Permanent makeup has become more and more popular for many reasons. First of all, it is much more sophisticated than it used to be. Secondly, it is not only a great way to enhance your face features, but also to cover up scars.
Even though it is called permanent makeup, the more correct name is semi-permanent makeup. Yes, it doesn’t last forever. So how long does it really last?
What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup is a form of cosmetic tattoo. Nowadays, it is nothing as it used to be. In the past, it was done in ink, like traditional body tattoos. But now, pigments of natural origins are used. They are inserted under the surface level of the skin, not as deep as a traditional tattoo, That is why it fades faster.
The lifespan of permanent makeup depends on many different factors, such as skin type and lifestyle. People with oily skin will probably experience faster fading of their permanent makeup. Also, those who spend a lot of time in the water or in the sun will notice that their PMU fades faster.
The Lifespan of Permanent Makeup for Eyebrows
The most popular permanent makeup treatments for eyebrows are microblading and powder brows, but there are many similar techniques, or those like combo brows, that combine microblading and shading. If you wonder what is microblading, the best way to explain it is to compare it to a brow tattoo. However, there are some major differences.
As said above, it is done in PMU pigments, (read more about PhiBrows pigment), and it is done with a manual tool, i,e, a blade that makes small incisions in the skin. Once they are healed, the incisions resemble natural hair strokes. It looks natural and that is why the treatment is so popular.
How Long Does Microblading Last?
The lifespan of microblading is 1.5-2 years. It will start fading after a year and it is expected to fade almost completely after 2 years. People with oily skin, or those who sweat a lot and expose their brows to water quite often, can expect that their eyebrows will fade faster.
To prolong the lifespan of microblading, you need to book a touch-up. It is usually done after a year before the eyebrows fade too much. More pigment is added and they can last longer.
How Long Do Powder Brows Last?
Powder Brows and their pattern ombre powder brows are done with a machine. Eyebrows have a more makeup look, pixelated and soft. They tend to last a bot longer – even up to 3 years.
When it comes to other brow tattoos, they last approximately the same. The average lifespan is two years, after which they fade.
What About Permanent Eyeliner?
Permanent eyeliner is great for people who just can’t imagine their life without an eyeliner. There are different styles to choose from and it is usually done in black and dark brown shades. It also doesn’t last forever – permanent eyeliner will fade to a great extent after 2-3 years but you can book a color boost appointment if you want to prolong it.
And the Lip Tattoo?
Lip tattoo, also known as lip blush is used to enhance the look of the lips but also to correct uneven lips, cover up some scars, or neutralize dark lips. They are done with a tattoo machine and permanent makeup pigments, and their lifespan is 3-5 years.
Scalp Micropigmentation Lasts Longer
Scalp micro pigmentation is one of the best ways to cover up hair loss. Small dots are created to resemble a buzz-cut hairstyle. It looks really natural if done by a professional scalp micro pigmentation artist. The effects can sometimes last up to 10 years, but the average lifespan is 4-6 years.
Nipple and Areola Tattoo
Nipple and areola tattoo is a cosmetic micro-pigmentation for women who have had a mastectomy. They are very realistically done and are great for regaining self-esteem with cancer patients. It lasts for about 10 years.
Conclusion
It is a good thing that permanent makeup is actually semi-permanent. After a couple of years, makeup trends can change. Bold, thick brows are popular right now, but in a couple of years, who knows, maybe thinner brows will be in style, and you want to change your eyebrows. Or you just get tired of the permanent eyeliner and don’t want it anymore, so you realize that it is a great thing it doesn’t last forever.
Morgan Rose Elliott is an aromatherapist, yoga instructor, animal lover, a happily married mother of three. She enjoys reading biographies and writing poems, sunny days on the beach and any shape and form of vanilla. Crazy about the ’80s, her favorite band is Duran Duran (although kids prefer Franz Ferdinand, and the husband Blink182) and she is obsessed with Netflix original Stranger things.