The Pros and Cons of Permanent Makeup

If you’re even remotely interested in the wide world of makeup and skincare, you’ve probably heard of permanent makeup, and you’re aware that it has plenty of pros and cons. It seems like a simple solution to a product that causes such a hassle in the morning for human beings everywhere. However, it can be tricky online to decipher the benefits and disadvantages of permanently applying beauty products to your face.

There are strong pros and cons to investing in this new beauty trend:

Pros	Cons
This decreases time getting ready and ensures perfection.	It cannot be changed after it’s been applied.
A sense of beauty is instantaneous, and there is no waiting process.	There’s no room for error.
It’s easier than plastic surgery.	It can be uncomfortable and unenjoyable.

These are just a few of the arguments this procedure has brought to light. There are also more minuscule details to think about when considering each particular facial technique. Read on to fully understand the pros and cons of each treatment to see which of these may be right for you to try yourself.

The Basic Pros and Cons of Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup is exactly what it sounds like: makeup that is applied in a method in which it becomes semi-permanent on your face. This procedure varies from product to product. Sometimes it’s an applied hair, and sometimes it’s a semi-permanent tattoo.

Either way, it lasts a long time and must be touched up regularly or removed to fit the skin as it ages.

When getting a procedure done that’s long-lasting in any way, it’s important to think it through ahead of your appointment. Don’t do anything that you’ll regret later down the line. Always think of the risks, both present, and future before proceeding. Do your research before you commit.

Pros of Permanent Makeup

Permanent makeup has plenty of fans. There are a couple of good reasons people invest in this type of product, as mentioned above. Some of them include:

It frees up time: By applying beauty products on their face that won’t come off, people can spend less time in the morning focusing on themselves and more time preparing for what the day ahead of them holds.
Cost-effective: For women who wear a lot of makeup, doing this can save a lot of money. One semi-costly procedure will generally be less than buying many, many products over a year.
Simple and immediate: Unlike plastic surgery, permanent makeup is a procedure that shows results right when it’s done. It’s significantly less invasive and less complicated. The healing time is shorter as well.

Cons of Permanent Makeup

These three reasons alone are strong arguments for the case of permanent makeup. However, there are also some excellent statements against going about the procedure:

Pain is possible: As with anything permanent, the various techniques often require recovery. Pain may be involved. Your body also might not react in an ideal way to what it is exposed to.
Expense might not be worth it: For those who don’t purchase makeup often, spending hundreds of dollars on a cosmetic procedure doesn’t make a lot of sense financially.
Cannot be changed right away: Once it’s done, you can’t turn around and immediately take it off like you can normal makeup. It’s a commitment. This may drive some away.

Along with these solid general opinions, there are also many for each procedure.

Permanent Makeup for Eyebrows

Permanent eyebrows are one of the most common versions of makeup that people have applied to their faces. It’s simple, easy, and blends in naturally with what already exists. In most cases, it’s used as a filler for absent hair. At an average cost of five hundred dollars, there are two ways that you can get your eyebrows done.

Microblading

Microblading is perhaps the most casual form of semi-permanent makeup. It’s a procedure that consists of making tiny, tiny incisions on the surface of the skin. These are then filled with ink. These lines all work together to mimic the fine hairs of an eyebrow.

Pros of Microblading

There are quite a few benefits to paying for a professional to microblade your brows. Some of these are that:

It saves money: Over time, it’s more cost-effective than getting them waxed/threaded. The shape is held over a longer period and requires less maintenance.
End-result is immediate: Your brows, although a little red and swollen at first, will immediately be in the shape you’d like them to be in. You can see the results right away.
You can shape your brows: You get to choose what they look like. There’s only so much that can be done with natural brows. Microblading opens up a world of possibilities.
Pain isn’t extreme: Unlike many procedures, this can be done while you are awake. With the addition of numbing cream, you won’t feel a thing as the painted hairs are added.

Cons of Microblading

Unfortunately, as with most procedures of this type, there are also some negative points to consider. Microblading concerns include:

It involves a blade: You have to cut your skin to do this. Although it’s not deep if done right, having it done by someone improperly trained might result in infection or serious scar tissue.
Results might not look real: Though the finished brows typically blend in with the face, they may look unnatural.
Allergic reactions: As with anything ink-related, severe allergic reactions are possible when using this product. You should know your allergies going into the procedure to avoid any unnecessary risk.

Micropigmentation

This method is the most like a normal tattoo. It involves pressing thousands of tiny dots of pigments into the skin, typically with a tattoo gun.

Pros of Micropigmentation

Micropigmentation is as simple as getting a tattoo on your brows. It looks natural and only needs to be redone every so often.

