Inks and pigments are regulated in the US by the FDA in the same manner that food colorants and cosmetics are regulated. Therefore there is a standard when it comes to quality control if you choose to check into what dyes, inks, or pigments are going to be used for your eyebrow tattoo. That is good news if you are concerned about what is being injected into your skin, but there is bad news if you are hoping to find that the FDA also regulates how these pigments or inks are used specifically in the tattoo industry (I’ll explain this more in a moment). And the tattoo business as a whole continues unregulated. The only control is at a local level.

The issue of pigment control and how they are used in the cosmetic tattooing field is one that may take some time to sort out because there are more than 50 pigments and many more diluents, and although the pigments themselves may be FDA approved, they are not actually approved for injecting into the skin. It appears it is one thing to apply a cream with pigment X and quite another to implant pigment X directly into your body. Also the main concern may not be the ink itself but the diluents or additives used with the eyebrow tattooing pigments that would otherwise change the FDA approvability. It has been reported that some tattoo inks are in fact industrial-grade. So check that they are in fact approved for human consumption or for cosmetic use. That much you can do by simply asking your tattoo artist or aesthetician to read the label.

It has been reported that some tattooing centers have not been using the new disposable needles and guns for eyebrow tattoos and therefore use reusable equipment that must be sterilized. If however an eyebrow tattooing clinic is so lax as to not upgrade to the modern technology, it may be safe to assume they are not looking out for the health of their clients and may be negligent about sterilizing their antiquated equipment. Simply put: Do not get any kind of tattoo from a place that does not use disposable needles and modern machines.

A little trivia regarding blood donation and Tattoos

It’s a strange regulation, but it’s not permitted to donate blood immediately following getting a tattoo. In the US, you must not give blood for a year after having been tattooed because of the potential risk of spreading an infectious disease such as hepatitis. Although it seems like a strange measure, there must be some reason for such a drastic rule. It may be to control those who get artistic tattoos in unsanitary tattoo shops, and this may not affect those who go to clinics for cosmetic tattooing, however it’s something to keep in mind when selecting your tattoo shop.

Allergic Reactions to eyebrow tattoos

Since there is no regulation, it is not surprising that there are sometimes allergic reactions to the pigments or to the dilatants that have been used. There have been cases where the allergy to the tattoo is not felt for several years and then suddenly flares up to the surprise of the itchy, swollen tattoo bearer. If the tattoo is on the eyelid or eyebrow, this sudden allergic reaction can be extremely uncomfortable and debilitating.

Keloids and Eyebrow Tatto Removal

There are also risks associated with eyebrow tattoo removal, such as keloids, which are scars that form as a result of an injury or trauma to the skin. Since the body views laser tattoo removal or dermabrasion as a trauma it may develop keloids.

A final Unhappy Note about Eyebrow Tattoos

Many doctors report that they often hear how unhappy people are as a result of being unable to remove tattoos. For women with eyebrow tattoos it is worse than for a sailor with the wrong girl’s name on his arm. An eyebrow tattoo is on the face, the first thing you present to others. Altering the eyebrow tattoo that has gone wrong is a difficult and expensive procedure.

Based on what doctors’ report, what patients have to say, and what the FDA facts are regarding the absence of regulations, I must say that caution should be used before any woman gets a hasty permanent eyebrow tattoo.

Eyebrow Tattooing – a lifestyle Choice

For me, permanent make-up was of interest for several reasons. Three factors provided the impetus for me to begin researching permanent make up and see if it would be right for me and my lifestyle:

1. First I am blond and blue-eyed with very light facial hair, light eyebrows and light lashes, which I regularly had tinted slightly darker at a beauty salon about once a month. However, I still applied makeup as usual. Tinting my brows only fixed the areas where there was hair and did nothing for the sparse brow areas where there was nothing more than fine blonde wisps that didn’t take well to dye. It seemed there were always gaps in my eyebrows which I had to fill with a pencil. I was also forever applying eyeliner, especially in the heat where makeup doesn’t last long.
2. The second reason was that swimming was my main form of exercise, often in the sea in isolated areas, but when I was in the city, I usually swam early in the morning before going to work, and then had to hurriedly apply my make up in the locker room.
3. The third element was that as a career woman I had to look good all day, everyday. Being a journalist, I couldn’t spend my time on make up and how I looked when I had serious pressing matters to attend to and deadlines to meet. As an international correspondent, I was often sent on remote assignments where I still had to look good for the camera, but where there were no beauty salons.

