Permanent Makeup Terminology . . .

Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyelining and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids. It is also used to produce artificial eyebrows, particularly in people who have lost them as a consequence of old age, disease (such as alopecia, chemotherapy, or a genetic disturbance), and to disguise scars and white spots in the skin such as in vitiligo. It is also used to restore or enhance the breast's areola after breast surgery.

There are differences in the tools used for implanting permanent makeup, and differences in types/brands of pigments as well. Permanent makeup fades and has to be reapplied every four to eight years. Want to wake-up having perfectly placed, fresh looking make-up allof the time? It is an esteem booster. Want to end the hassle of worring that you just wiped off the brow you took so much time putting on evenly? Permanent makeup ends that hassle. Permanent makeup for lips puts a stop to the unwanted transfer of lipstick color to people and things. Irritated or allergic watery eyes from topical eyeliner will end with permanent makeup for the eyes. No longer will you have smears, smudges, watery eye streaks, and residue collections in the corners of your eyes. Visual impairment, and unsteady or arthritic hands make it difficult to apply topical cosmetics. More good reasons to enjoy the convenience of permanent makeup.

Many people just don’t like the way they look without makeup, are tired of drawing it on, don’t know how to do it right, or can’t keep it on while exercising, working in the yard, swimming, etc. Permanent makeup is the solution for someone who wants to wake up with perfect make-up, and have it stay perfect all day.

The person who applies the permanent makeup may use the title of micropigmentologist, permanent cosmetics technician, permanent makeup artist, or cosmetic tattoo artist. Creativity, technical skills, artistic talent, knowledge of facial features and make-up design (beyond the bare basics taught in school) vary tremendously artist to artist. The different combinations of initials and honorifics behind names is just being "dressed to impress". Some individuals use whichever ones they like the best. In a nutshell, all it means is that they have received permanent makeup training. Certified means they haved received a certificate from a training facility. Licensed means that they have a state permit for their business. A=artist or academy, T=technician or tattoo, C=cosmetics or certified, D=dermal, I=intradermal or instructor, M=micropigmentation or makeup, P=pigmentation or permanent or professional, S=society, F=fellow or member. Throw some together and have PMA = permanent makeup artist, CPCP = certified permanent cosmetics professional, CTA = cosmetic tattoo artist. Most commonly called permanent cosmetics, other names include dermapigmentation, micropigmentation, and cosmetic tattooing, the latter being most appropriate since permanent makeup is, in fact, tattooing. In the United States and other countries, the inks used in permanent makeup and the pigments in these inks are subject to FDA or similar agency regulation as cosmetics and color additives.