If you’re tired of having to apply makeup every day, of worrying about touch-ups after a downpour or session at the gym, or if you’re just looking for that professional look every day without the added expense, then you’re in the market for a permanent makeup artist. While the services of a permanent makeup artist might be in demand, it’s vital that you find the right one. Here’s a guide on how to source the perfect makeup artist for your desired look.
What Does a Permanent Makeup Artist Do?
You may have heard of permanent makeup artists referred to as tattoo makeup artists, permanent cosmetics artists, or paramedical tattoo specialists but it’s all the same. This is someone with the skills, experience, and qualifications necessary to apply cosmetic tattoos and other treatments to individuals for a more professional final look.
Treatments offered:
- Permanent eyeliner
- Advanced stretch mark treatment
- Scar or stretch mark camouflage
- Lip blush or lip neutralization
- Nano or Ombré brows
- Lash enhancement
- 3D areola repigmentation
- Advanced skin needling
- Fibroblast skin tightening
- Scar lightening
- Under-eye lightening
- Non-laser tattoo removal
What Should You Look For in a Permanent Makeup Artist?
There are so many benefits to visiting a permanent makeup artist, but you need to ensure you’re getting treatment from a top professional in the field. Anything less could land you with disastrous results.
Check their training and certifications
One of the most important factors when it comes to being a permanent makeup artist is having sufficient training in the various tattooing techniques and enough experience to have mastered the craft. When trying to find a permanent makeup artist, be sure to ask about their training experience and to check their certifications, which could vary from state to state. It’s also important that they’re also learning about the latest techniques and adopting the most modern approaches, which means ongoing training. You can ask about the number and type of procedures they’ve done, where they trained, and what’s new in the field of permanent makeup.
Consider safety and sanitation
With the majority of permanent makeup treatments, needles are used which means the artist must follow strict health and safety protocols to prevent infection and disease. For any treatment such as this, the esthetician must wear gloves throughout the treatment, which are removed when done, and not used anywhere else in the practice. All needles would have to be disposed of after every treatment, with all contaminated products properly disposed of or sanitized. Proper sterilization of all equipment is essential, and you can ask to see their sterilization reports and clean equipment during the treatment.
Check the customer reviews
There’s no better recommendation than that of other customers, so go online and check out the reviews. If the permanent makeup artist is unprofessional, you will come across some negative reviews – unhappy customers like to vent online! On the other hand, happy customers will also be willing to share testimonials on the artist’s website, as well as on social media pages.
Ask to see a portfolio
Another great reflection of the permanent makeup artist’s work is their previous work, so ask to see their portfolio. This will give you an idea of their style, technique, and ability. You’ll want to see images of when the work has healed showing the real difference between then and now. This is a great reflection of the true quality of the artist’s work and what you can expect.
Ask about pigments and equipment
Permanent makeup is not done with the same ink or pigments as would be used in body tattoos – it’s a much more specialized type of iron oxide pigment that will create a natural, long-lasting result. They will also be incorporating the latest equipment to apply the pigmentation carefully and naturally. You can inquire about the type of pigment and equipment used ahead of time.
Consider their interaction
How the permanent makeup artist communicates and interacts with you is significant – someone who is good at their job is comfortable, welcoming, and clear. They want you to feel at ease and are excited about the positive results you can expect. If you’re feeling in any way uncomfortable or are not getting a clear sense of what you can expect, then rather look elsewhere.
Ask about their correction policies
Any artist is subjective, and sometimes you might not be clear in your intended outcomes. This is not a problem, as a great makeup artist will be able to rework the finished product to ensure you’re completely happy with the result. Check with your makeup artist about their correction policies including pricing and other requirements.
What is the cost?
The cost is always going to be important, and beyond being within your budget, you need to know that you’re paying for quality work. Remember that quality doesn’t come cheap, so don’t just opt for the lowest price on the market, or you might be doing yourself a disservice. Check competitor quotes and find one that is reasonable but worthwhile. The advantage is that the finished look should last years, so you’re getting value for what you pay.
Ask about the aftercare offered
Finally, ask the permanent makeup artist about the aftercare procedures followed, as this can make all the difference to your healing and final appearance. If they’re simply going to send you on your way after the treatment, then they’re not in it for the right reasons. A great esthetician will provide you with clear instructions on the aftercare, as well as suggested products to use. You’ll probably also have a touch-up session a few weeks after the treatment.
Permanent Makeup Treatment in Washington State
For someone who ticks all the right boxes, BeautyInk By LeAnne is your go-to for any paramedical tattooing in Washington State. This highly experienced and in-demand makeup artist is the first paramedical tattooist to bring Advanced Stretch Mark Treatment, Scar Camouflage, and the United Kingdom’s nonpareil Nipple and Areola Restoration techniques to Washington State.
