• Permanent eye makeup, such as an eyeliner effect, is commonly used for cosmetic purposes
• The clogged pores that often come with daily applications of liquid and powder makeup can be avoided with permanent makeup
• Specialized technicians perform these micropigmentation procedures
• Essentially, permanent makeup is tattoo makeup and thus incurs the same risks as tattooing

Have you ever woken up in the morning and wished you didn’t have to spend so much time applying makeup? Did you ever have one of those days when your makeup looked awful and you wished you could afford to have a professional apply it for you every morning for the rest of your life? Millions of people have had these or similar thoughts and that explains why some are seeking out a procedure known as permanent makeup.

Permanent Makeup Explained

Basically, permanent makeup (also called micropigmentation) is a form of tattooing. However, instead of having a big heart or dragon on your arm, you’re having ink injected into parts of your face so it looks like traditional makeup. For example, you can have eyeliner, lipstick, or even beauty marks permanently etched into your dermis.

The ink remains in the skin forever but will fade over time so most people need periodic touch-ups to keep the make-up looking fresh and vibrant.

Why Choose Permanent Makeup

There are a number of reasons why people might choose this option. Some have a medical basis. For example, after breast reconstruction surgery, women sometimes have areola repigmentation done so their breasts have a more natural appearance. This procedure is a form of permanent makeup. The procedure can also be done to hide scars and to replace eyebrows lost through injury.

A growing number of people are seeking out permanent makeup for purely cosmetic and convenience purposes. They can look as if they are always wearing makeup but don’t have to deal with the hassles of application, clogged pores, or other problems.

Who Performs the Procedure?

Generally, you would not go to a tattooist for permanent makeup, although some are experienced in performing the technique. Instead, you want to look for a technician who specializes in permanent cosmetics. For some procedures, such as lipstick and lip liner, you’ll want to work with someone with a great deal of experience because these areas can be difficult to do.

Make sure you look at the technician’s portfolio of past work before making a choice. Remember this is a permanent decision and the ink is going to be on your face. If something goes wrong, there’s not a lot that can be done to correct the problem.

What are the Risks Involved?

The risks associated with permanent makeup are similar to those for other types of tattoos. At a purely aesthetic level is the risk that you won’t be happy with the results. Making a careful decision about what you want and choosing an experienced technician are keys to ensuring that will not happen.

One of the main risks, however, is of infection. The majority of cities do regulate facilities that perform any type of tattooing to ensure that safe, sterile practices are being used at all times but you have to be vigilant as well. Never use a technician or a facility that does not use fresh needles for each customer, that does not require technicians to wear plastic gloves, or that does not open fresh ink for each new project. When these procedures are not followed, you run the risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV/AIDS.

Normally, however, permanent makeup – like getting a tattoo – is safe.

• Natural cosmetic products are becoming more and more popular as they promise healthier looking skin and less health risks compared to their synthetic counterparts
• Since the FDA is not required to review and approve all cosmetic items put on the market, cosmetic regulations are basically nonexistent
• It’s important to check the ingredients label on organic cosmetic items, or products that claim to be all-natural before purchasing

If you’ve ever read the ingredients list on your mascara or lipstick, you may be shocked to see such a wide range of items; most of which you might not be able to pronounce or identify. Many people are now becoming concerned about the health risks associated with applying some of these items to their skin. Instead, they are turning to natural cosmetics, which typically cost more than other cosmetic items but promise healthier looking skin and less health risks. So what exactly does it mean for a product to be natural, and does making the switch to natural cosmetics make sense for you?

The Technical Definition of Natural

When you think of the term natural, you probably have a very clear definition come to mind. Unfortunately, there is no technical definition for the term. According to publications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the government regulatory body overseeing cosmetics and personal care products, the term can literally mean anything to anyone. One major cosmetic company, for example, claims to offer a natural line of cosmetics; however, an analysis of the products’ ingredients, according to the FDA, contains many ingredients that are no different than what are used in their other cosmetic lines, lines that are not labeled “natural.” This line also includes some items not added to their hypoallergenic products. This means you can’t simply assume a product labeled as “natural” is going to be an improvement over other cosmetics.

Not Everything Natural is Better for Your Skin

Think about the last time you went hiking in the woods and accidentally came into contact with some poison ivy. Was that a pleasant experience? Poison ivy is natural, but you would not want to rub it all over your skin. That means you can’t assume everything labeled “natural” is going to be good for you and that everything made in a lab is going to be dangerous. WebMD.com, for example, cites the findings of a study published by the British Journal of Dermatology, which found that people had allergic skin reactions to many natural products including lavender, jasmine, and tea tree oil. Lanolin, a natural product made from wool, is a well-known allergen.

Of course, if you are concerned about more than allergic reactions to your products, you would be better off learning more about the ingredients. Don’t just look for the word “natural.” Instead, look at the label to find natural products. According to WebMD.com, if you are concerned about the potential health risks of some common cosmetic ingredients, be sure to choose products that do not include any of the following: paraben, mercury, lead, dioxane, phthalates, or petrochemicals.

A dermatologist from the Mayo Clinic, quoted in an article in Discovery Health, suggested consumers realize that many “natural” products are padding their ingredient lists with exotic items that sound appealing and warrant a higher price tag but do the same thing as ingredients found in lower costing cosmetics. For example, glycerin is one of the humectants that help keep moisture from evaporating from your skin. Numerous “natural” cosmetics use fancier ingredients that do the same thing. The bottom line is, carefully read the labels and get information about what you’re buying before you apply it to your skin.

