
Regular makeup can clog pores and cause irritation, potentially causing acne or other irritation-related dermal issues.
The ongoing health of your skin will benefit with not applying and removing makeup daily, reducing the likelihood of breakouts and skin issues caused by wearing makeup.
Semi-permanent makeup application is a safe tried and tested procedure that rarely affects skin in these negative ways. The professional makeup artists who carry out the process are highly trained, working in clinical environments with sanitised equipment.
How long does semi-permanent makeup last?
Results can vary from person to person, but with regular topups once or twice per year, results can last for up to five years.
The pigment will fade over time, so without topups then results may only last one or two years. Lighter pigment shades will fade quicker than darker colours, but it’s important to note there’s no guarantee the pigment will completely disappear. You may have some pigment left in your skin permanently so it’s vital to take this into consideration when making your decision.
Also, there are some external factors that can fade pigments quicker such as exposure to UV rays, swimming in chlorine pools, some face products and face treatments, age (older skin replenishes its cells less often), as well as the body’s own natural immune system which may remove pigments.
It’s also important to follow healing and aftercare instructions properly to ensure the pigment does not fade prematurely. For example, do not pick the area while it is healing and don’t use facial scrubs. Also, use a suitable SPF cream or lip balm.
Does semi-permanent makeup hurt?
So now you might be tempted to try semi-permanent makeup for yourself considering the time-saving and money-saving benefits, but what most people want to know is does it hurt?!
The honest answer? It will vary for everyone, just like getting a regular tattoo or experiencing any other potentially painful procedure. Everyone’s pain threshold is different. Some people will find it painfree whereas some may experience some discomfort.
However, the practitioner will use numbing cream and do everything in their power to make it as painfree as possible.
Final word
Semi-permanent makeup is a great solution for those looking to enhance their natural beauty without the hassle of putting on makeup everyday. It can also be a cost-effective solution for those who use expensive luxury brands of makeup on a daily basis. One of the biggest benefits is the time-saving benefits; we never have enough time nowadays so semi-permanent makeup is a great way to reclaim several hours of time back every week if you’re a daily makeup wearer. Just make sure you do your research into finding a reputable practitioner who is fully qualified and experienced.