Long-lasting: It’s a semi-permanent tattoo and thus will last for a while. Like all body art, however, it needs to get touched up every once in a while.
Fills in large gaps: Micropigmentation allows the artist to fill in gaps on the face with precision and ease.
Less invasive: Tattooing leaves smaller wounds in your skin than microblading. Although infection is still possible, the chances of someone applying it incorrectly are slimmer.

Cons of Micropigmentation

On the other hand, there are still some cons to the procedure that make it a less appealing option.

Lengthy healing process: Since this is essentially getting a tattoo, the healing process is just the same. It can be time-consuming and cumbersome for those unaccustomed to the process.
Cost: For a lot of people, the cost will save money over time, but it’s still quite a bit of money. If you’re not the type of person to get your brows done often, this might not be the right choice for you.
Pain: As with most tattoos, there is always a chance of pain. Numbing cream may be applied before to decrease this unfortunate sensation.

Both of these options have proven successful track records. Although there are definite risks, the pros are strong enough to endorse getting either of these procedures done.

Permanent Eye Makeup

Another common investment in this world is in eyes makeup. This is easily the thing that women spend the most time on, but something that a lot of people are hesitant to place permanently on their faces.

Eye Shadow

Permanent eye shadow is possible. It’s a tiny tattoo placed on the lid, normally a small extension from the waterline.

Pros of Permanent Eye Shadow

Everybody loves to feel fancy with an eyeshadow look. Getting it placed permanently on your face comes with some pros:

It decreases time spent in the morning: Eyeshadow takes a long time to apply. By making it permanent, a woman can run out of the door much faster and feel more in control.
It’s simple: It’s just like a regular tattoo. The process isn’t complicated, and the care is much the same.

Cons of Permanent Eye Shadow

Since permanent makeup is going on your eye, there can be a few cons that come with it. Some of these include:

It’s placed on a sensitive area: Although they numb the lid, it’s still on top of your eyeball. The procedure may be incredibly uncomfortable.
The healing process: It’s as easy as a tattoo’s healing process, but that may not be ideal for some.
It’s obvious on your face: Eyeshadow isn’t something you can hide. If you regret getting it afterward, you’ll have to spend hundreds of dollars to get it removed.

Although eyeshadow is pretty, it may be important to think this one through before committing. This is not a procedure that you can easily hide or get rid of.

Eyeliner

Eyeliner is another commonly purchased format of long-lasting makeup. It can be done thin or thick, with a wing or without a wing. It’s used to accentuate the eye and take a step out of the process in the morning.

Pros of Permanent Eyeliner

Choosing to commit to permanent eyeliner is an exciting choice. There are several positives to getting this procedure done:

It lasts a long time: Eyeliner is one of the longest-lasting permanent items. According to belashed.org, it can last around two to four years. This means a significant amount of time can go by before you need to spend money again.
Minimal maintenance: There is a little care involved after the procedure is done, but otherwise, minimal upkeep is needed.
Low-Key: Eyeliner can blend in. If it’s done improperly, it isn’t the end of the world. It’s possible to cover it up if that’s something that you need to do.

Cons of Permanent Eyeliner

As you can see, there are a lot of good reasons to invest in this procedure. Unfortunately, there are also some significant negatives:

Expensive cost: Each procedure can be up to five hundred dollars. With the average cost of the leading brand of eyeliner landing at around seven dollars, it may not be worth it. Plus, if you want lower lids as well, the price can shoot up to one thousand dollars.
Proximity to the eye: This tattooed procedure is incredibly close to the eye. If it’s done incorrectly, it could result in damage to your vision.
Moderate pain Level: This is a very sensitive area. It’s possible to feel a significant amount of pain during and after the procedure takes place.

Permanent eyeliner can add a nice accent to your facial features. If you can handle the cons, it might be a good procedure for you to get.

Permanent Mascara

Lash extensions, or permanent mascara, have existed for a long time and are growing in popularity thanks to celebrity usage worldwide.

Lashes are lengthened by the application of individual hairs to the base of existing eyelashes. They are glued on with surgical glue. Typically, these extensions last anywhere from days to months, depending on how long your natural lashes stay on your eyes.

Pros of Permanent Mascara

Permanent mascara is a big decision that allows for a beautiful, natural-looking extension. There are several benefits to this process:

It’s painless: Since all it takes to apply the lashes is a little adhesive and tweezers, the procedure doesn’t hurt. There are no needles, no wounds, and no holes.
No damage: The lashes fall out with your natural eyelashes. You don’t need to worry about skin damage or infection that might result from getting pierced by a needle.
Easy maintenance: Since the lashes fall out on the cycle of your regular lashes, all you need to do is treat them as your natural ones. No fakes are needed on top of these.

