Image – a soft, natural look that won’t melt in the sun. By Jeanee Lusby

Nobody ever wants to hear, “Wow, your facelift makes you look so much better!” A simple “You look so nice,” would be preferable.

Today, permanent makeup artists are using advanced techniques such as ColorWash to create softer, more natural looks that the summer heat and sun will not melt away. My clients often tell me that they receive compliments on their appearance and are rarely asked about their perfect eyeliner or new lip color. This is the key benefit to the ColorWash technique. An artist blends pigments, much like conventional makeup, and uses an implanting technique to deliver a less harsh line on the lips and eyes. The result is a subtle look that resembles a client’s daytime makeup.

Various Layers
ColorWash is a method of layering different shades of pigment using digitally based permanent cosmetic equipment and innovative needle technology. Unlike traditional procedures where one color is implanted along the lash line or on the lips, a ColorWash uses three to four layers of graduated custom shades. The effect on the eye is a smudged, smoky look similar to conventional makeup blending. For the lips, the client’s original color can be refreshed or enhanced.
          Because there are more components to the ColorWash method, such as multiple shades and designs, an in-depth consultation with the client is crucial. The custom procedure often requires an additional follow-up treatment to either build up more layers of color or to add the finishing touches to the artistry.
          A digital machine makes the technique possible. The machines are driven by a microprocessor technology that ensures a stable needle frequency resulting in more accurate pigment placement and higher color retention. They are fully computerized and automatically adjust needle frequency when they encounter resistance from the skin. The finely tuned pigment placement is necessary because the artist is working with less color in order to achieve a softer effect.
         ColorWash is an advanced technique that requires technical training beyond fundamental class work. The students who pick up the technique easily have strong technical expertise and solid understanding of color theory. Many of my students have several years of experience in the industry and are looking to add a new dimension to their business by offering ColorWash custom designs and upgrading to digital instrumentation. An experienced artist can learn the technique in a four hour one-on-one workshop.

Financially Rewarding
ColorWash procedures are more expensive than traditional eyeliner or lip enhancements, offering additional revenue to the artist. Several articles have noted that despite a struggling economy, women continue to invest in their appearance. A Brandweek survey of analysts and dermatologists (“Beauty at Any Price: Cosmetics Still Strong”) stated that the sweet spot for cosmetic procedures is currently in the $100-$1,000 range. Above the $1,000 range (where laser skin treatments and surgical facelifts thrive) practitioners are seeing a downturn. Brandweek concluded that customers may cancel a vacation or a new car, but injections (and other procedures) represent a beauty economy.
          Permanent makeup offers the benefit of more lucrative procedures at a much lower price. And while ColorWash procedures have a higher price tag than the more traditional eyeliner or lip enhancements, they still fall solidly within the sweet spot. ColorWash demonstrates how advanced techniques and equipment are enabling well-trained and talented permanent makeup artists to prosper even during these difficult financial times.
 

Jeanee Lusby is a Nouveau Contour master trainer. She is the founder and director of the NaturaLook Institute for Permanent Cosmetics. Visit www.naturalook.com

This article was featured in the June 2009 issue of Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa (Page 91).