Comparing Permanent Makeup Machines

Women all over the world spend an incalculable amount of time, money, and energy applying makeup—almost every single day. They pick up new and more advanced makeup tools in the hope their face will look flawless. Unfortunately, this rarely goes as planned.

But what if women could simply hop out of bed, grab a cup of coffee and a quick bite, and be out the door in just a few minutes flat? What if they could sleep in an extra 30 minutes every day? For many, this dream has become reality due to permanent makeup machines. Without the use of products, women everywhere can now have full brows, sharp cat eyes, and tinted lips with zero effort!

Now, before we start comparing permanent makeup machines, let’s get into the facts about this modern makeup solution.

What is permanent makeup?

Sometimes called semi-permanent makeup or micro-pigmentation, permanent makeup is a form of cosmetic tattooing but much different than traditional tattooing. With the use of a digital permanent makeup machine, permanent makeup treatments are performed by implanting hypoallergenic pharmaceutical grade pigments into the top layer of the skin.

This process differs from traditional tattooing because it doesn’t go deeper into the skin and uses different ink that is more suitable for sensitive skin. Considering your facial features are made up of sensitive skin, this difference in materials is paramount. Most permanent makeup pigments are made of minerals and other organic materials that don’t irritate the skin.

One of the most common elements used in permanent makeup is iron oxide because it is the most stable. Since it is inert, innocuous, and non-reactive, it is considered safe, harmless, and inactive. Plus, it has a variety of colors available to technicians and it is nontoxic. In fact, aside from the use in minerals for permanent makeup, it’s also been used in traditional cosmetics, medications, foods, skin protection, and religious ceremonies for over a century.

Is permanent makeup safe?

Permanent makeup is totally safe, but like any treatment, there are some factors to consider to avoid infections or other complications. From the makeup artist’s standpoint, getting licensed to perform this procedure is priority number one. No one wants to receive (semi)permanent treatment from someone that isn’t experienced and doesn’t have the proper training.

People should also check with their dermatologist to ensure they don’t have any sensitivities or allergies to the ink. While this is extremely rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

What is the healing process like?

Compared to a traditional tattoo, permanent makeup machines don’t go as deep into the skin, which means the healing process is much shorter. However, it is similar in the sense that scabbing, flaking, and dryness can still occur, so the use of healing ointments and staying away from water for a week or so is recommended. This is much shorter than traditional tattoos, which can take three or more weeks to heal.

How long does permanent makeup last?

Permanent makeup pigment is made up of organic materials that don’t penetrate deep into the skin. So as you’d probably guess, it doesn’t last as long as a traditional tattoo, which is actually what makes it so attractive to those who are interested in the treatment. The idea of tattooing something permanent for the rest of one’s life would be a major deterrent. But fortunately, with permanent makeup, it typically lasts between 1 to 3 years, and sometimes up to 5 years—not exactly permanent but way better than smudging eyeliner.

Depending on the treatment and placement of the permanent makeup, some areas may fade sooner than others. For example, pigment implanted directly on the skin can often last up to 5 years, whereas pigment placed on the lash line or eye line can start fading in a year or two. Some factors that attribute to the fading of permanent makeup pigment include:

The skin type
A person’s age
The amount of sun exposure
Skin reaction to the pigment
Products used on the skin

While there are lifestyle choices that can extend the results of permanent makeup, there are some factors that are out of one’s control.

How can permanent makeup be extended?

While fading is inevitable, there are easy steps to extend the results of permanent makeup—and they are much easier than applying makeup every morning. You can take full advantage of this treatment by simply applying the proper sun protection as you are probably doing already, such as using SPF protection before being exposed to the sun. This will protect the pigment in your skin from getting bleached from the UV rays. When choosing products for your face, you want to avoid Retinols and strong acids, which can fade makeup pigments as well.

What can permanent makeup help with?

While there are several appearance-related concerns that permanent makeup machine treatments can help with, the most commonly corrected issues include:

Uneven or discolored skin pigment
Thin or pale lips
Sparse eyebrows
Thin eyelash line
Hair loss

For those who are constantly worried about their makeup appearing dry, oily, or smudged throughout the day, permanent makeup provides peace of mind—it can eliminate the need for eyeliner, lipstick, and/or foundation.

What are the different types of permanent makeup?