Cons of Permanent Mascara

Lengthening your lashes comes with its own set of risks, though it isn’t as dangerous as other forms of permanent beauty products. Some of the cons are the:

Constant upkeep: Because lashes fall off so often, these must be replaced just as frequently. Since it’s impossible to know when they’ll fall, the results could last anywhere from hours to months.
Cost: Lashes cost around one hundred and seventy-five dollars. With the constant appointments necessary, this can grow to be quite pricey if you want to keep the look.

Eyelash extensions, or permanent lashes, are one of the least invasive and most common treatments. There are fewer risks with this technique than with most of the others.

Permanent Lipstick

This version is essentially a lip tattoo. The needle and color are applied directly to your mouth. You can choose whatever color you’d like and even get it reapplied in a few weeks if the hue isn’t to your liking.

Pros of Permanent Lipstick

Like all of the others, there are both positives and negatives to getting this done on your face. Some of the great things about this process are:

Natural in appearance: Most lip applications only add a light tint to your lips, which looks natural and won’t appear strange if you have no other makeup on your face at certain points in the day.
Minor reapplication: Touch-ups on the lips are only recommended yearly. This is only to ensure that the color looks exactly as the client intended it to.
Numbed procedure: In most cases, an anesthetic is applied beforehand. The needle then shouldn’t be felt by the client, resulting in little to no discomfort.

Cons of Permanent Lipstick

Your lips are a very sensitive and prominent part of your face. Thus, there are some very strong cons to this procedure:

Recovery can be painful: Though the procedure itself may not hurt, the recovery tends to be painful. Your lips may swell for a short period. This is inconvenient for anyone used to being on the move.
Risks of the look: There is always a chance that the color you choose won’t look natural. Make sure you research your color and ensure that it’s the correct shade before you follow through.
It may fade: You eat and drink with your lips, and thus the ink may be affected more than if it were in other locations.

There are both negatives and positives to getting your lips tinted, but in the end, it’s up to you. Research the potential effect and decide whether or not it’s right for your body.

Permanent Face Makeup

Believe it or not, you can get scars and imperfections covered in the form of a tattoo. It’s typically applied below the eyes to erase bags and dark marks placed in the next layer down from the surface.

Pros of Permanent Face Makeup

Getting a permanent foundation applied is a very unique experience. There are a lot of pros that go along with it:

It’s a simple procedure: It’s a little deeper than a tattoo but applied to very small patches of skin. It doesn’t take a lot of time.
It blends in: The entire point of the foundation is to blend in. When it’s done, it should be unnoticeable in the best way.
It’s painless: With the application of numbing cream, this procedure won’t hurt much, if at all.

Cons of Permanent Face Makeup

Though the process of getting a permanent foundation is relatively simple, there are still the same general cons as a normal tattoo:

Skin Damage: If you don’t go to a location where technicians are properly trained, you risk damaging your skin in the process. Make sure you research the place before you spend your money.
Allergic Reactions: There is always a chance of an allergic reaction. With this procedure, it may be all over your face. Ensure that you understand your allergies before moving forward.
Prices: This can be expensive, and it may not be practical to invest in for all.

If you have skin-based imperfections that make you feel insecure, this simple procedure may be a good solution for you.

Blush

Rouged cheeks are a must in the world of beauty, and you can get a permanent tint installed on your face. Like the eyebrows, it’s applied by a procedure known as micropigmentation.

Pros of Permanent Blush

This natural-looking color tint is appealing for a lot of reasons. Some of the positives about the process include:

It can be altered to your liking: You can decide how colored you’d like your cheeks. Whether natural or bright, it’s up to you.
It’s straightforward: The risks are the same as with a tattoo, so there are no surprises. It’s simple.
You can match it to your lips: If you’re getting a natural color applied to your cheeks, you can match it to your lips as well. The features go hand in hand.

Cons of Permanent Blush

As with any procedure, there are also a few cons. Like other parts of the face, the ones involved with this technique are similar to that of a tattoo:

The technique can be expensive: We blush every single day, and blush from a drugstore can last for a long time. This procedure might not make sense financially for many.
The healing process can be long: Your cheeks may be swollen for days, which may not be something many can handle.
The color may be too bright: There is always a risk of improper pigmentation. If you don’t like it, it’s very hard to remove it right away.

Permanent blush is a very unique technique. It’s up to your discretion when determining if ut’s right for you or not.

Permanent Freckles

Freckles are all the rage nowadays. These natural features are added onto faces using henna, eyeliner, and even markers in some cases. Now, you can get these placed onto your face permanently for a small price.