Cosmetic Tattooing – Finding Your Shape

In Asia, especially China, permanent make-up is very popular, almost commonplace, because Chinese women have virtually no facial hair, no eyebrows, and the most invisible lashes I have ever not seen. Most professional women (in Hong Kong and the larger cities on the mainland, as well as Japan and other urban centers in Asia) have eyebrow tattoos and permanent eyeliner just to make it appear they have lashes. Since the art of permanent makeup originated in the East, its popularity is not at all surprising. However, at that time I was initially considering a permanent eyebrow tattoo, it was popular to have high arched brows with long slanted ends, and eyeliner that extended beyond the eye in a more theatrical “geisha girl” manner. So as I researched and observed the results of cosmetic tattooing and saw eyebrow tattoo pictures at clinics, I seriously doubted there would be a permanent make up artist who would be able to give me the natural look I wanted.

As I have said above, women’s fashion in Asia at the time was quite dramatic, with an arched brow and long extended liner around the eyes, I needed to find a clinic that would understand my need for natural. This proved much easier than I imagined because I was told that following the natural brow line is the easiest way to get eyebrows tattooed. All the clinics and eyebrow tattoo artists agreed. The women who wanted dramatic arched brows usually had ALL their natural brow removed by electrolysis first, and then had the tattoo totally replace their brows. I wasn’t interested in this and was therefore informed it would be very easy to simply follow the natural brow line without changing anything.

The first brow is always the easiest. It’s with the second one that you have to pay extra attention to because it can turn out uneven. If the natural brow shape for both brows is not the same, then it is imperative that the tattoo artist make slight corrections because the brow imperfections will become more pronounced being darker, and these slight differences in the natural brow will be accentuated and make them appear unnatural. Eyebrow tattooing, if done with care, can correct a natural defect in the shape of a slightly crooked or flawed natural eyebrow profile.

Eyebrow Tattoos – Selecting the Pigment

The first ladies I spoke with said that if I had eyebrow tattoos and permanent eyeliner done, it would appear too dark for a few days or weeks, but that it would fade into a natural look. They also said that if I wanted to fade the tattoo eyebrows faster I could use a little Retin-A or Glycolic Acid, and that chlorine from swimming pools also did the trick. Since I swam, I wasn’t too worried.
I was also told to ask for brown pigment mixed with some black (despite being blond) so that the end color for eyebrow or eyeliner, would not turn into an unnatural reddish-brown or blue-black which could happen if only brown or only black pigments were applied during the eyebrow tattooing procedure. Also, while the pigment selection for eyebrow tattoos can be close to your natural hair color, permanent eyeliner pigments should be darker and more dramatic, dark brown, black or even blue depending on how you usually apply your makeup. Light brown pigments are close to henna color and fade quickly and are most likely to turn an unnatural reddish hue over time. Pure black pigments turn bluish-grey over time.

For women who have naturally light hair, highlights or bleached hair, or who do not maintain the same exact shade of hair color from month to month or year to year, may want to go with a darker brow pigment for the initial eyebrow tattooing procedure and then slightly bleach the natural brow hair from time to time to match the tone of the most recent coiffure.

I was told not to panic about eyebrow color for at least 30 days after receiving the tattooed eyebrows. Naturally I wanted to see eyebrow tattoo pictures, the famous before and after pictures, and all the good clinics had large portfolios of such. I noticed that some of the darker brown brows faded into a grayish color and that the medium brown colors sometimes faded into auburn or pinkish hues that were not very appealing. However, aside from the usual before and after eyebrow tattoo pictures, there were also “after-after” pictures that showed the results of touchups weeks or months after the first procedure and in almost every case the results were very good. Touchups are almost required. So don’t panic if you see a color too light or a small gap here and there after the first tattooing.

Is Permanent Make Up Permanent?

