How to Choose the Right Permanent Makeup Artist for Brows & Lips
When it comes to your brows and lips, the artist you choose matters. Whether you’re considering microblading, machine shading, or a lip blush, these services are semi-permanent and designed for the most important canvas you have - your face.
The right artist can elevate your natural beauty and boost your confidence every single day. The wrong one can lead to uneven color, poor shape, or costly corrections. Here’s how to make sure you’re in the best hands.
1. Check Their credentials and licensing
Before anything else, confirm your artist is properly trained and licensed. A reputable brow or lip artist should have:
Certification from a recognized permanent makeup training program
A valid tattoo or cosmetic license (varies by state)
Current Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
In Kentucky, cosmetic tattoo artists are classified as licensed body art professionals and regulated by the Department for Public Health - meaning there are strict standards they must meet to perform these services safely (Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 2019).
2. Review their portfolio
A talented artist’s portfolio should speak for itself. Look for consistent, natural-looking results that enhance each client’s unique features rather than making everyone look the same.
If every client’s results look identical, that’s a sign the artist may not be customizing their work. The best artists design brows and lips that fit you.
3. Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone
Cosmetic tattooing is an investment, and with something semi-permanent, you get what you pay for. Extremely low prices can signal inexperience or poor quality pigments.
Focus on value, not cost. A qualified, experienced artist might charge more, but your results will look better, last longer, and require fewer corrections over time.
4. Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals
Client reviews can tell you a lot. Look for consistent mentions of:
Professionalism and communication
Clean, comfortable studio environments
Long-lasting results and great aftercare
Ask friends or local beauty professionals for recommendations too. A trustworthy artist builds their reputation on real client satisfaction.
Brows vs. Lips: What to Keep in Mind
BROWS
A skilled brow artist does more than fill in hair strokes, they study your face shape, bone structure, and natural brow pattern to design a look that complements your features. The right artist will map your brows carefully before beginning, ensuring both sides are balanced and symmetrical while still looking natural and expressive.
Your brows frame your face and influence your overall expression, that’s why choosing an artist who truly understands facial harmony and takes their time in design and precision work makes all the difference. A great brow should look effortless, soft, and tailored to you.
LIPS
Lip blush requires precision and a deep understanding of color theory (Makmak, 2023). A great artist will help you choose shades that complement your natural undertones, and explain how they’ll heal and fade over time. Your artist should take time to assess your lip symmetry, shape, and texture before mapping out a design that enhances what you already have.
When done right, lip blush can last for years with minimal maintenance. The results are soft, healthy looking lips with natural definition, perfect for that effortless glow every day.
Conclusion
Choosing the right artist for your brows and lips isn’t just about finding someone “good with pigment.” It’s about finding an artist who sees you; your features, your preferences, your confidence.
Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. The right artist won’t just give you great brows or lips, they’ll give you peace of mind.
References
Body Art Section - Cabinet for Health and Family Services. (2019). Ky.gov. https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dphps/psb/Pages/tattoopiercing.aspx
Makmak, R. (2023, December 3). The Art and Science of Color Theory in Permanent Makeup. Rita Makmak Beauty. https://www.ritapmuartist.com/post/the-art-and-science-of-color-theory-in-permanent-makeup
Alyssa B., Feather & Blade Intern