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Permanent Makeup vs. Semi-Permanent Makeup: What's the Difference?

Welcome to the Topic “Semi Permanent Makeup VS Permanent Makeup

Permanent and semi-permanent makeup is the same thing:

There's no question that after you've opted to get your brows done, you've done your homework and come across the terms semi-permanent makeup' and 'permanent makeup.' So, what's the distinction between the two?


It's an odd notion, yet it's actually the same thing. Allow us to explain.


Because permanent makeup is a sort of cosmetic tattoo, it is given that name. When it comes to tattoos, the pigment is now implanted into the skin and does not wash away. This is why it is indefinite.

However, permanent makeup (or semi-permanent makeup) differs slightly from conventional tattooing. While permanent cosmetic pigments eventually fade over time, often lasting up to three years, traditional body tattoos tend to endure forever. The majority of individuals experience this.

In order to emphasise this, several artists sell their services as semi-permanent.


It's crucial to realise that everything will last roughly the same length of time now that you are aware that there is no difference. Both permanent and semi-permanent cosmetics are long-lasting.

It serves no purpose to compare the lifespans of various artists. There won't be any change. The brand and kind of pigments itself are the only variation that will affect how long the pigment "lasts." But take care—a pigment that lasts longer is not necessarily a good thing. The pigment must frequently be removed as the colour changes over time, frequently leaving an unattractive brow, lip, or eye.


The term semi-permanent refers to the fact that the pigments used in the sector fade over time. The key word there is fade! They don't just vanish one morning!


Because it is basically impossible to predict the future and because there are so many variables, including skin types, aftercare, pre-care, and a plethora of other factors thrown in for good measure, we’ve chosen to be absolutely upfront and call it what it is. Permanent Cosmetics

It will, indeed, dissipate. We recommend having a top-up every year to keep the treatments looking clean and bright.


If you do not want a yearly top-up, (Please only get a yearly top-up if absolutely necessary!) Allow the colour to fade away; it's just OK. However, the light-fastness of the pigments employed in service may vary.

Microblading is also known as permanent makeup in my opinion. The skin is pierced, and colour is supplied and the skin is mended within. The same pigments that we use in Permanent Makeup.

When we mention pigment, I'm referring to the "ink" utilised in your permanent makeup application. As experts, we don't usually refer to it as ink because that's what's used in conventional body tattooing.

Traditional body tattoo inks are made to last, however our bodies are amazing and will strive to break down the ink!

Addressing common myths: 

Among the most common misconceptions about permanent makeup nowadays is that microblading and other forms of permanent makeup are not tattoos. The SPCP (Society Of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals) and SNHD have addressed this misunderstanding. This is entirely incorrect.

Every form of permanent makeup is a tattoo! Microblading is included. A microblade, tattoo machine, permanent makeup machine, or digitally driven permanent makeup delivery equipment is used to deposit pigment into the dermis. When pigment is implanted into the skin and cannot be wiped out, it is considered a tattoo, regardless of the delivery equipment or method.

The second most common misconception about permanent makeup is that microblading and other types of permanent makeup are semi-permanent. Over time, all permanent makeup softens and lightens. It seldom vanishes completely, thus calling it semi-permanent is inaccurate. Touch-ups or colour refreshers are required for most permanent makeup operations every 1-4 years. This is not considered semi-permanent. It cannot easily be wiped away, nor does it vanish fully in one day. If it does, it is due to improper application or pigment failure. This is not typical.

Because very little pigment enters the skin's dermis, microblading necessitates more frequent touch-ups than any other permanent makeup procedure. Furthermore, because microblading is a non-machine procedure, consistent pigment depth implantation is not attainable. Each incision (30-100 per brow) that results in a little cut (hair stroke) is made using a blade in an Exacto-like grip. The blades lack a guide to guarantee equal cutting.

Why doesn't permanent makeup persist forever if it's truly a tattoo?

It all comes down to the micro-pigment. Micropigmentation is another word for permanent makeup. This is because the molecules that make up the pigment used in permanent makeup are tiny...or micro.' Because they are so little, the colour is less thick than regular tattoo ink, and hence fades faster.

However, it can be seen for up to 5 years.

Advantages of temporary makeup over permanent makeup!

Age-related skin thinning and laxness occur with time. The exact borders that are produced with permanent cosmetics would gradually fade and get smeared if permanent ink were utilised for cosmetic purposes. This is due to the body's gradual breakdown of the pigment.

You can understand why it's actually a good thing that cosmetic tattoos gradually fade as we age when you consider this, plus the thinning of your skin. You'll think twice before getting your present look immortalized in permanent tattoo ink when you consider how drastically styles change over time (compare today's "fluffy" brows with the 90's single arched line)!

Ultimately, you will not find a distinction. The terms “permanent makeup" and "semi-permanent makeup" refer to the same thing: pigment applied just under the dermis (which refers to the upper layer of the skin) to mimic conventional makeup (brows, lips, eyeliner) or to seem like natural brow hair. Cosmetic tattooing is another term for it.

If this is something you should try is entirely upto you, along with some other factors. It is advised to do your research and talk to professionals about this in length so that you can get personalized advice according to your particular skin type and condition. But all these terms do, in fact, stand for the same thing.

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