The answer is YES. A tattoo is considered permanent because even after many, many years there will always be a slight hint of the tattoo, forever (unless removed by laser surgery). But NO it is not permanently the rich color you receive at first. Tattoos fade considerably and can become almost invisible over time, especially if you swim, are exposed to sun and clean you r face with astringents. Cosmetic tattooing is the same as artistic tattooing in regards longevity. The difference is the amount of color and the thickness of the lines in artistic tattoos that make the fading process less obvious. Tattoo pigments, in general, react differently to skin types, and there are also different qualities of pigments, some that last longer than others.
Eyebrow tattoos, and permanent make up, is only strong and fresh looking for about 2 years and can fade completely within 7 -10 years. This also depends on the thickness of the tattoo lines. A delicate brow or eye line will not last as long as a thick one. Most of the ladies I know who have had their eyebrows tattooed in a delicate and natural manner have had them refreshed every 3 to 5 years, just to fill in the faded areas and give a little refresher to the brow or liner. I have had touchups every 3-4 years.

Is it painful to get eyebrow tattoos or eyeliner?

The simple answer is yes. A fine needle vibrates and injects pigment into your skin so there is no way for it not to hurt a little. However I have never had the procedure without topical anesthetic having been applied. This helps a lot. Don’t worry about local anesthetic needles or being woozy from a sedative. It’s nothing like that. You are fully conscious throughout the procedure. A numbing liquid is applied, only to the area that will be tattooed, using a cotton swab.

Is it Safe and Hygienic to have Eyebrow Tattooing?

Yes. Even in the smallest clinic in the third world and on the streets of Bangkok and India, the tattoo needles employed these days are disposable. A new needle is used for each procedure, for each color and for each client. Just to be on the safe side, watch the tattoo artist remove the needle from the plastic wrap and insert it into the gun. If you arrive and the needle has already been inserted into the gun, ask for a new one to be put in. Afterwards the scabs that form are small, more like a thin crust over the tattooed area. If they have been disinfected they do not cause problems to a healthy person and heal quickly. Do not pick off the scabs. When they itch, splash your face with cool water and pat dry. I would only advise caution about getting cosmetic tattoos if you are a diabetic, heal very slowly or have a medical condition that makes you prone to bleeding or healing poorly. For most people a tattoo procedure, be it cosmetic or artistic, is not a serious health risk at all.

What to Expect After a Cosmetic Tattooing Procedure

On the day of my first procedure, I was asked to arrive at the cosmetic tattooing centre wearing my make up as I wished it would be when the permanent make-up was applied. I was given a mirror to follow what the tattoo artist was doing at all times and felt very much in control of the procedure.

I was told that if I was unhappy with the result, I should immediately (upon having a scab which is a normal part of the healing process), peel off the scab and apply glycolic acid, and keep scrubbing off the scabs until nothing remained. Then the brow could be redone. If the tattoos were allowed to heal completely, the pigment would be encapsulated, or sealed into the skin, and would be unable to correct without an eyebrow tattoo removal procedure at a later time.

Fortunately for me, my initial permanent make up procedure was expertly done and the results were more than satisfactory. I did have to return three times for touchups, mostly to darken areas that lightened too much when the scabs dried and fell off. However after about two months, when everything had healed and all the touchups were finished, I had exactly what I wanted, permanent makeup that didn’t smudge, rub off, or run down my face, even on the hottest days or while I swam in the sea.

By the way, I never had to pay extra for a single touchup. It is usually included in the initial price.

I have since had my permanent make up redone and added to several times in different parts of the world. I will write other articles about where to have the procedure done and a few suggestions for those of you who have had it done and are unhappy with your eyebrow tattoos.

I will address the issue of eyebrow tattoo removal because no woman should be forced to live with a face she doesn’t like. And there are alternatives, such as laser tattoo removal, which I hope to help you with in future posts.

Some of the books that I recommend deal with reasons to get an eyebrow tattoo or permanent makeup and others explain personal benefits and risks. A few of the books have been written for aestheticians, technicians and cosmetic tattooing professionals however these books also contain valuable information that a client may also benefit from. Being an active participant will encourage the specialist to give you the best treatment possible and you will find the cosmetic tattoo experience a fascinating one as you journey into the world of your own beauty.

I Love My Permanent Makeup

by Debbie McClellan

Although you may have an hour consultation with a permanent makeup specialist prior to the procedure, it is difficult for you to know what questions to ask and for a specialist to give you all the information available in such a short span of time. That is why this book is great for you to read before the procedure because it has the 65 most common questions and their answers regarding permanent makeup.

It also contains information regarding safety and includes testimonials from women from different parts of the world who tell about their positive cosmetic tattooing experiences and how their tattoo eyebrows have turned out. This book is the revised edition of Is Permanent Makeup for you.

