Did you know is that there is no licensing required to apply permanent makeup in many states? This means anyone can do it, there is no schooling required, no test to take, nothing! Anyone who feels like they can do it, can do it. All they have to do is get some needles, colors and put a sign on their door or place an ad! That is truly amazing because to become an esthetician where they apply conventional makeup that you can wash off at anytime, you must have 260 to 1200 hours of schooling depending on the state and must pass a state board exam to receive your license.
There are a list of regulations at the state level for many states but included in this list is the information that there is no organization that will enforce these regulations; YET! It is up to each County in these states to dictate their own legislation and list of regulations. Many counties have neither. One can check with local health department for local laws that might pertain to tattoo facilities by the state.
Go to www.beautynetworklink.com/Gallery.html to see Demos
For instance, associations like the AAM, the mission of the American Academy of Micropigmentation is to serve the public by improving the quality of micropigmentation practice through a certification process that fosters excellence and encourages continuous learning.
In Washington State, you must have a permanent cosmetics artist license if you charge a fee to apply permanent eyeliner, eyebrows, lip liner, lip color, or repigmentation by implanting pigment under the skin. This is a form of tattooing. Requirements to get a permanent cosmetics artist license, you must: Be at least 18 years old and have a current blood borne pathogens certificate.
New Jersey is a state where the practitioner will have to complete a 40 hour training program approved by the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals or the International Micropigmentation Association, prior to being certified and shall submit a minimum of one photograph whereby the practitioner has personally performed one complete procedure for each of the following areas:
1. Eye brow simulation 
2. Lip liner
3. Full lip color
4. Eye liner/eyelash enhancer
Keep in mind that the training programs are usually giving by members of these organization.
But again…to do conventional makeup on a client that they can wash off, you must be licensed, but to do permanent makeup with needles that can not be washed off, you need no license or schooling or just a few hours of training. I know it sounds crazy but it is true! LOL!!
Like I said, you can find some type of training out there. The IMA and AAM affirm that Permanent Cosmetics/Cosmetic Tattooing/ Micropigmentation is a separate specialty within the field of tattooing. It involves the placement of colorants into the skin for the purpose of cosmetic enhancement, medical correction and/or aesthetic restoration. Therefore, there is specialized training with unique standards required in order to perform this service. So now there are Beauty schools offering permanent make up basics and there are plenty and I mean plenty of Beauty Professionals out there that are also offering training programs, again choose wisely. Many are offering certificates or diploma’s, some which holds no creditability at all. Training prices varies from $500 for a day course to $5000 for a full course 2-4 weeks max.
Whatever their reason, many individuals choose to undergo tattooing in its various forms. For some, it is an aesthetic choice or an initiation right. Some choose permanent makeup as a time saver or because they have physical difficulty applying regular, temporary makeup. For others, tattooing is an adjunct to reconstructive surgery, particularly of the face or breast, to simulate natural pigmentation. People who have lost their eyebrows due to alopecia (a form of hair loss) may choose to have “eyebrows” tattooed on, while people with vitiligo (a lack of pigmentation in areas of the skin) may try tattooing to help camouflage the condition. 
Is permanent make up similar to tattooing?
Permanent makeup is similar to tattooing in the process, but the pigments are designed to fade and therefore it doesn’t have the permanency of a regular tattoo.
How is it done?
This is done using a hand applicator that is gently tapped across the skin. The needles implant fine dots of color that gradually build up into a blush of color.
Go to www.beautynetworklink.com/Gallery.html to see Demos
I have sensitive skin, can I still have permanent make-up? 
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, those people who have got allergies to conventional make-up, it’s a great alternative for them. Generally, if someone had a sensitive skin, the practitioner would alter the treatment plan and possibly add an extra visit, so that the application time is less.
Is it safe?
If proper sterilization and sanitary guidelines are met, permanent cosmetics should be completely safe. These guidelines include the following:
- All needles should be new and sterile for each client. In our clinic, we use only disposable needles and machine parts.
- Gloves should be new for each client and changed during the procedure when needed.
- Technician should be clean and neat and knowledgeable of environmental safety requirements. Our clinic strictly follows the OSHA guidelines for disease control.
- Clean sheets should be used for each client.
- Treatment area should be in an area free from other contaminants.
Can I remove permanent make-up?
