A permanent look - Tattoos offer makeup short cut

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- For some, cosmetic tattooing is a way to minimize the morning routine. For others, it is a way to feel better about their appearance. But for men and women who consider getting tattooed, experts recommend careful consideration before going through with the procedure.

The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals says cosmetic tattooing began in the 1980s, when aestheticians, electrologists, nurses and cosmetologists became interested in these procedures.

Darci McLean-Reichardt, a permanent-makeup artist and nail technician at KeLani Hair and Day Spa in Columbia, was one of these first pioneers.

McLean-Reichardt has been doing cosmetic tattooing for almost five years. She began by taking a nine-month course in Arizona, and she is now certified by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals.

McLean-Reichardt has practiced cosmetic tattooing on the West Coast and in Columbia, and she's noticed differences in the demand.

"I worked on the West Coast for 3 1/2 years, and I was very busy. I am trying to get the word out about permanent makeup here so that hopefully in the next couple of years more people will be trying it," McLean-Reichardt said.

One of the people who have already tried it is Andrea Kuhn, a cosmetologist at KeLani Hair and Day Spa. She has had permanent eyeliner for almost a year now.

"I decided to get it done after looking at before and after pictures of other women who had had the procedure. Now it's one less thing I have to worry about," Kuhn said.

McLean-Reichardt has had permanent eyeliner for six years and lipliner and full lips for three years.

"It saves so much time. I just put some lip gloss on and I'm ready to go. My favorite thing about permanent makeup is how it helps women. It's nice for older women that maybe can't see as well when doing their eyebrows or lips," McLean-Reichardt said.

Cosmetic tattooing is not just for women. Some men get cosmetic hair symbolization tattooing. The tattoo that covers the area is done using a technique that allows it to blend in and look like real hair.

Cosmetic tattooists also specialize in scar repigmentation, which can match the surrounding skin tone and blend in the scar to make it less noticeable.