Personal experience: permanent lip makeup

Many of us, when we mention lip tattooing, imagine pictures that the Internet is replete with: a clearly defined line that extends beyond the natural contour, a bright color, an inappropriate shade for the complexion of the face, unnaturalness and the impossibility of correcting the result.

In this article, together with the owner of the DreamUp beauty studio and permanent makeup expert Svetlana Solovyova, we will debunk the myths about tattooing.

A year ago, I had permanent eyebrow makeup done by Svetlana (not microblading!) and was completely satisfied with the process and the result. My requirements for the master were too high, and after a very long search I found a real professional. That's the only reason I decided to have another procedure and completely trusted my face. And I’m ready to show it in the “Personal Experience” section. We will talk about this type of tattoo as permanent makeup using the spraying technique.

Expert: Svetlana Solovyova

Owner of DreamUp beauty studio and permanent makeup expert

dreamup.moscow

Correct, professionally performed permanent makeup is not about artificiality. This is not the effect of constantly brightly painted lips. This is a well-groomed, fresh and youthful face. It is a shadow, a veil that creates a form.

There is only one face, and this is not a place for experiments. This is our business card, and professional DreamUp craftsmen consider this the main principle of our work.

Permanent is a natural base on the face , but accents, if necessary, are placed with decorative cosmetics. Looking at your lips, everyone will notice their juiciness and well-groomed appearance, but no one will guess that you have done anything to them!

The work of a professional consists of the correct selection of colors and shades, taking into account the girl’s color type, knowledge of the possibilities of correcting natural data, the ability to apply pigment using different techniques, constant improvement and training, and the use of only high-quality materials. Such a procedure cannot and should not be cheap!

Who is suitable for permanent lip makeup?

those wishing to correct the shape (fuzzy outline, drooping corners, asymmetry);

those who have a cosmetic defect in the form of Fordyce granules (white fatty spots);

if the natural color of the lips is pale or uneven, there is pigmentation;

those who want their lips to look defined and well-groomed, as well as more voluminous without injections.

In general, the procedure is intended not only to correct natural characteristics (leveling out deficiencies), but also allows you to make your face more well-groomed and fresh..

Contraindications

Permanent makeup cannot be done in the following cases:

diabetes; oncology; AIDS; bronchial asthma, low blood clotting; hepatitis; pregnancy and lactation (on average up to 4 months until hormonal levels are restored).

You will have to postpone going to the salon if you have:

elevated temperature; high pressure; herpes on the lips; Tattooing is not applied to moles, so if they are on the lips or in the area around the lips, you will need to consult with a specialist, and, if necessary, with a doctor.

What it is

Permanent lip makeup is the second name of the service, which describes it by the process that occurs in it. In this technique, a design is selected that will subsequently be applied, then a color - this must be approached carefully so as not to have consequences.

Using a permanent dye, the master applies the chosen style to the girl’s lips, and the result of lip tattooing and the consequences it brings with it last up to three years from the date of the visit.

Consequences after lip tattooing are considered a mistake by two parties: the cosmetologist for an incorrectly provided service, as well as the client, due to the fact that he did not properly care for damaged skin.

Preparation

Despite the fact that the quality of work directly depends on the competence of the artist, the success of permanent makeup lies in mutual cooperation - both on the part of the specialist and the client. The most important step is preparing for lip tattooing. If you follow the rules, the effect will last a long time.

A few days before the permanent makeup session you need to:

stop visiting the solarium; do not use decorative cosmetics, especially long-lasting ones; refuse to visit the bathhouse, sauna, swimming pool; treat your lips with chapstick or Vaseline several times a day to prevent drying (especially in the cold season); in the absence of contraindications, you can start a course of prophylactic administration of Acyclovir (or other medicine for herpes), finishing it 2 days after the work done; the day before the procedure, exclude hot foods and drinks, spicy, fried, fatty foods; alcohol, caffeine, other energy drinks and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (they are directly related to blood rheology); smoking.

Photo BEFORE the procedure

Features that I wanted to correct : slight asymmetry, drooping corners of the lips, unclear contour (especially in places near the corners), a small amount of Fordyce granules, a little noticeable when smiling.
Also the lip color is uneven.