Pros of Permanent Freckles

The concept of permanent freckling can be very tempting and comes with a lot of positives. The pros of freckles include:

Size: Freckles are small. Thus, they look very natural. Since they are so tiny, the procedure is much faster than most of the others.
Ease: The size also allows for ease in terms of pain and precision. It’s difficult to mess up freckles, and the needle won’t be prodding the same place over and over again. Pain is then minimized.
Price: Freckles are one of the least expensive formats of permanent makeup, coming in at around two hundred dollars. If you want them, it’s not too much of a stretch to save up enough cash.

Cons of Permanent Freckles

As with the other procedures, some bad things might come out of this investment. Some of these may be:

Size: Since they’re so small, it doesn’t make much sense to take the time to get them done. They can be mimicked quite easily with less intense procedures.
Price: Although the price is cheaper than other procedures, it’s still a lot of money for a bunch of small dots.

Freckling is a unique form of permanent makeup, and the pros and cons are very strong. It can easily be done, but it can just as easily be replicated with drugstore or Amazon-based products.

Finding a Good Practitioner is Key

If you choose to follow through and invest in one of these, it’s important to find a facility that has good reviews and recommendations. There are a few steps you can take to make sure you are in safe hands:

Check the reviews: When searching for an office, check the reviews for the practitioner on multiple sites. Cross-referencing is important to double-check that reviews aren’t rigged or fake. Don’t get scammed by an unreviewed location when your skin is at risk.
Search your procedure: If you search the procedure you’re getting, often a top practitioner will appear at the top of your results. Again, check their reviews before you follow through.
Cheap isn’t better: Although there are genuinely good deals out there, it’s critical to note that cheap isn’t a better option when you’re dealing with needles. For something like microblading or lip tint, invest to avoid infection or botched procedures.
Ask friends: If you know someone who has had a procedure done, ask them for a recommendation. They might also tell you who to avoid or who you might go to for another similar course of action.

If you keep these four tips in mind when finding a location, you should be able to locate a qualified practitioner without issue. Your safety is the most important thing throughout this process.

Alternative for Permanent Makeup

In many cases, there are nice alternatives for permanent makeup. Although these won’t last years, there’s not a risk of damage. If it’s not to your liking, you can just wait a little bit and continue experimenting until you arrive at a look you love.

Permanent Eyebrow Alternatives

Rather than paying for micropigmentation or microblading, you might try one of these:

Filling in your brows: This is the original and the most time-consuming. Simply take either a brow powder or even eyeshadow and shade the hair to your preferred shape and color.
Tinting your brows: At many stores, they sell a tint that you can use on your brows. It normally comes in the form of an easily applicable gel. You can also get this professionally done.
Laminating your brows: Brow laminating is a realignment of your brows. They last the longest if you are seeking something more permanent than the classical method.

All of these will work well as alternatives for the aforementioned permanent procedures. They do take a bit of work, but they don’t include any of the risks that permanent eyebrow procedures do. These options are all safe and less likely to hurt the skin.

Permanent Coverage Alternatives

There aren’t yet any real alternatives for semi-permanent foundations, but there are facial tanners. They won’t solve imperfections, but they can help hide them.

Some of the top-rated facial tanners on Amazon include:

These tanners also require no sun, so you don’t need to worry about any sun damage that usually comes with tanning outside.

Permanent Freckling Alternatives

For something less permanent, there are two helpful items that you can dab onto your face instead of permanent ink:

Waterproof eyeliner: This can be dabbed onto the face for a look that will stay on during the day and come off at night. It’s cheap and not permanent.
Henna: This is a natural plant dye that has been used for many, many years. You can read more on it here, at tipsforwomen.org.

Both of these methods are excellent ways to get involved in the freckle trend without making a long-term choice.

Permanent Lip Color Alternatives

There are a ton of products for purchase that will stain lips for a while. It won’t last as long as a tattoo on your lips, but often these will hold for a day or two. Some of the best balms and tints on Amazon include:

All of these can be applied quickly but won’t damage your lips or last longer than you want them to. They are also affordable and filled with enough products to stay cheaper than a permanent lip tint.

Permanent Blush Alternatives

Much like the lips, there are many products for the cheeks that will give a stain of color. It can easily be applied and won’t need to be retouched all day. Some great ones that you can find on Amazon are:

A flushed cheek should look natural, and these options will provide a temporary addition that you can alter day by day to your liking. It’s a great substitute for an expensive technique.

Final Thoughts

Permanent makeup is an interesting market that many people have tried over the years. There are important pros and cons involving everything from the prices to the procedure itself. Ultimately, many women simply invest in this process to save time on their morning routines.

It’s critical to know both the risks and rewards with anything permanent or semi-permanent. This procedure isn’t for everyone, but it’s a very innovative and unique thing that people have access to if they would like. Permanent makeup gives women control over their time and the way they look without the daily stress of achieving makeup perfection.