• Although there are no real cosmetic regulations on makeup products, the FDA has the power to pull any item or ingredient from the shelf if it finds it dangerous or harmful
• One of the main reasons many people turn to natural cosmetic products is a fear of developing cancer from non-natural cosmetic items, though no proof exists that any cosmetic product available in the U.S. has or can cause cancer
• Organic cosmetic items are often all-natural and safe, but because of weak restrictions on cosmetic products, it’s a good idea to watch out for products with a warning label that says the safety of the product is still undetermined

Safety is a concern we all share, however, understanding what constitutes a risk and what does not can be a real challenge in today’s world of myths and hyped news stories. Choosing safe cosmetics can be one of the most challenging areas. Below is some information that can help you decide what makeup to use on your skin.

Cosmetics and Regulations

Before you begin evaluating safe cosmetics, you should learn a few things about these products. WebMD.com, for example, has compiled myths and facts about the industry that might be valuable for any makeup consumer.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the industry is non-regulated. The truth is, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees these products and has done so for the last several decades. If any cosmetic item or ingredient contained in that cosmetic item is deemed harmful or dangerous, the FDA has the power to pull it off the shelf. The FDA, however, points out that cosmetic items are not like prescription drugs. These products can be released to the public without being first evaluated by the FDA. There are a few ingredients that cosmetic companies cannot use in their products, such as some types of color additives, but overall, the cosmetic industry has the power to use whatever is necessary. Do keep in mind that ingredients in these products are checked by the industry’s own independent panel, which is known as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR). In the past, the CIR has banned or restricted some ingredients from being used.

Cancer and Safe Cosmetics

One of the biggest reasons people are looking for safe cosmetics is the fear that some ingredients in makeup sold today could increase the risk of developing cancer. A group called Pure Prevention, which is trying to get the FDA to take a stronger hand with the cosmetic industry, includes all of the following ingredients that should be avoided in cosmetic products: any types of fragrance, parabens, triclosan, triethanolamine, oxybenzone, and hydroquinone.

Are these chemicals really going to cause cancer? According to WebMD.com, no scientific evidence considered credible in the field has shown a link between any cosmetic product and an increased risk for cancer. In fact, no known human carcinogens are included in any of the cosmetics used in the United States.

Other Risks with Makeup

Even if you don’t worry about the cancer risk, you may be worried that the chemicals in cosmetics may have other effects, and this might be why you’re searching for safe cosmetics. One example is phthalates. Some studies have linked these chemicals to delayed sexual development and other problems; however, research has not been conclusive as to such risks, according to the Mayo Clinic, though you may not want to risk using products that contain these chemicals, which is why you need to read the labels on everything you purchase.

You should also be wary of using any products that have a warning stating that the safety of the product is still undetermined. Both WebMD.com and the FDA explain this warning means the product contains ingredients that the FDA has not yet evaluated.

• Any product in the U.S. that is labeled organic or an organic cosmetic must consist of at least 70 percent organic materials
• Since cosmetic regulations are lax, it’s important to read labels on cosmetic items carefully. Some of these products contain ingredients that are not actually all-natural, when the product may claim to be completely natural
• Helpful tips in how to properly read labels on natural cosmetic items, or those that claim to be, are to research ingredients before purchasing and choose a product that contains few or no artificial ingredients

The term “organic” has become one of the hottest marketing buzz words in recent years. From organic vegetables and fruits to organic cleaning products for the home, these items are jumping onto retail shelves in droves and are raking in a tidy profit for companies. Organic makeup is one example, but is it worth the extra cost?

Basics of Organic Makeup

To be labeled as organic, any product in the United States must consist of at least 70 percent organic materials. The term organic simply refers to anything that comes from a living system. Plant and animal products would both be considered organic under this definition. According to an article from Discovery Health, makers of organic cosmetics are committed to treating the skin in a holistic manner. Holistic simply means it pertains to the whole. In fact, many people who swear by organic makeup are also committed to using other organic and whole food products as part of their overall wellness routine.

Is Organic Makeup Better?

WebMD.com recently examined one example of organic makeup: mineral cosmetics. These products claim to be better for your skin because they are all-natural and organic; however, this may not be total fact. Some are convinced that mineral makeup is nothing but a marketing gimmick, selling consumers ingredients that are frequently included in cosmetics anyway. In fact, that has proven to be the case with some mineral cosmetics because they do actually contain artificial and synthetic additives, such as fragrances.

Other mineral makeup examples are better. A number of dermatologists told WebMD.com that they would recommend these products to consumers because they do contain fewer artificial chemicals than other makeup and are less likely to clog pores. They also tend to be better for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Of course, to reap these benefits you need to use the purest forms of organic makeup available, and that means closely reading the labels.

Researching Ingredients

The bottom line with organic makeup, as with almost all organic products, is that you need to get in the habit of reading and understanding the ingredients listed. An article on organic beauty products published in The New York Times discussed one of the concerns some dermatologists have about these new organic makeup products.

The problem is that in order to differentiate themselves from competition, many companies are seeking out more and more exotic ingredients. While these ingredients could be considered all-natural, many have not been widely used in U. S. cosmetics before, so their safety and effectiveness records are not known.

As the article points out, many consumers falsely believe that any product that is organic or natural would be good and safe for them to use. This, of course, is not necessarily the case. The head of the Environmental Working Group points out that poison ivy and tobacco are both natural and organic but most people would not consider them good or safe. Hemlock would be another good example of something dangerous but organic.

Instead of simply relying on labels that read “organic,” you should look at the label and choose products that contain few or no artificial fragrances or other unwanted items. If you need to do research on the ingredients in your cosmetics to make sure you are making a wise decision, the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association provides a database that can help you.