Disadvantages of the procedure

Invasive method . The paint is driven under the outer layers of skin. Any intervention in the natural environment of the body causes changes. There may be no serious complications, but further care will have to be completely changed.
Manifestation . Since permanent makeup is an intervention in the natural environment, the skin needs restoration. You can evaluate the result of the tattoo only after a month. During this time, the pigment settles and the skin is completely restored.
Monotony . Cannot change color or shape. If you try to do this, you will get a sloppy result. When an image does not change after a long time, it becomes ordinary. If a girl is used to constant changes and does not want to have the same makeup for a long time, it is better to carry out the procedure for a short period of time. However, because of this, the main effect (long-term result) will be meaningless.
Increased sensitivity . If a girl has very sensitive lip skin, the whole process will be painful. For tattooing, a machine with a small needle is used. Local anesthesia may not help relieve pain.
Recovery . For the first 5-7 days, you must follow the strict recommendations of a specialist. It is prohibited to swim in the pool or visit the sauna. During the recovery process, crusts appear that cannot be removed.
Correction . Over time, the color fades and the shape becomes blurred. It is necessary to carry out correction periodically.
Infection . If instruments have not been treated, there is a risk of infection with viruses and bacteria.
Qualification . If you turn to an inexperienced master, the result will be unsightly: crooked shape, uneven color, presence of stains. Poor performance will require additional correction.
Contraindications . It is prohibited to apply permanent makeup for the following disorders: diseases of the cardiovascular system, malignant tumors, HIV, inflammation, colds. The procedure is contraindicated for pregnant women.

Consultation, sketch drawing

Before the procedure, a consultation is held with the specialist to determine the “front of work”: photographs are taken without makeup in natural light, and wishes are discussed in advance.

On the day of the session, the sketch is first drawn with a special hypoallergenic pencil. At this moment, you and the master discuss color and temperature, hue, saturation. Depending on the appearance, contrast and individual preferences, the master selects the best option , which is ultimately approved by the client and can be adjusted.

The sketch is drawn as close as possible to the healed makeup: not with serifs and lines, but the final result is fully reproduced. Drawing is done not with permanent pens or felt-tip pens, but with cosmetic pencils from the Spanish brand El Corazon.

Note: Professionals never draw a sketch using a template and rulers, since no face is ever completely symmetrical. The sketch must take into account natural characteristics, facial features, cosmetic aspects, and individual characteristics. Only an experienced master can make the right sketch!

After drawing the sketch, you can make adjustments if you think it is necessary to change the shape or shade or temperature. Together with the master, you come to the ideal option.

After drawing the sketch. We selected a color that is not different from natural and a temperature-neutral shade (after the procedure there will be no “pencil” effect). We chose the option of a more defined contour

Anesthesia

Many people wonder about the pain of the procedure. Undoubtedly, the degree of sensitivity depends on the individual perception of pain, and cannot be measured by a general yardstick. I can say that I consider myself a person with a low pain threshold, but sensitivity to the procedure was minimal (less sensitive on the eyebrows, more sensitive on the lips).

At the client’s request, immediately before the session, the master can apply an anesthetic gel that will reduce sensitivity.

When applying the permanent , it feels like something is scratching the skin a little , and in general it is no longer painful, but uncomfortable.

For the purity of the experiment, I underwent the procedure completely without anesthesia.

Tattoo

All consumables must be disposable, everything is absolutely sterile and safe. The salon strictly monitors compliance with all sanitary standards and rules. For me this was another important criterion.

The procedure takes place in a separate room on a soft chair with an electric drive, which the master adjusts to a comfortable body position. The result is such a comfortable atmosphere that many clients fall asleep during the procedure

For permanent makeup, only high-quality certified pigments are used, which do not change color over time and do not leave unpleasant “tattoo” shades and, of course, do not contain iron oxide . German LaBina pigments are like a premium car among other cars. This is maximum comfort and safety.

Today there are at least a dozen methods of applying permanent makeup. Each of them is attractive in its own way and produces interesting results. It is impossible to categorically name the best. It all depends on the effect you want to get.

A professional artist always combines different ones: for contour, for lips, for scars, etc. It all depends on the goals, personal wishes and individual characteristics of the skin. Only professionals can boast of such experience and knowledge.

The procedure lasts approximately 1 hour, you won’t even have time to finish watching the movie that will be shown to you on the big screen.

