How Did Permanent Makeup Evolve?

Permanent makeup evolved from the time-honored art of tattooing. From the time of early man, tattoos have been used to beautify the human form. The art of tattooing dates back at least to 12,000 B.C. References to tattooing can be found in ancient Chinese literature and the writings of Julius Caesar. Tattoos decorate the mummies of Neolithic cavemen and Egyptian queens.

Tattoos have a long tradition in human ritual and culture. Northern European clans used tattoos to identify clan affiliation. In Polynesia, they were used to indicate social status. Natives in Borneo used tattoos to advertise their weaving or hunting skills when seeking a mate. The early Chinese believed tattoos could ward off illness.

Our English word “tattoo” comes from the Tahitian “tatau” meaning “to mark or strike twice,” referring to the traditional method of applying tattoos with sharpened sticks. The earliest recorded purely cosmetic tattoos date to the time of the great pyramids where they were used to enhance the beauty of Egyptian queens and concubines.

Taking a page from the beauty secrets of those ancient Egyptians, modern women have embraced natural, beauty-enhancing permanent cosmetics as a way to ensure that they always look their best. Permanent makeup uses artistic cosmetic tattooing to enhance and augment your natural beauty. It can also be used to improve your natural features to restore confidence in your appearance. With permanent makeup you can have perfectly applied eye liner, beautifully defined brows, and lush, full lips every hour of every day — without any effort. Visit the Whitney Center for Permanent Cosmetics website to learn more about how permanent cosmetics can enhance your natural beauty.

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