Getting in and out of the car and keeping your makeup intact can become an impossible dream, when the temperatures are over 100 º. You would like to look your best, but your makeup has become smudged and blotchy. You feel unattractive and "stressed out"!

Permanent make up is a wonderful way to always look your best, but there are some very important facts that you need to know before you decide to do something so permanent to your face!

The most important fact for you to know is that there are NO CERTIFICATIONS that are regulated by any state, city, or federal agencies. Many tattoo technicians, in the permanent makeup business, are cosmetologists, nail technicians, electrologists, hairdressers, nurses, etc.

They are board certified by the State of Arizona, strictly for thoseparticular professions, but there is NO LICENSING specifically for permanent cosmetics. . [They are licensed to do business in the city of Scottsdale, or Phoenix, etc., just as any other business is licensed to do business, so that they can be properly taxed.]

Much of the literature is very misleading! The literature claims that the technician has been in business for many years, (implying that they have been tattooing for that period of time); is State Board Certified as a nail technician, electrologist, etc., (implying that tattooing is included under that license).

There are no health inspections (or training) for sterility or cleanliness

There are no pigments that are government approved, or FDA. approved!

There are no government approved or regulated schools. (Individuals are free to train any one for any amount of time; an hour, a day or a week!)

Cosmetologists are required to have about 900 hours of State regulated schooling just to be licensed to tend to the beauty of your hair, skin and nails, (and they grow back!!!).

There are NO REQUIREMENTS or regulations for a tattoo technician! Anyone can go to the many technicians, pay the going rate, and set up shop…in the basement, on the back patio, in a plastic surgeons office, (with their favorite animal sleeping under the procedure table), or anywhere they please.

There are NO REGULATIONS!

Some people assume that if a nurse, doctor, or an individual that works in a doctor’s office is doing these procedures that they are in good hands. Please do not assume that! You must see live models and a portfolio.

Cosmetic tattooing is permanent! The technician must have a clear understanding of color, pigment content, and most of all, must be an artist!

Please ask several reputable Plastic Surgeons or Dermatologist who they recommend. Ask to see SEVERAL models, without makeup, before you make your decision. Make sure that the individual that you talk to has had her permanent makeup for at least a year. Many pigments turn purple or shrimp colored after several months.

Some pigments fade away after a few months and need to be reapplied over and over.

Permanent makeup can be a wonderful and beautiful addition to your busy life, if you make informed and thoughtful choices.