101 Questions & Answers On Permanent Makeup for the Technician

by Debbie McClellan

This book is directed toward a professional permanent makeup and eyebrow tattooing specialists and offers the steps that qualified professionals will take in creating eyebrow tattoos, eyeliner, lip liner and full lip procedures. It helps with making the all important color decision for matching hair colors and even skin undertones. She offers quite extensive information on skin undertones because by knowing these tones it can help to decide on the best possible colors for cosmetic tattoos.

The author Debbie McClellan is a qualified and experienced cosmetic tattooing expert who, as a permanent makeup specialist for more than 13 years, has 10,000 successful procedures to her credit. Her book discusses implanting techniques and if touchups are really a normal part of makeup tattooing follow-up procedures.

She discusses equipment and table set up and the actual eyebrow tattooing procedure. She answers questions about migration and how to properly measure brows when drawing them on before the tattooing begins. There are suggestions on how to improve the shape and style of the brow as well as tips for lips, especially lip liner procedures and how to fill them in. She also discusses the lip colors that are best and most often used, and how to keep colors looking rich.

(Spanish Edition)

Permanent Makeup and Reconstructive Tattooing

by Eleonora Habnit

If you’re like me (before I decided to tattoo my eyebrows), and are tired of the daily ritual of makeup, and desire to have perfect eyeliner, eyebrows and outlined lips then author Eleonora Hanit suggests that permanent makeup may be what you need. She also suggests that if your hands are shaky or you are allergic to cosmetic products the choice of having cosmetic tattooing or an eyebrow tattoo may be right for you. She writes that permanent tattooing can help to conceal scars and be the last step to completing a look after cosmetic or plastic surgery.

Eleonora Habnit is a specialist in the field and her book offers many eyebrow pictures and before and after shots of those who have had permanent makeup.

She also discusses ways to find and work together with a professional if you are considering a procedure and gives an idea on eyebrow tattoo cost. There is also information for those who are contemplating becoming specialists in this area of tattoo art. For professionals she gives information on color, equipment, certification and professional associations in the United States. It is a book that is dedicated to the public and will also be useful to permanent makeup practitioners, cosmetic surgeons, tattoo artists, and anyone who is the beauty and cosmetics industry.

Milady’s Aesthetician Series: Permanent Makeup, Tips and Techniques

by Pamela Hill

This book, written in 2006, may be a little outdated as to the newest equipment, but Pamela Hill’s suggestions regarding permanent makeup and eyebrow tattos techniques that remain timeless.

This book is designed both for the tattoo specialist as well as the general public with topics for how to get involved in this profession, and for those already qualified, how to expand on techniques. It also contains information regarding cosmetic tattooing laws in the United States. For readers who are interested in undergoing a cosmetic procedure for the first time, she discusses aspects of anatomy and physiology and explains pigments and how the best results can be achieved. This is an illustrated book with eyebrow tattoo pictures and photographs of the techniques and what to expect from permanent tattooing makeup procedures.

Beautiful Brows: The Ultimate Guide to Styling, Shaping, and Maintaining Your Eyebrows

by Nancy Parker and Nancy Kalish

This book has illustrations and instructions that will help you to create beautiful brows. It may be useful for those who are contemplating a permanent makeup procedure because it helps to decide what shape and style of brow will be best with your face shape and to enhance your best features and also may provide ideas for temporary eyebrow tattoos that you can later have made into permanent ones.

Although it is designed as a guide for plucking and shaping your own brows, it has pertinent information that you can discuss with a cosmetic tattoo professional to help you and your specialist achieve the best permanent eyebrows. There are few book son the market that have this much eyebrow specific information that is laid out in terms any woman can easily follow and understand.

The contents of this book tells it all:

Part One:

• The best Brow Formula: Choosing the right shape for you
• Anatomy of an eyebrow
• The five basic brows
• Step one: Find your face shape
• Step two: Figure out your signature features
• Step three: Determine your best brow strength
• Step four: Put it all together

Part Two:

• Define and Conquer:
• How to shape, color, and recreate your brows
• The tools of the trade
• Good Riddance: the best (and worst) hair removal methods
• Eyebrows for dummies: Brow shaping 101
• Arch Enemies: The most common brow problems
• Basic brow cleanup
• Consider your inner corner

How to Create the Perfect Eyebrow

by Victoria Bush

Victoria Bush offers 13 chapters on how to create the perfect eyebrow by comparing what other beauty and eyebrow shaping experts have written and expanding upon that information. Victoria Bush is a makeup artist, image consultant and has a line of eyebrow enhancement products.