Unlike tattooing, where special large-dispenser pigments are used that penetrate deep into the skin and are fixed at a depth of 1-1.5 mm, during permanent tattooing micropigmentation occurs at a level of approximately 0.5 mm from the surface of the skin . In this way, the pigment is distributed under the top layer of the skin and becomes translucent with a natural effect.

Medical consequences

Even minor damage to the top layer of skin, with the introduction of pigment under it, can cause an allergic reaction in the body, lead to a malfunction of the immune system and cause various disorders. These include:

Microscars . They occur in cases where, after the procedure, ointments recommended for use for wound healing are not used.
The occurrence of herpes. This problem becomes relevant in cases where the herpes virus is present in the body. With weak immunity, the body “throws” all its energy into healing the wound and cannot cope with the virus. To avoid such complications, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment for herpes before the procedure, and it is also recommended to continue taking medications after it.
Allergy . This type of complication is extremely rare, but to avoid the risk of its occurrence, it is necessary to conduct an appropriate test before the procedure.
Inflammation . It occurs if infection gets into fresh wounds during or after the procedure. It is necessary to ensure that the materials are sterile during the procedure and to take precautions after it. Until the fresh wound heals.
Edema . As a rule, it almost always occurs on the second day after completion of the procedure. Within two days the swelling goes away. If this does not happen, and pain is added to it, this is a reason to worry and seek help from a specialist.
Bruises appear if blood vessels have been damaged or painkillers are chosen incorrectly. The hematomas will disappear within a week and will not affect the quality of the correction in any way. For their speedy healing, it is recommended to use special ointments.

Healing

Since the pigment is injected into the upper layers of the dermis, healing occurs very quickly and comfortably. Immediately after the procedure, there is a slight (sometimes severe) swelling, which goes away after a few hours. At first the color is brighter, after healing the saturation decreases by an average of 40%.

Photo IMMEDIATELY AFTER the procedure. My individual feature is increased sensitivity and closely located vessels. Immediately after the procedure, there was more swelling than other clients. I knew about this feature and was additionally warned. The procedure was performed in the first half of the day, by the evening the swelling had practically subsided

The healing procedure is a slight peeling, as if the lips were chapped. During this period, it is necessary to lubricate your lips with moisturizing ointment (vaseline), which you give with you. Also, until the end of healing, you must refrain from visiting the sauna, swimming pool, or being in the sun. After a few days, the peeling will completely stop.

If there are no contraindications after the procedure, it is recommended to take Acyclovir (or another drug for herpes) for several days, since the permanent makeup procedure can provoke its appearance - during tattooing, nerve cells are affected, which awakens the infection.

Important! Tattooing is not the cause of infection, but only its causative agent. The only exception is the use of non-sterile equipment and consumables by the master, if the procedure was previously performed on a carrier of infection, but in this salon this is categorically excluded.

Photo the day after the procedure. The swelling has gone down by 95% (a little remains on the lower lip). The color of my lips has darkened greatly due to the formation of microbruises from the tattoo machine. The lips look as if they have a tint or lipstick applied to them. They feel rough to the touch, as if they are very weathered, but when applying Vaseline, the peeling is visually unnoticeable

No painful reactions, no bleeding scabs that require you to take time off from work so no one can see you.

In addition to applying Vaseline, you will also be advised to avoid hot drinks and spicy foods, which can irritate the area. It is necessary to allow the skin of the lips to remain calm for the next 3 days.

Photo one day after the procedure. The swelling has completely gone down. The color of the lips has noticeably brightened, the peeling has practically stopped, and only remains along the contour of the lips. I continue to apply Vaseline. Lips feel almost normal to the touch

Photo three days after the procedure. The color of my lips is lighter, the peeling has completely gone, so I don’t use products like Vaseline

Photo one week after the procedure. The result, color and shade are fully visible. I am completely satisfied with the result: – the lips have become more defined and symmetrical (I especially like the clearer “tick” on the upper lip); – uniform color; – Fordyce granules are invisible; – the face as a whole became fresher. And at the same time, my lips are completely natural and no one will guess that I did anything to them

The second most common question (after the question about crusts and marks after the procedure) is the change in color of the permanent after healing . Of course, there is such a risk (because each body is individual), but if the permanent is done by a professional, and high-quality materials are used, then it is not just minimal - it is negligible. And it can always be corrected with a special corrective procedure in a month.

