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What Is Permanent Makeup?

A Complete Guide to PMU, Cosmetic Tattooing, and What to Expect Permanent makeup (PMU) — also known as cosmetic tattooing. PMU is a semi-permanent beauty treatment designed to enhance and define facial features like eyebrows, lips, and eyes. It involves implanting pigment into the upper layer of the skin using a rotary machine creating the appearance of makeup that doesn’t smudge, smear, or wash off.

How Permanent Makeup Works

Unlike traditional body tattoos, permanent makeup uses specialized pigments (not ink) that fade naturally over time. These pigments are placed more superficially in the skin, resulting in soft, natural-looking results that typically last 1 to 3 years depending on skin type, lifestyle, and maintenance. Techniques vary based on the service: Brows - use of rotary tattoo machine to implant pigment to create and mimic natural hair strokes or soft shading. Lips - use of rotary tattoo machine to implant pigment to restore color, correct tone, and create a fuller, more youthful look.

Popular Types of Permanent Makeup

Ombré Powder Brows
A soft, shaded brow that appears fuller and more defined. Great for all skin types and long-lasting with a gentle fade.

Nano Brows (Machine Hair Strokes)

The most natural brow enhancement using ultra-fine strokes to mimic real brow hairs. Ideal for those who want a subtle look or who have thinning brows.

Hybrid Nano
A combination of both Nano Hair Strokes and Ombré Shading for clients who want the best of both worlds — softness with structure.

Lip Blush
Restores color to pale or uneven lips, enhances lip shape, and gives a soft, youthful flush of color. Great for clients with melanin loss, scarring, or asymmetry.

PMU Corrections & Coverups
Color correction and removal techniques to fix faded, discolored, or poorly done permanent makeup from past procedures.

Eyeliner Tattoo
Adds definition to the eyes with a lash line enhancement or bold eyeliner look. Ideal for those with light lashes or sensitivity to makeup.

©2019 by Brows Made Studio & Academy

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