Again this book is not specific to the permanent makeup industry, but it is specific to eyebrows, and before any cosmetic tattooing or before a micropigmentation tattoo specialist even comes near to working on your brows, YOU must know the shape and style and have a plan for what you hope to achieve.

This book can help you decide on tattoo patterns for your brow and how you can work with a specialist to get that perfect eyebrow shape perhaps by using the suggestions to play with temporary tattoo eyebrows before getting the real deal, or by shaping your natural brows better so that eyebrows tattoos will simply enhance what you already have achieved naturally.

Here is what Victoria Bush discusses in 169 pages divided into 13 chapters:

• Chapter 1 – The art and science of creating beautiful, symmetrical brows
• Chapter 2 – The study of the facial zones
• Chapter 3 – The study of the geometric face shapes
• Chapter 4 – The study of eye set
• Chapter 5 – Assessing the facial features
• Chapter 6 – Assessing the eyebrow
• Chapter 7 – Rules of proper eyebrow management
• Chapter 8 – Corrective techniques to the eyebrow to enhance the features of the face
• Chapter 9 – Eyebrow design methods
• Chapter 10 – Performing eyebrow design and enhancement
• Chapter 11 – Hair removal for the eyebrows
• Chapter 12 – Other eyebrow enhancement services
• Chapter 13 – Case studies: Eyebrow design in practice

Makeup Makeovers: Expert Secrets for Stunning Transformations

by Robert Jones

International makeup artist Robert Jones believes any woman can be beautiful and he details how this is possible with a step-by-step guide and lots of photos.

Although this book does not discuss permanent makeup techniques nor eyebrow tattoos, it is a perfect compliment to cosmetic tattooing treatments because the end result is for a woman to use her features to look her best. How to apply a little foundation makeup in a way that will make her feminine after her procedures can be useful. The great thing about this book is that’s not about celebrities or unattainable model looks but about how to enhance your skin and eyes and bring your best to the forefront with your own true beauty from the inside out.

Tattooed eyebrows, perfect eyeliner and even lips filled with permanent color are a great place to begin, but it’s still necessary to know simple techniques to camouflage flaws and how to make your new eyes and brows really work in your favor. This book is for women of all ages not just the ones with young perfect skin. It has been recommended by Rhonda Shasteen, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Mary Kay Inc.

Straight Talk about Cosmetic Surgery (Yale University Press Health & Wellness)

by Arthur W. Perry MD

Dr. Arthur W. Perry, a plastic surgeon for over 20 years, gives general information on all procedures pertaining to cosmetic treatments. He discusses benefits and risks and explains terms and offers suggestions for finding doctors and facilities. It is an ideal book to read if you are considering any kind of cosmetic surgery or skin-care procedures as well as those who need advice regarding tattoo removal.

Although he does not specialize in permanent makeup tattooing, make up tattoo micropigmentation or specific eyebrow tattooing applications, he touches on these topics and his advice and suggestions are pertinent for those who are contemplating procedures in conjunction with a cosmetics tattoo, such as scare removal and illness related cosmetic enhancement needs.

Here is an overview of the book’s contents:

The book also discusses:

1. The Future of Plastic Surgery
2. Fees for Typical Procedures
3. National Ranking for Cosmetic Procedures
4. Age Distribution of Cosmetic Procedures

Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery for Darker Skin Types

by Pearl E Grimes

This book offers a guide to surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic treatment of patients with darker skin pigmentation — African, Asian, and Latin descent and is actually written by a variety of international experts.

Amongst the wide range of surgical topics he does include advice on micropigmentation and permanent tattooing procedures and also on tattoo removal and skin discoloration. The book is edited by a world-renowned researcher on pigmentation disorders and is enhanced with over 350 color illustrations.

The Eyebrow

by Robyn Cosio

Robyn Cosio, a renowned make-up artist in New York and LA who specialized in eyebrows, has provided an eyebrow shaping and designing encyclopedia that includes a historical overview of the brow, and offers facts that are also entertaining such as how women used false eyebrows from mouse hides in the 1700’s.