If you found yourself in the situation where you wanted to have your permanent make-up removed, you’ve got two options. You could either let it fade naturally as the pigments do fade, and generally that takes approximately 2 years. Or, just like a natural tattoo removal, we can use lasers and that will remove the pigments from the skin.
Go to www.beautynetworklink.com/Gallery.html to see Demos
So now that you know this… what do you do? Well I still say when it is done right permanent makeup can be one of the greatest things one can do for themselves. So I would say do your homework, shop wisely, and ask the right questions and even more important make sure that the technician you are thinking of using asks you not just the right questions, but questions period. This is not a “you know what I’m saying” or “you know what I mean” situation. Make sure to take pictures to show the examples of what you’re looking for.
How do I choose a Permanent Make-up Technician?
Ask for a consultation first. Look at the technician’s permanent make-up…how does it look. Ask for the names and phone numbers of clients who are willing to speak with you about their experience and ask to see the technician’s portfolio. It is important to have the technician demonstrate, with topical make-up, how the permanent make-up will look. If the technician can NOT draw on the make-up to your satisfaction, then they probably cannot tattoo it on either. So just to recap, to do conventional makeup on a client that they can wash off, we must be licensed, but to do permanent makeup (in some states) with needles that can not be washed off, you need no license or schooling.
Listen many permanent makeup procedures are offered at nail shops, hair salons, or day time spas. Often the technicians cannot even communicate with us due to a language barrier. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE remember that your decision to use these facilities and/or technicians can have a very serious end result. We often get carried away with our “Wants” and a great “Deal” with a procedure like this, you should really be focused. Why do it “better” the second time when you can have it done “right” the first time.
Go to www.beautynetworklink.com/Gallery.html to see Demos
TALK TO A TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED BY FRIENDS:
“I love my permanent make-up so much I referred my clients, family and friends.” Debbie Allen Author/Motivational Speaker
“I love having my permanent makeup, especially my eyebrows. I recommend it to all my clients.” Leigh B. Scottsdale, AZ
“I never considered permanent makeup until I met Sally. My friends trusted her, so it made for an easy decision. Her credentials are impressive, and her work is stunning. I love my permanent makeup. Running to the store and gym without applying makeup is a dream come true! If you want permanent makeup trust the best! Sally is the master!” Kathleen Mascareñas Co-Anchor
TRUE STORIES:
Her Shaved Tattooed Eyebrows Turned Blue… 
“When I went to get permanent eyebrows, I was told I had to shave off my own eyebrows first. I didn’t know any better, so I said “Okay.” Big mistake! Things then went from bad to worse. Even though the lady doing the tattooing showed me where my eyebrows would be and how they would look, for some reason she did not tattoo them in the place she showed me. When she finished, I looked at them and wanted to cry! They were uneven and above my original eyebrow hairline, arched too high and too pointy, and the ends were square, so I looked harsh and angry. And later they turned a bluish-brown color. I tried several micro-dermabrasion treatments which helped them fade, but it didn’t remove them. I have talked to different permanent makeup experts and doctors, and they all recommended laser tattoo removal. When I can afford the laser removal treatments, I will have my tattooed eyebrows removed. Then I will get new ones applied by someone good like Dr. Reed. Until then, I have to live with these ugly eyebrows every day and I hate it.”
–Maria N., Medical Billing Specialist
Her Permanent Lipstick was Excessive and Crooked… 
“Previously I had permanent eyebrows and eyeliner done and was satisfied with it. So I wanted permanent lipstick and liner. The girl who does my nails told me that she did permanent makeup and kept asking me to have her do it. I thought, “Why not? She always does a good job on my nails.” Well, that was a big mistake. My bottom lip came out crooked and also my top lip. Plus she drew it way beyond the borders so I looked “clownish”. I wound up needing removal treatments because I didn’t take the time to look for someone who knew what they were doing. There were plenty of people I could have asked for a reference, but I didn’t. I just wasn’t thinking.”
–Ellen S., Receptionist
REMEMBER… Why do it “better” the second time when you can have it done “right” the first time.
Sources: www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/productinformation/ucm108530.htm, www.videojug.com/interview/permanent-make-up-basics-2, www.artisticcosmeticsolutions.com/gelsewhere.html, www.santaclaritamagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10290:thinking-of-permanent-makeup-please-read-this-first&catid=247:beauty-bridal-fashion&Itemid=57, www.permanentmakeup.com, http://www.premierpigments.com/permanent-makeup-licensing-regulations.html
Ms Beauty's Info Blog 
Very nice blog