Semi-Permanent Make-Up Is Growing In Popularity – Here’s Why

Demand Has Risen Due To Lifestyle Changes

“We live in a world where people are more conscious of their appearance than ever before, which is why semi-permanent make-up offers a great solution. Not only does it save you time, it has the ability to completely transform your look. It allows you to wake up with your make-up already expertly applied, plus it gives you a great base for applying conventional products. Another benefit is the treatments can be completely tailored to you and your unique features to enhance what you naturally have.”

Brow Treatments Are Popular, But It Doesn’t End There

“Brows put permanent make-up on the map. Microblading and digital tattooing are the two main options – they are essentially just different methods of implanting pigment into the skin. Microblading uses a small, hand-held blade, whereas digital tattooing uses an electrically powered hand piece and needle – more like conventional tattoos. There’s so much that can be done now: from very natural hairstroke brows to more defined powder brows that give youthful definition. However, brows aren’t the only target for permanency. At Tracie Giles London among our mature clientele we’ve seen a huge surge in lip blush treatments and eyeliner tattooing. The former creates a full blush of colour across the lips, while adding definition and creating the illusion of volume that’s often lost as we age. The eyeliner can be done as a subtle lash enhancer or a more dramatic liquid-look.”

Research Is Paramount

“The semi-permanent make-up industry is largely unregulated, which means you must do your research before choosing your clinic or artist. For most pros, their website or other social media accounts are their portfolios of work, so take a look there first and make sure their work matches your desired style and outcome. I recommend messaging the artist if you can, asking them questions and making sure you feel confident in their responses and knowledge. Take a look online at their website and read through their reviews. It’s essential you check to see if they have any industry accreditations too – this will validate their claims and prove they are operating at a high standard. Finally, don’t be driven by price. We’re seeing more and more people come to see us after having it done cheaper elsewhere. If you have to spend a little more to get the best results, do it. You are altering your face and this can’t be hidden or changed easily, so make sure you choose the best.” 

Beware Of Permanent Concealer

“Permanent concealer is a very new procedure, and it’s almost impossible to predict the long-term results of it. One thing we do know is that the results are very much permanent – they cannot be removed from the skin. Unlike microblading, lip blushing and other permanent treatments, the ink used for this concealer treatment is very different. It usually contains titanium dioxide, which is impossible to get rid of as laser treatments will react with the ink and make it turn black. The other known risk of permanent concealer is that any white pigment – which is needed to replicate some skin tones – rises in the skin over time and will eventually discolour, turning the colour of sour cream. The inability to remove permanent concealer (combined with the unstable white pigment and added factors such as under-eye skin sagging as we age) is why we don’t currently offer it at Tracie Giles London. It’s a treatment to be cautious of.”

Hairstroke Treatments Are The Most Anti-Ageing

“I’m often asked which permanent treatment I’d recommend for those a bit older. Everything can be tailored to you, and there’s no doubt each one comes with some powerful, anti-ageing benefits, but for those who are more mature, I recommend some natural brows. This can be done to mimic your real arches by tattooing the skin gently. It’s really complementary for our older clients and we can tattoo the hair strokes in a such a way that we build a higher brow arch – lifting this way gives a more youthful appearance.”