By Kinisha O'Neill, Staff Reporter
Jenkins has just finished the eyeliner procedure. Hunt's eyes will be a bit swollen for the remainder of the day. She will also feel slight pain. Within the next few weeks the appearance of the permanent eyeliner will first fade, then become darker.
IMAGINE WAKING up in the morning from a six-hour deep slumber looking absolutely beautiful. Your eyebrow is perfectly combed and your lips looking glossy in that perfect shade of red. Sounds weird? No, it's not if you try permanent cosmetics.
Permanent cosmetics if you're one of those women who follow trends in the beauty world, or know someone who fits the beauty trend - following profile then you've probably already heard of it. Essentially, permanent cosmetics can be applied to enhance the eyebrows, as eyeliner, line the lips, to camouflage stretch marks and other unwanted marks on the skin, as well as to create the appearance of the areola around the nipples and to hide a receding hairline.
GETTING POPULAR
There are a few spunky women amongst our Jamaican populace who have actually undergone this procedure (most of whom probably had it done abroad).
But, as the process promises it usually appears very natural and unnoticeable unnoticeable for us ordinary folks who don't have a keen eye to notice such changes on a woman's face. We might notice a difference in the person's appearance; they may suddenly look a whole lot more attractive than usual, but we'd possibly just blow it off as "maybe they've lost weight" or "maybe they're just glowing because they're so happy". We may even think they've just got a facelift (as the eyebrow enhancement does have that affect on the face.)
Well, the secret's out!
SIMILAR TO TATTOOING
Here's how it works. It's basically like tattooing the area in which you choose to apply the permanent cosmetic. An electronic needle and ink are used, although the needle is much smaller, therefore, much less painful than that typically used for tattooing. The process is technically referred to as intradermal pigmentation.
And, it's actually offered in Jamaica!
Since April, make-up artist Racquel Jenkins has been offering the permanent cosmetics service. Jenkins is a fully-trained practitioner who became certified after completing a two-month course, and continues to increase her knowledge of the field through ongoing training.
Where to find her: Eden Gardens, off Lady Musgrave Road, St. Andrew.
REASONS FOR DENISE'S MAKE-OVER
Hunt tells why she opted to have the permanent eyeliner done: "As an artist, you need to put the best foot out there all the time. You can't treat your body and face like crap because that's what you use to sell yourself. So I just have to spend my money on making sure I look good. And, I always sweat like a dog on stage. My mascara and liner always run, so it's perfect for me."
So here's Hunt's feedback on her 'operation': "I felt a little stinging, but it doesn't hurt. The worst part of it is the anaesthetic thing. Otherwise, it's just like you're putting on blush. It feels worse to cream your hair."
RECOVERY TIME
Two to four weeks, depending on the area. Recovery is usually a painless experience where although the skin is healing, it is virtually undetectable. For a day or two after the day of operation, there may be very slight swelling and extra special care of that area must be taken. Dressings are given to aid in healing.
FOLLOW-UP VISITS
A return visit is scheduled six weeks after the operation date. Jenkins checks on the patient's healing progress and whether or not the pigment that was used is the right shade, or if darkening is necessary. If it is necessary it is done for free.
SIDE-EFFECTS
If the procedure is not performed properly, allergic reactions and injuries may occur. But, Jenkins has not had any of such instances thus far. She says she checks each patient's reaction to the dye beforehand, is meticulously hygienic and is cautious not to make any mistakes. In case of mishaps, Jenkins has a doctor on call ready to deal with her client.
COST
Cost varies depending on the area in which the permanent cosmetic is being applied and the texture of an individual's skin. Some skin types require more application than others because they won't absorb the ink.
make-up magic
FOUNDATION
Foundation should be chosen based on the condition of the skin, whether oily, dry or normal.
Dry skin types should use liquid foundation to keep skin hydrated. But, if skin is particularly spotty, cream foundation should be used because it gives better coverage, and moisturiser should be applied before.
For those with oily skin types use oil-free cream foundation. Find the correct shade by testing the foundation of your jawline. It should match the colour of the face and neck.
Apply foundation by patting instead of rubbing. It gives better coverage.
EYE SHADOW
The purpose of eye shadow is to create a shadow behind the eyes in order to make them stand out and be the focal point of the face.
The eyebrow should be properly shaded because they frame the eye.
Use two shades of eye shadow, a light and dark. Apply the light under the eyebrow and the dark on the eyelid.
For deep-set eyes use lighter shades, otherwise the eyes will look sunken.
For protruding eyes use darker shades to bring them out.
Wide-set eyes can appear closer if dark shadow is applied towards the inner lid.
A light shadow on the inner lid makes eyes appear farther apart than they are.
MASCARA
This aids in opening the eyes
up, making them the focal point
of the face.
LIPS
Always start with a lip liner. Use a shade darker than lipstick or lip gloss. It must never be obvious that you have on lip liner.
Thin lips can appear thicker with the use of liner.
Thick lips can be reduced in size if they are lined thickly and then filled in.
CHEEK BONES
Apply a blusher with sweeping strokes along the natural line of the cheek bone.
- Kinisha O'Neill