With a permanent makeup machine, you can perform an array of different treatments, but we’ll go over the most popular and common procedures. Different techniques include:

Microblading: This semi-permanent tattooing technique results in the appearance of full eyebrows for women with sparse brows or those that just want to correct the shape of their eyebrow.

Price range: Anywhere from $400 to $1,200

Lip Blushing or Liner: These two treatments typically go hand and hand. With lip blushing, it levels up the color to appear fuller, while lip lining corrects the appearance of asymmetrical or thin lips.

Price range: Anywhere from $500 to $1,500

Permanent Eyeliner: This one is pretty straightforward—it’s the treatment of applying pigment to the lower and upper lash line. This is ideal for women that deal with smudgy or running eyeliner or are sensitive to makeup.

Price range: Anywhere from $600 to $1,000

Hair Strokes: Ideal for mild to moderate hair loss, this technique involves the application of pigment to areas that are thinning to give the appearance of thicker hair. Essentially, it masks some of the loss.

Price range: Anywhere from $700 to $1,000

Permanent Makeup Machine Reviews

With all the different permanent makeup machines out there on the market, we’ll try to make it easier for you to decide by reviewing our top 3 picks. Depending on the type of permanent treatments you’re interested in, one machine might be more ideal than another. Take a look at the features, pros, cons, and comparisons to make a more informed decision.

1. Precision Digital Permanent Makeup Machine

This permanent makeup machine has a powerful, advanced German motor that delivers a smooth, consistent performance. It can quickly switch between the 4 pre-set power modes, from 110-180 RPS, while maintaining a quiet operation without needing to stop mid-procedure. Features such as a foot pedal, precision-control pen, and an ergonomic design allow you to maintain full control and remain comfortable while working for long periods of time.

Pros:

Performs all permanent makeup procedures
Disposable, sterilized aluminum alloy needles
Simply touch to change between modes

Cons:

Needs a power source

Includes:

1 Digital Permanent Makeup Machine
1 Machine pen
1 Foot pedal
1 Power adapter
1 USB cord
1 User manual
15 R1 aluminum alloy needles

2. Digital Advanced Permanent Makeup Machine - Rechargeable

This convenient, easy-to-use portable permanent makeup machine has a sleek design and long battery life that gives you great flexibility. It uses the latest German hollow cup motor that has 16 speeds and six times the surging power of an ordinary motor. You can keep the device plugged in or go cordless for extra comfort and convenience. Made from lightweight, easy to clean aircraft-grade aluminum, this makeup machine is perfect for hair strokes and detail work.

Pros:

Ideal for a wide variety of tasks
Easy-to-read LCD monitor
Conveniently portable design

Cons:

Needs a power source for long procedures

Includes:

1 Master Professional Permanent Makeup Machine
1 Stainless steel pen
1 Power adapter
1 USB data cable
Needle cartridges: MESO9 and MESO12

3. Digital Permanent Makeup Machine - Wireless, Rechargeable

This convenient, simple-to-use wireless permanent makeup tattoo device is perfect for microblading, microshading, hair strokes, eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips. It has a high-powered magnetic rotary motor that gives it a smooth and quiet operation. With its stainless steel design balanced with a comfortable grip, the device functions as an extension of your hand so you can work faster and more efficiently. Ideal for busy artists that work out of the salon.

Pros:

Wireless with a rechargeable battery
Adjustable speed from 110-130 RPS
Fits needles R1, R3, R5, and F5

Cons:

Needs to be recharged between uses

Includes:

1 Wireless Permanent Makeup Tattoo Device
1 Rechargeable batteries
1 Disposable needle cartridge
2 Disposable needles
1 Power supply

Looking to get your permanent makeup license?

The process for acquiring your permanent makeup license is completely dependent upon which state you live in because it spans the fields of cosmetology, tattooing, and even healthcare. In some states, permanent makeup artists are licensed as tattoo artists. However, most states only require a certification or license after you earn an esthetician or cosmetologist license.

If you’d like to validate your qualifications and protect your customers, becoming board certified can set you apart from the crowd of permanent makeup artists. Check out board certifications from places like the American Academy of Micropigmentation or the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Providers to learn the necessary skills to provide high-level permanent makeup services.

For more information, check out permanent makeup schools in your state.

Sources:

https://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/programs/permanent-makeup/licensing#easyNavTitle-5