There are many examples of famous eyebrows and how the eyebrow gives shape to ears, and she even discusses male brows.

She does not discuss eyebrow tattooing at any length but does provide many ideas for designs and shapes and the book is full of eyebrow photographs which may be helpful to those who are contemplating redesigning their brows with eyebrow cosmetic tattooing procedures.

Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority

by Melissa Schweiger

Melissa Schweiger is a freelance writer and editor with articles in Women’s Wear Daily, Interview, Marie Claire, Redbook, Hamptons, Seventeen, and In Style, and on Sephora.com. This is not a book I recommend for its intellectual merits or as a guide on cosmetic tattoo or microimplataion procedures. It is simply a book that may be useful to guide those who are searching for a new look and need ideas.

There are full color pictures and lots of brows and lots of simple beauty suggestions for beginners. It’s a picture book with lots of Sephora products but the faces and their eyebrows may serve to inspire your new eyebrow tattoo!

Eye Candy: 55 Easy Makeup Looks for Glam Lids and Luscious Lashes

by Linda Mason

Linda Mason is a professional makeup artist from New York who in this book has catered more to a young audience, however the eyebrow shapes in the 55 looks she offers in full color illustrations are good to find a brow that will be right for a younger person and for the older women who may want to see the difference between brows and makeup styles from fun daywear to dramatic eveningwear.

There are diagrams and instructions for makeup, but for those who are considering eyebrow tattoo procedures the photos are a great way to get an idea of what is possible, see different face shapes and arches and to see how makeup can be later applied to enhance the brows and facial features once the cosmetic tattooing has been completed.

Make-Up : Fresh Ideas for Fantastic Looks

by Bernadine Bibiano for The Body Shop

This may be a beauty book for beginners written to promote The Body Shop products, however, it is a very useful tool for those who are needing inspiration while seeking to change their eyebrow shape or their look because the photographs are not of perfect western models but beautiful real people from all around the world with a variety of skin tones and complexions and facial features.

This book does not discuss cosmetic tattooing but does offer real advice for looking your best and has lovely pictures of eyebrows that may provide the basis for eyebrow cosmetic tattooing. And, The Body Shop has some excellent products for caring for your skin; especially tea tree oil products that will help to care for your eyebrow tattoos after your procedure is finished.

Remember a little tee tree will sooth the swelling immediately after the eyebrow tattoo procedure and help to avoid excessive scabbing and crusting during the healing process. There are also tea tree sprays that you can lightly mist your face with when you feel your tattoo eyebrows itch and cannot scratch or rub them after days after the procedure.

Asian Faces: The Essential Beauty and Makeup Guide for Asian Women

by Taylor Chang-Babaian with a foreward by Yoko Ono

Professional makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian has created a beautiful book with techniques and styles for Asian women of all ages and ethnicities. I have included this book on my recommended list not because it is the best beauty book on the market but because it has 100 full-color photographs of Asian women that might inspire eyebrow tattoos from where eyebrow tattooing began – Asia.

Although the technical aspects of cosmetic tattooing procedures are not discussed, I suggest it as a resource for finding YOUR look. Since this book is filled with gorgeous pictures that do not try to make Asians look Caucasian but enhance their own unique beauty features, I believe it is essential for international women who seek eyebrow ideas and makeup tips prior to micropigmentation or tattoo eyebrows enhancement.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro

by Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown, if you don’t already know, is an internationally renowned makeup artist and CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Her products are sold in over 400 stores and 20 countries worldwide. Bobbi is also the exclusive beauty editor of NBC’s TODAY show and a frequent guest on E! and the Style channels. Need I say more!!

My list of beauty books and eyebrow enhancement suggestions and photo idea books would just not be complete with at least one of Bobbi Brown’s books. You can select any of her books because they are all great, well written, easy to understand and have lots of glossy pictures. This book includes some breathtaking photos that may inspire you and your cosmetician to create the best eyebrow tattoos yet. Enjoy! It’s Bobbi Brown, you won’t regret reading her and looking at her creative faces.

Making Faces

by Kevyn Aucoin

This book is by the famous Kevyn Aucoin who needs no introduction since his work is on the faces of Cher, Tina Turner, Vanessa Williams, Julia Roberts and others.

The final chapter is entertaining and fantastic with the likes of Isabella Rosselini, Demi Moore, and Nicole Kidman as made-up characters that are wonderfully photographed.

