Permanent eye makeup is a method of transferring color to the eyebrows and eyelids. It is essentially a form of tattooing designed to enhance the eye area.
Permanent Makeup In-Depth

What exactly is permanent makeup? You've probably heard the term before. Generally, the idea of tattooing makeup to the face is thought of as frightening and unwholesome. The truth, however, portrays this rather unexplored practice in a completely different light.

History

If the idea of permanent makeup makes you raise your brows, consider that it has been practiced for centuries. It is said that Cleopatra utilized this method on her eyes and lips. Egyptian mummies have been discovered with facial tattoos. In some cultures, tattoos were used as symbols of identification amongst different societies. The practice of permanent makeup application has been around, in some form or another, for hundreds of years.

The first permanent application of eyeliner was performed by an occuloplastic surgeon, Dr. Crowell Beard. Beard tattooed the lash line using a hypodermic needle and syringe to transfer color. This eventually led to more advanced, safer techniques, and the selection of colors, once relegated to only black and brown, also grew.
Methods

Several permanent eye makeup methods exist. Among them are the following:
Manual

The manual method of application does not involve electricity, which may come as a relief to some. In this method, the pigment is gently "tapped" into the skin using a manual comfort tool. This tool is a disposable, one-time use piece which is composed of a sturdy handle and a needle.

During the procedure, the needle rests on the skin's surface. It is then lifted forward and upward, just enough so that it penetrates the dermis. It is not unusual to hear a soft tapping noise as the procedure takes place.
Coil

Utilizing the traditional tattooing machine typically employed by tattoo artists, this electric method involves rapid transport of color to the dermis. The coil, also known as a reciprocating machine, houses a tube and needle bar. Electromagnetic pulses cause the tube and needle bar to rapidly contract up and down.

As the coil glides over the skin's surface, the needle penetrates the dermis and distributes the color. A buzzing noise typically accompanies this method of application.
Pen

The pen, or rotary machine, features a small rotary motor. This element causes the internal machine mechanisms to rotate rapidly, which in turn forces the needle attachment to thrust up and down.

It is important to note that this method of application is not nearly as aggressive or harsh as that of the reciprocating machine. A low humming or whirring noise typically emits from the machine as the mechanisms rotate.
Candidates

Many people benefit from permanent eye makeup, including:
Busy professionals: With more time spent on the go than in front of the mirror, permanent makeup is an ideal solution.
Athletes: Worries about sweating off mascara and eyeliner are a thing of the past for athletes, especially for the swimmers and runners who take advantage of permanent eye makeup.
Allergy sufferers: Whether a seasonal or skin allergy, the side effects of an allergy are never pleasant and often involve watery eyes. Permanent makeup resolves this problem.
Visually impaired: Those suffering from vision impediments may experience difficulty in applying eye makeup. This solution offers convenience and relief.
Procedure

The application process involves the following:
An initial consult
Application of pigment
One or more follow-up visits to adjust color as needed
Types of Permanent Eye Makeup
Eyebrows

Women with sparse, uneven, crooked or completely bare brows often turn to permanent eye makeup as a way to create natural, groomed, clean brows. The technician can shape a new brow completely, or simply fill in a few hairs to give the area a complete look.
Eyeliner

Women with allergies, constant smudgy liner or who simply can't apply a smooth, straight line will benefit from permanent eyeliner. The liner is available in a variety of colors and styles - whether you choose dark and defined or light and natural, the technician can create your look of choice.
Things to Remember

Keep these key points in mind as you consider permanent eye makeup:
Fading may occur with time, and an occasional touch-up may be required to refresh the color.
You may experience some pain whilst undergoing the procedure. Be sure to ask the technician about pain relief assistance. He or she may offer you a topical ointment or administer a local anesthetic.
Though pigment allergies are extremely rare, it is important to exercise caution. Follow all post-procedural instructions as directed by the technician. This will help you avoid any complications.
The procedure can last anywhere from one to three hours.