You may have seen ads for or heard people talking about permanent makeup. It sounds intriguing, but what is it? Basically it is the technique of tattooing facial makeup. It may be used to enhance the eyelids, lips and color of the facial skin. Permanent makeup or permanent cosmetics can also enhance eyebrow shape or create entirely new eyebrows for people who have lost them due to age, genetics or chemotherapy.

The history of creating this artificial make up goes back to the beginning of the twentieth century. Back then, it was done more in secret than it is today. In fact, many women in the 1930s were supposedly given the treatment without even knowing it, believing they were receiving a "complexion treatment."

Today, most people are familiar with permanent cosmetics and can make an informed decision about whether it is right for them. If one wants to make the right decision, one needs to understand more about the process. Things like how it works and side effects are important to consider.

In the United States, permanent makeup artists are overseen by the Department of Health. In some states, State Boards of Cosmetology are the overseers and mandate that makeup artists providing this service must be licensed. In some areas, cosmetologists are not permitted to do the procedure at all. In Australia, the use of the word "permanent" is prohibited due to the fact that it is known that the tattoos will generally fade over time.

Factors that may contribute to fading are exposure to the sun, environmental factors, the amount of color used and activities like swimming or gardening. In addition to fading, there is the possible issue of having too much color, the wrong color or uneven tones. Colors can be lightened or altogether removed. Of course, the use of real makeup can be enough to correct the problems, but the ultimate goal is to eliminate the use of makeup by having the permanent makeup procedure.

There are health concerns to think about as well. Unsterile needles could lead to serious diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Blisters, cracked skin, allergies and scars are also possible. For this reason you should schedule a consult with any permanent makeup artist before using their services. A professional permanent makeup artist will often times be licensed or even come doctor recommended. During your consult, the permanent makeup artist should make you feel at ease by explaining the permanent makeup process and their sterilization procedures.

That being said, most people who have had the procedure have chosen to do so because of problems with their skin, such as vitiligo, a condition where the body lacks skin pigmentation. He result of vitiligo is usually blotchy skin and patches of no color at all. People with vitiligo and other skin issues that have gotten the tattooing clearly felt that this was the best option for their hair loss, skin pigmentation loss and other issues. It is a viable way to deal with troublesome skin and other problems.

As with any type of surgical procedures, you should always check with your doctor before getting permanent makeup done. You may have health concerns that would make it unwise to get it done. And always remember that it is permanent. Yes, it will eventually fade. But it cannot be wiped off with make up remover. Be sure you want your eyes lined or your cheeks rosy before the tattoos go on.