Permanent Makeup, Convenience or Vanity?
November 23, 2010
By : Inspired Woman Magazine

Missee Gietzen

By Deb Seminary

I am not a high maintenance person, but when I saw the ad for half-price for permanent eyeliner, my interest was piqued. I called for more information, stopped in for a quick consultation and the next thing I knew, I was on the schedule.
Missee Gietzen was trained to apply permanent makeup last summer when she traveled to a one-on-one training session with Sally Hayes in California. She learned how to do permanent eyebrows, eyeliner and lips. Gietzen has had all three procedures, which is helpful, so you can see what the end result looks like.

Gietzen explained the procedure and time involved. There are actually two different appointments to be made – the initial application and the touch-up. The touch-up session is scheduled about three weeks from the initial application.
During the first part of the session a topical is applied. Then, your eyes must be closed for 20 minutes, so it’s a nice chance to catch a nap. The whole procedure is finished in under an hour and a half.
Gietzen had described the process as irritating, and that is just what it was! When it got to the point where I didn’t think I could take it anymore, it was over. I felt pain for about two seconds, otherwise, there was just a slightly disturbing ‘thing’ going on with my eyes.
My nose started to run and my eyes watered a lot. Toward the end of the procedure, I felt like I was crying and couldn’t stop, and it was hard to keep my eyes open when instructed to do so. Apparently this doesn’t happen to everyone.
Gietzen also does not do a line above the lashes, or connect the corners – she applies on the lash line, which really enhances the eye. It is very dark at first, for about the first week and a half. “During the healing process a part of it will peel off,” said Geitzen. “Then it will fade, up to 50%. When you come in for your retouch, it resets the color in deeper. You can also put it on a little thicker on the bottom if you like.”

There are several reasons women may choose to have permanent makeup applied. “Some women may have allergies and can’t wear topical makeup,” explained Gietzen. “Older women may not be able to see as well or apply it as easily as they used to.”

When she does eyebrows, Gietzen really looks at a person’s skin tone. “Usually I have them come in with their eyebrow shape drawn on so I can see what they like to wear every day,” she said. “Then I will make my recommendations. I will draw on with white pencil. It is more of a sweeping motion, not a boxy-type eyebrow.”

She is also very careful when doing the lips. “I don’t go bright with lip color, more of a subtle shade, so you can put on bright red on if you want, then wash it off,” she explained.

The lips are done in more of a circular motion, starting with lining the lips, then filling them in with a very natural color. “I was taught to enhance what a person already has, not drastically change it,” said Gietzen. “If someone wants create a special look, they can always use topical makeup. Natural is better.”

The machine Gietzen uses differs from one a tattoo artist would use. “This machine has more of a sweeping motion with the needles,” explained Gietzen. “It doesn’t go quite as deep as a tattoo machine would go. That is why we need to do the retouch in three weeks.”

Permanent makeup lasts from four to seven years. “The darker color you go with, the longer it will last,” said Gietzen.

During the four-day aftercare period, I was instructed to put A&D ointment on before washing my face or taking a shower. I ended up using Vaseline because the ointment irritated my eyes.
The top layer started to peel and flake after four or five days. I noticed most of it was gone within a week and the deep color had faded significantly.

Missee Gietzen works at Glance Spa and Salon, 407 North 4th Street, Bismarck, 751.1893. She is offering $100 off permanent make-up through the month of November. Regular Prices: Eyeliner: $500, Eyebrows: $500, Lips $750. Gift Certificates are available. Geitzen also does hair and pedicures.

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