Permanent Make-up Info
By now, the average American woman is familiar with
the term, 'permanent make-up'.... a gentle type of tattooing in
the facial area in the form of eyebrows, eyeliner or lip color. Many
women have either had a procedure done or know of someone that
has had a procedure done. Still, it is a course of action
that one does not rush into. Many people have questions
and concerns that they want addressed and answered.
Hello, I'm Jennifer A. Portley.... licensed esthetician, make-up artist and
permanent make-up specialist. My office for permanent make-up is located
at 5141 Moorpark Ave., Suite 201, San Jose CA. I have been a licensed esthetician
since 1983, starting work in a skin-care clinic specializing in acne control. I
then branched out into the world of cosmetics where I have been working for
over 15 years as an award-winning make-up artist for film, print and video.
In 2001, I completed my education in permanent cosmetics. I found that
with my background, I adapted quite quickly and started my business in the
field immediately. I have been absorbed in the field ever since. But,
always with the realization that one can never know too much, I took additional
courses with those established as the leaders in our industry. And, of
course, as all permanent make-up specialists should, I keep up on all current
literature in the profession.
There are two questions that arise during nearly every client's consultation
with me. The first of these being "Will it hurt?" Which is eventually
followed by "What will it look like?" Let me take the time to address
both of these questions now.
As far as pain is concerned....
We have come a long way in this area. When I had my first procedure done
years ago, permanent make-up specialists were not allowed to offer any type
of topical anesthetics to their clients. Clients had no choice but to
grin and bear it. I will be the first to admit that I did not bear it very
well. Yes, it was painful! But, vanity got the better of me. Shortly
after I healed and saw the set of beautiful, soft eyebrows I now possessed,
I decided to continue on and have a lash enhancement (bits of color implanted
just between the lashes to add definition to the eye and fullness to the eyelashes)
done. I think I was influenced by the 'no pain, no gain' mentality.
And, I had no regrets. I loved the way I looked! Whether I was swimming,
exercising or just stepping out of the shower, I no longer felt the need to
rush to my 'bag of tricks' to quickly apply my conventional cosmetics before
showing my face to the world. What freedom!
It now is possible to feel that same sense of freedom.... without all the pain.
We now have wonderful topical anesthetics available to us. And, in addition,
I have found that doubling the minimum amount of time the anesthetics are recommended
to remain on the skin before beginning the procedure adds much to one's comfort
level.
Most clients tell me that going through a procedure is similar to the feeling
of having their eyebrows tweezed. In fact, I recently did a procedure
on myself. Yes, I decided to be creative one afternoon, pulled out my magnifying
mirror and sat down to add an eyeliner to that old lash enhancement of mine. Unlike
years ago, this time I was able to anesthetize the area. What a difference!
Even I was surprised at how painless it was.
As far as what it will look like....
That is completely up to you! Once we have consulted as to what your
desires are (and yes, as a make-up artist I will definitely give my input),
I will anesthetize the area to be worked on. I will then draw on your
brows, eyeliner, lip-liner etc. in accordance to your specifications. Whether
you prefer, for example, a thin, barely detectable lash-enhancement, Cleopatra
style eyeliner or something in between....any of those looks can be achieved.
Personally, I lean more towards a natural look. Using soft colors and
shapes that blend well with a clients skin tone, hair color and facial structure,
giving a natural look of beauty. I tend to stay away from harsh fads
that may soon go out of style. Remember, one may always add traditional
make-up over the implanted color if a little extra drama is desired on occasion.
But, I will NOT begin a procedure until YOU have approved of the pattern. You
have the final say as to what your end result will be. Once approved,
I will out-line the area with a surgical marker and begin the tattoo, working
within the marked area. There will be no surprises. Only that wonderful
look you try to execute daily with traditional make-up. Only now, it
wont wear off.
If you have any more questions or would like to set up an appointment, please
feel free to call me at 408-262-5639.
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