“Not if you are under 50!!”
Permanent makeup: NOT worth it
Pain: Uncomfortable
In September of 2007 I had my first permanent makeup experience when I decided to get the lash enhancement done. This procedure is not so bad since they just place tiny black dots in between your lashes to give them a fuller look. In fact, I was so happy with the results that I decided to get my eyebrows and full lips done as well - HUGE mistake!
As far as the eyebrows go, I think I look much older now and they are way too dark. The lady matched my dark brown hair but normally eyebrows should be a bit lighter. So I have very dark eyebrows now and they have begun to fade unevenly with the right one lighter than the left. I really would not recommend this unless you have extremely thin brows and always pencil them in.
For the lips, that was definitely one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made! The idea seemed to make sense since I have very faint lips and thought it would be nice to have them shaped and tinted all the time. I intended to get just a light natural-looking tint that would look more like a lip gloss color as opposed to lip stick. But it is really hard to get the color just right because everyone's pigmentation levels are different. My lips are now a bright tangerine color and I am spend much more time covering them up everyday with powder/foundation than I would have spent applying lip gloss. It is also very embarrassing to go swimming or be in any situation where I am not wearing any other makeup or cannot cover them up because they look sooooo bright and clown-like (the gym, the pool/spa, tropical vacation, etc...). I have searched high and low for a method to lighten them but my dermatologist says they should fade over the next couple of years. Blah! Oh yeah, it makes the teeth look a little yellow as well :(
When I compare before permanent makeup photos with after ones, the before ones are always better! I looked younger, fresher, and just more naturally attractive in general. Now I look clownish. I just recommend for anyone considering getting permanent makeup:
- Do you really NEED it (have a scar that doesn't let brow grow, etc..)
- Do you want to have a dating life (because my last boyfriend asked "why are your lips always that bright color" - 99% of guys prefer natural!). If you are married, make sure your hubby won't be turned off because I have heard of that happening, too.
- Imagine waking up and looking like a clown or when you are at the pool/gym - trust me, not places where it looks good to have a fully made-up look.
- Don't do this impulsively...really think for a while about it and research to find the best possible person to do it.
*Remember it IS permanent and you cannot be 100% sure of how the color is going to turn out on your skin...
Good Luck!
Apr 26, 2009Comments and replies (7)
1393 posts
27 Apr 2009
Hi SCGali, Welcome to RealSelf and thanks for all of your insightful reviews. I've really enjoyed reading them. Cheers, --Sharon
1 post
29 Apr 2009
I think your teeth look good, and the pink lipstick that was on in the before picture doesnt look so well i really like your second picture with your lips done and with a little gloss. Your teeth in the second picture look great they dont look painfully bleached like in the before picture
6 posts
30 Jun 2009
I agree, the second picture is better. If the color is too warm for you, get them done again. It looks like she did a nice job with the shape, etc. They are able to do color correction. Maybe go for a cooler color.
1 post
7 Jul 2009
Yeah, I like the second picture WAY better. I think you are just overreacting because you know it's there and different. Relax, nobody knows it's there unless you TELL them. I think the second picture looks LIGHT YEARS better that your before picture!
2 posts
12 Jul 2009
I agree 100% The pale lip color in the first picture is not flattering at all and it actually ages your mouth area. I would guess this woman to be in her late 30's. The second picture is a perfect example of how a natural lip liner should look. i would guess this woman to be in her 20's. This is that big of a difference. When I saw your pictures, I thought that they were the best results out of all the pics! Then I read your story so I am curious as to what the rest of your tattoos look like! But, the only thing that matters is how you feel about your results. If you are unhappy with them, than that is the issue. As far as my opinion of your lips, now look plump, full, and kissable! With just lipgloss! What woman wouldn't want that!?
149 posts
1 Aug 2009
Dear ____, I believe your story, even though some of the other commenters didn't. Pictures can be deceiving; if you feel that your lips looked better before the tattooing, then I'm sure that they did. My lip tattooing came out nicely but it faded fast. I realize that different dyes do different things. I hope that your lips fade fast too.
1 post
20 Sep 2009
I think the second pic looks a ton better! the first pic is done in a cooler tone light. The second pic over all looks warmer, your skin and everything look a different color. Second pic makes you look much younger, you need to relax and accept them, that is the only way you will be happy is to accept them. They are so pretty, your just not used to them being different.