What is Cosmetic Tattooing?

If you are on this page chances are you have already heard about micro-blading since the media has been going crazy about brows over the past couple of years. The eyebrow tattooing technique has practically gone viral. Micro-blading is a form of cosmetic tattooing and since then cosmetic salons like this one are inking on lip colors, blush, freckles, and more. 

What is Cosmetic Tattooing?
[image: pexels by yan krukov]

Cosmetic tattooing is a cosmetic treatment that has become quite popular around the globe over the past decade. Also known as “micropigmentation”, the treatment requires the insertion of color pigments into the skin’s middle layer (dermis layer). This process will improve appearance, facial definition and have a long-lasting effect. The treatment makes it look like you have a natural appearance of perfectly applied makeup and enhanced features. 

Cosmetic tattooing is not permanent and fades over time due to a number of factors. This treatment is not just an extension of ‘beauty therapy’ but is an art and science that requires experience, skill, expertise, trust, and compassion for both the professional and the client. 

Types of cosmetic tattooing

Micro-blading

As mentioned, this is the most popular form of micropigmentation. This technique colors in individual hair strokes that mimic your natural eyebrows to create a final natural look. This is also known as brow feathering or microshading. The important part for all cosmetic tattooing is to study the artist’s previous work and make sure you are happy with how it looks first.

Lip blushing

This technique gives you a simple wash of sheer color across the lip. Artist’s mimic the natural lip shade of their client and color in a deeper layer of pigment in order to make the lips stand out. The final result looks like you applied a coat of lip tint. This process is more intense and may require two or three touch-ups because the skin on the lips doesn’t retain the color as well.

Eyeliner

These tattoos sit above or within the lash line, it helps give the appearance of fuller lashes. Lash enhancement is done if you’re going for a more natural look, the tattoos sit within the lash line. The eyeliner tattoo sits about the lash line and makes it look like you’ve applied a coat of eyeliner as soon as you wake up.

Scar camouflage

This process tattoos the skin with a flesh-colored pigment in order to cover up a scar. The pigment of the tattoos is custom blended to the skin pigment of the client. It takes two or three sessions to see the finished results.

How is cosmetic tattooing done?

This process is done with a cosmetic tattoo handheld implanter. This pen contains iron oxide that creates the look of freshly applied makeup. A professional and advanced implanter will use more than one machine and many needles depending on the type of micropigmentation. The depth of the pigmentation is also different depending on the type of cosmetic tattoo, this process is carefully measured and regulated to make the procedure safe and controlled. 

The range of colors and intensity clients can choose from is almost endless. You can choose to have a custom color to your skin tone or choose a color that completely veers from your natural color. These practitioners are qualified color specialists. 

How long does a cosmetic tattoo last?

Different types of cosmetic tattooing have a different ‘expiry date’, after a while the treatment begins to fade due to the healing and renewal of the skin. Microblading takes up to 12-18 months until you need to go back for a touch-up. After 12 months the pigments will look faded and you will have to use makeup for the same effect. For this reason, some clients return for touch up as soon as they can and others wait a while longer. 

Lip and eyeliner tattoos take 1 year after the initial touch-ups require in order to darken the color to the intensity of the desire. These tattoos also take a longer time to heal than microblading. The scar camouflage can take multiple years until it fades and needs a touch-up because it has a thicker texture and no sweat glands. With good skincare and minimal exposure to the sun, it lasts a lot longer than other types of semipermanent makeup.

Potential risks or side effects

Infection is a risk for any micropigmentation and any type of body tattoo. The skin is being opened up and pathogens can easily be spread. You need to make sure your artist is trustworthy and is using disposable, single-use tools. Clients also need to take appropriate care of the skin after the procedure by staying out of the sun for 10 days and keeping the area dry. 

You should also schedule a follow-up appointment after six weeks just to check and make sure the skin has healed properly. Other than the medical risks you can also be stuck with a finished product that you are unhappy with and will have eyebrows you don’t like for over a year.