As a Natural Permanent Makeup Artist, How Do I Choose Natural Colors?
Many of my clients ask me: “How do you choose the right color for a permanent makeup application?” As a permanent makeup artist, color selection is an integral part of my work, and choosing the correct and most natural one will affect the overall result—be it an eyebrow tattoo, eyeliner tattoo, tattoo lipstick, or a 3D areola tattoo.
Permanent makeup is an art, and the artist requires an understanding of color theory and skin types, as well as taking personal preferences into account, such as your eyebrow pencil or lipstick. I always suggest a natural look in my work, using my skills and experience to enhance your features subtly without them screaming “tattooed!” So, how do I achieve this?
Understanding Skin Undertones
Just like with traditional makeup, before you apply any color at all, you need to study the skin to discover whether it has a cool, warm, or neutral undertone. This assessment will feed into my preparation so that my chosen colors blend harmoniously with the skin’s natural tones for a striking yet subtle finish.
Your Personal Preference and Natural Coloring
The next thing I do is consider your natural coloring and personal preferences. For example, for an eyebrow tattoo or eyeliner tattoo, I would look at the natural color of your hair, eyes, and eyebrows. It would be your natural lip color with a preferred shade that will guide me for a tattoo lipstick blush. For 3D areola tattoos, which are part of a service I provide for breast cancer survivors, I mimic the natural color and appearance of the areola as closely as possible by looking at your skin tones and measuring the area carefully.
Future Fading Considerations
Despite its name, permanent makeup does naturally fade over time—it usually lasts between one and three years. How long it lasts can be affected by things like exposure to sunlight and the skin’s natural exfoliation process. But for you, and for me, fading is actually beneficial because it allows us to update the color and style of the tattoo as you age and your color preferences change.
So, I often use colors that will age gracefully and fade into softer versions of the original color—this technique creates a natural, timeless look that evolves with you.
Emphasis on Natural and Soft
At Timeless Skin Spa, I emphasize a natural style of tattooing—I steer clear of the stereotypical “tattooed” look and instead, aim for a soft application mimicking topical makeup. This means the colors I choose are generally softer and more natural-looking. I avoid stark or overly bold pigments and alternatively opt for those that complement and enhance your unique features.
The Natural Permanent Makeup Approach
The colors I choose aren’t designed to radically alter your look, but rather, enhance and highlight your existing features. I make a point never to adopt a “one-color-fits-all” approach, and I carefully customize the colors I use to blend with your unique skin tone and hair and eye color.
For me, natural permanent makeup is more than just a cosmetic enhancement—it’s a way to simplify your daily routine and give your self-confidence the boost it deserves. It is also a neat solution for those with allergies to conventional makeup or for those who lead active lifestyles and don’t have the time to touch up their makeup throughout the day.
I set myself high standards to work hard for my craft, not because it’s simply required of me, but because I am dedicated to perfection. So, using my modern and safe practices, I apply only the best colors that will blend seamlessly with your skin tone and natural coloring to create a result that looks like you—only better!
In the End, It’s Personal
Selecting the right color for permanent makeup is both an art and a science—I take the time to understand your skin, natural coloring, and personal tastes, plus I take into consideration how the pigment will fade over time. The most important thing about color selection is that it enhances your natural beauty and boosts your confidence.
If you are considering an eyebrow tattoo, eyeliner tattoo, lip blush tattoo, or 3D areola tattoo and don’t feel sure about the process involved, I am here to walk you through every step with a professional and personalized approach to color selection. Permanent makeup is a commitment, but the color doesn’t have to be forever. This flexibility means you can change your look over time, ensuring the best outcome for you.