Lip tattoo. Everything you need to know about it

Since girls are increasingly trying to make their lives easier, this question will also apply to creating makeup for every day. Naturally, when there is very little time left for sleep, the last thing you want is to spend an extra half hour or 40 minutes of time in front of the mirror, making your face look great. But since one of the most striking details on any woman’s face is the lips, they will require special attention. What should you do if you can’t draw the outline evenly, and you just don’t want to touch them up every half hour? There is only one way out - get a lip tattoo and forget about all your worries. Let's get acquainted with this procedure, consider the methods of its implementation, and study all the pros and cons regarding this type of makeup design.

Where did tattooing come from?

In fact, this is not such a new procedure as many representatives of the fair sex think. The very first mention of it was approximately 2000 years ago in China. Then many masters who worked with so-called cosmetics practiced for the reason that some girls had eyebrows. To do this, they used paint and a thin needle, thanks to which they carried out the application. The needle was located in a bamboo stick, where there was vegetable dye. In fact, this can be called the very first tattoo. And gradually this procedure began to be carried out on the lips.

This type of makeup received a noticeable breakthrough in 1980, when a congress of cosmetologists took place in New York. It was there that everyone present was shown a new lip tattoo, which was well advertised. Needless to say, after this a real boom in permanent makeup began, and the procedure itself became very popular.

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Is lip tattooing necessary?

Of course, it is necessary, because for some women this is the only possible option to look beautiful, stylish and attractive. This is not a way to radically and permanently change your appearance, it is an opportunity to emphasize your strengths and hide your flaws, to minimize spending time in front of the mirror in order to tint your lips, make them more beautiful and sexy.

Who will most often use such a procedure, who cannot do without it?

People who are allergic to decorative cosmetics and cannot use them. They simply do not have an alternative option.
For girls and women who want to make their lip contour smoother, brighter and more expressive. It is possible that their lips are very thin, but they really want to give volume to their appearance.
With the help of permanent makeup, scars, unevenness, defects, and asymmetry can be easily hidden. Lip tattooing will help to even out the surface and make it beautiful and attractive.
But the most popular option is when girls and women get tattoos in order to avoid spending a lot of time in front of the mirror every day in order to look good. Afterwards, you won’t have to paint your lips with a pencil every 30 minutes.

How is lip tattooing done?

At its core, it is very similar to creating a tattoo on the body. However, the pigment in this case will be different from what is used to apply the design. The paint will not be injected under the skin as deeply as when working on a tattoo. The standard depth during permanent makeup service is 0.8 – 1.5 mm. It is at this depth that the pigment can manifest itself properly and give you the desired color.

The composition of the tattoo product will include only natural herbal dyes. It is they who will be injected into the upper layer of skin using a thin needle. There will be no shock absorbers, preservatives, or fragrances in their composition. It is for this reason that any allergic reactions are completely excluded, and tattooing is suitable for any girl.

The procedure will be carried out using special devices, so the general condition during permanent makeup will be stable. This means that you should not think about any painful sensations. The specialist understands perfectly well that lips are one of the most sensitive areas on the face, so before the procedure, he will give you anesthesia. Most often, local anesthesia is used in the form of special gels and creams that will help remove sensitivity in the area.

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What types of lip tattoos exist?

If you decide on permanent makeup, then you need to decide in advance what kind of makeup you want to do. Experts make a certain distinction between the types of such permanent makeup, so let’s get acquainted with those that are currently offered.

Using a light kyle. In this type, a light color is drawn along the contour of the lips. The skin above and below the lip will be treated. The main task of such work is not to convey saturated color, but to play on contrast. After treatment, the lips will appear more prominent and voluminous, which was not previously observed.
Creating an outline. This is the simplest, but at the same time the most popular option for creating permanent makeup. As a result, the main effect will be the appearance of lips lined with pencil. The outline can be either very thin or thicker. It all depends on the girl’s wishes. This look is most often chosen by those representatives of the fair sex who are satisfied with the shape and volume of their lips, but are uncomfortable or do not have the opportunity to use a pencil every time. So if you want to make your lips look fuller and brighter, tattooing is the best option.
Partial filling. This is one of the types in which tattooing is performed to increase the volume of the lips and preserve their natural color. In fact, the paint will be applied not only along the contour of the lip - it will also be shaded a few millimeters downwards. The corners of the lips are completely treated with a pigment selected by color. The shading will become smaller as you approach the middle of the lip. There will be the lightest possible tone, which will partly create an amber effect. This option should be considered in advance and discussed with your cosmetologist before proceeding with it. It is possible that afterwards you will still use either lipstick or gloss, but your lips will look brighter and more saturated.
a full tattoo for yourself . In this case, there will be filling in the contour and shading of color along the lips. In fact, this is the most popular option for permanent makeup, and many girls will be able to choose it for themselves. There are a number of reasons for this:

this kind of makeup will make it possible to get a clear and symmetrical lip line;
shading is carried out with soft colors or lines, thanks to which the surface of the skin will look natural, there will be no jerks or color changes;
this way you can easily change not only the shape and appearance of your lips, but also give them volume. The last element is achieved through the use of a variety of shades. Accordingly, in some places the lips will look lighter or darker. The rich color will be applied to the entire surface of the lip, and shading is done using more delicate shades.

What advice do experts give?

Cosmetologists who create this kind of permanent makeup give certain recommendations regarding lip care after the procedure, as well as practical recommendations for their rapid healing. It is quite logical that after such treatment there will be swelling or irritation on the lips. After how many days will a crust appear on the surface of the skin, which occurs due to the coloring pigment. Under no circumstances should you rip it off, because the color saturation of the permanent makeup itself depends on whether it stays on your lips for the right amount of time. So what do experts advise you to do?

Use prescribed healing and disinfecting agents, which will speed up the healing process.
Be patient, because your lips will heal in about 2 weeks, and you will get your natural color that you dreamed of in almost 4 weeks.
Monitor the brightness of the pigment. Depending on the materials used and the characteristics of the skin, the procedure will last from 3 to 5 years. But this indicator is individual, so over time it will be necessary to either update the tattoo or do it again. Remember also that one procedure is not always enough, and the pigment is “taken” as desired. It is possible that you will have to re-apply the dye along the contour. But this indicator is also individual, discussed together with the master.
Many experts advise their clients to take a special remedy for infection with herpes or another disease the day before the procedure. But this is more preventative than an absolutely necessary measure.
Remember that for two or three weeks you will have a taboo on going to the pool, solarium, or sauna. It is not advisable to swim in open waters.
During the first two or three days after permanent makeup, you will have to stop using any cosmetics in the form of glosses or lipsticks. It is also undesirable to use the most ordinary hygienic lipstick, the main purpose of which is to moisturize and protect the lips.

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The most important indicator

This is the choice of the salon and the master where the procedure will actually be carried out. Remember that the effect you get will directly indicate the qualifications of the specialist and the quality of the materials used. The service of creating permanent makeup is now offered almost everywhere, but not everyone can guarantee a good effect from it. So what parameters should you pay attention to?

Experience of specialists in this area. The bigger it is, the better. Naturally, make sure that the cosmetologist has a medical education and takes advanced training courses. Most often, only thanks to considerable experience can you give the client the desired tattoo and not disappoint him. Therefore, this process is partly creative, so pay attention here. A good master will never rush during his work. Before and after tattooing, he will advise you and answer all your questions, and in no case will he push you to complete the procedure. In fact, he should outline to you all the advantages and disadvantages of this lip treatment option, and you can decide for yourself whether you need permanent makeup or not.

The place where the specialist works. It doesn't have to be a very famous salon. You can contact a private office, but in any case you must be given a 100% guarantee of a good result and confirm the fact that the procedure is safe. Now a large number of private salons are engaged in tattooing. Pay attention to where the master’s office is located and what reputation the specialist has. It would be great if there were reviews of his work online or photo reports confirming his qualifications.
Don’t be afraid to ask about the materials used for the work , because the length of time the tattoo will last will directly depend on their quality. Unfortunately, not every master will use high-quality products for clients. While it's natural to want to save money, materials aren't something you should cut your budget on. The specialist must guarantee you the harmlessness of the products used, and also offer anesthesia, because lips are a very sensitive area. Remember that a cheap dye will “come out” of your lips very quickly, so it is possible that in less than 3 years you will have to repeat the procedure. In the worst case scenario, low-quality products will cause you considerable harm and your beauty will be ruined. Don't forget that absolutely all pigments also have their own certification. Don’t be shy, ask the salon owners or cosmetologist for this document. This way you will know absolutely that your health and appearance are not in danger.