Just for fun and ideas, check out these gorgeous star’s eyebrows for permanent make up eyebrow tattoo inspirations.

Kevyn Aucoin’s other bestseller, Face Forward, is also a great book for eyebrow tattoo shape ideas. Again this incredible makeup artist shows what he can do to faces like those of Calista Flockhart, Jodie Foster, Jewel, Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Pfeiffer, Diana Ross, Christy Turlington, and Vanessa Williams. There are more than a few good eyebrow shapes amongst these!!!

Beautifeye: State-of-the-Art Methods to Enhance and Rejuvenate the Eyes, Brow & Face

by Dr. Stephen Bosniak

Author Stephen Bosniak, both an eye surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon, has complied invaluable information regarding surgical and non-surgical procedures to help you select which ones to use to rejuvenate your eyes; everything from brow lifts to Botox and semi-permanent makeup.

It is co-authored by Dr. Marian Zilkha, an eye surgeon, who tells of the latest medical procedures from Brazil to New York.

This book is not only informative regarding micropigmentation options and eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup solutions but is also filled with helpful illustrations. The book is endorsed by Kevyn Aucoin.

The Green Beauty Guide

by Julie Gabriel

Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances…

Nutritionist, and beauty advisor Julie Gabriel discusses green health and beauty, and ways to make your own beauty products.

Yes I know this book has nothing to do with eyebrow tattoos in specific, but since I love to make my own beauty products with olive oil, shea butter, avocado and cucumber, I thought I’d share this with you, so that after your permanent makeup procedure you can come home to nourish your skin in natural ways and keep your permanent makeup permanently lovely on fresh skin.

Although cosmetic tattooing can be performed for vanity, as in my case, there are many people who use this technology to restore natural features that have been lost due to certain diseases such as multiple sclerosis or the results of hair loss after a chemotherapy or for those who have a condition known as alopecia and have lost all facial hair.

It is also a practical solution to makeup application for seniors who do not have steady hands, or for those who are visually impaired and can’t apply their own makeup on a daily basis. Many women are also allergic to cosmetic products and although they desire to enhance their natural beauty with a little touch here and there are unable to do so and therefore opt for cosmetic tattooing.

Permanent Make Up and Sensible Vanity

For those of us who choose cosmetic tattooing or permanent make up for reasons that appear to be purely vanity based, there is a sensible side to it too. Active professional woman may choose eyebrow tattooing or permanent eyeliner or lip liner to better manage their time. Many career oriented woman need to look great but have demanding careers that don’t permit them to fuss and fret over their makeup everyday.

Permanent make-up can save time and frustration for a busy professional who gets up early, cares for family or children and then must look “put together” at the office. For business women who travel a lot it can be a godsend to arrive at an airport just in time for a meeting and be already made up, eyebrows perfect and eyeliner un-smudged so that with a dash of lip gloss she’s ready for the boardroom.

Let’s assume that you have researched eyebrow tattoos and you know it’s the right choice for you because you have sparse eyebrow hair, and what is visible is fine or blonde, or perhaps you are recovering from an illness that caused hair loss and you simply wish for a natural looking permanent eyebrow tattoo to feel whole again. You have decided that the benefits outweigh the potential risks and you just need to know where is the best place to go for tattoo eyebrows that will enhance your look.

First you can check out plastic surgery clinics in your area and ask if they offer cosmetic tattooing. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that the procedure can be performed in hygienic clinical conditions that will set your mind more at ease. Just make sure that they offer a selection of colors and high quality pigments and will take the time to design your brow the way you want it.

Second, go to your favorite hair salon or aesthetician and ask for them to recommend an aesthetic permanent make up artist in your area. Most hair care professionals and regular makeup artists are familiar with who does eyebrow tattoos for the best price and with the most care. There are also highly qualified tattoo artist and permanent make up specialists who work from home and have better prices than the clinics or beauty salons and offer personalized appointments.

Your ideal eyebrow tattoo shop, clinic or beauty salon selection should be based on where you feel most comfortable having the procedure done. Here are 10 things to consider when choosing where to go:

1. Sanitary conditions and a comfortable atmosphere
2. A pre tattoo consultation, free of charge, to discuss your personal needs
3. A stenciled outline of what your brow will look like, and a session to do some trials with a pencil
4. A wide range of colors (that can be mixed) to match your natural tones
5. A semi-permanent tattoo option to test if you want them to become permanent
6. A large portfolio of clients with eyebrow tattoo pictures of before and after the procedure. Beware if all the pictures are perfect and everyone claims to have healed without incident. It must be an honest portfolio of real clients and the way they have healed well or not and the shapes that worked and the ones that did not. No clinic or aesthetician should show you only the good eyebrow tattoo pictures. You need to know what hasn’t worked to be well informed and avoid the same mistakes.
7. A straightforward list of the risks and benefits you can hope to achieve with cosmetic tattooing. Remember it won’t change the shape of your face or your eyes, it will only aid in framing the face and accentuating your eyes. Be realistic and seek a professional who is honest about what you can expect.
8. Unlimited post tattooing consultations for at least one month after the initial procedure. You may need to call to ask questions when you wake up and your brows are crusty and itchy. You may not know if this normal, (which it is) but it’s nice to have someone to call. You should also be able to return within a week or two to have someone take at look at the healing process and see if you will need touch ups. This is a good time to make follow up appointments so you don’t get discouraged if a crust has fallen off and there are small gaps in color. (This is normal so don’t panic!)
9. Retouching of the brow area (for a period of about 2 months after initial procedure) or until the brow is how you want it. This service should be free of charge, included in the initial price or charged at a very low, nominal rate. Most reputable shops offer post eyebrow retouches, for a reasonable time after the initial surgery or procedure, for free.
10. You may need to choose a more clinical environment instead of a funky eyebrow tattoo shop if you need medication prescribed, such as an antibiotic. If you know that you are a slow healer, have heart problems, are diabetic or have other health concerns you should have the procedure done at a clinic where there are surgeons and nurses to attend to you. I have a prolapsed mitral valve heart condition so I must take antibiotics prior to the procedure to avoid infection. That is why I have almost always gone to a clinic for my cosmetic tattooing.

If you are searching for a tattoo shop near you and are using the internet here are some phrases you might want to keep in mind: permanent make up, cosmetic tattooing, cosmetic surgery, eyebrow tattoo, permanent eyebrow tattoo, semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo and plastic surgery clinics.

If it is only implanted in the top layer it is considered semi-permanent, if it goes into the second layer it is permanent just like any other type of tattoo. This procedure must be done by a qualified and reputable technician and under hygienic conditions. Since it is a tattoo on your face, in a most delicate area, it can be painful, and requires a local or topical anesthetic to be applied or administered.

Why have your eyebrows tattooed?

The wonderful thing about eyebrow tattooing is that it can correct flawed eyebrows, shape brows that are not to your liking, make absent or hairless brow areas appear to have hair, and accentuate the eyes and face, and with little effort an eyebrow tattoo puts an end to having to draw on eyebrows each day. It’s also possible to sleep and work and swim and awaken or come out of the water with perfect eyebrows.

Reasons not to get eyebrow tattoos

Some concerns about the cosmetic tattooing or permanent make up procedures is that it is relatively expensive, it may not turn out exactly as you hoped and the color fades over time requiring eyebrow tattoos to be retouched every few years. You can develop infection, though very rare, and may have scares if you do not go to a good technician or doctor.

You may end up with a shape that is unnatural or a color that is so dark you can’t hide them with makeup. You simply may not like your new brows and the only way to wipe them off is with laser surgery. Although most women, about 70% who have had the procedure, are very happy with the results, you must consider that 30% of them were not happy at all.

Additional Eyebrow Tattoo Considerations

When selecting a cosmetician, aesthetician, doctor, nurse or artist to do your delicate eyebrow tattoos consider if they will have the expertise to make your brow look natural by using a feathering technique and the correct color pigments that will match your own hair and skin tones.

It is important for you to understand the eyebrow tattoo procedure. It is not a quick eyebrow fix for a special occasion. It will take weeks for your brows to heal and for you to have the necessary touchups until they are exactly as you want them. They may fade and/or be too dark or too thick or too thin and may need to be fixed over a period of a month or two.

So do not plan on having your brows tattooed a week before summer vacation because you want to go swimming and not worry about make-up. And do not do it just before an important meeting or an event like your wedding.

It is important for you to select your technician or beauty specialist or doctor with care because the affects of permanent eyebrow tattoos are exactly that – permanent!