Once you consider undergoing permanent makeup in Singapore, you would probably ask what factors will contribute to the best results. If we talk about the most significant factors that affect the longevity, colour, and overall attractiveness of the results, then we need to highlight pigments. Knowing different permanent makeup pigments should not be limited to professional artists. As a client, being informed about the pigments will help you create better and smart decisions for your procedure.

To help you achieve the results you want, here is a guide on everything you need to know about permanent makeup pigments in Singapore.

For some people, especially who are not cosmetic artists, they tend to confuse permanent makeup and tattoos with each other. While there are similarities, the two are entirely different processes.

First, a traditional tattoo takes the needle and settles the ink deeper into the skin, compared to PMU. Another thing is that tattoo ink, and permanent makeup pigments are completely different.

The term “pigment” refers to both the fine powder that gives colour to regular makeup and the solution used in permanent makeup in Singapore. The fine powder used in cosmetic products is added with water, and other components like iron oxide and glycerin, to form a coloured liquid concoction. This is the pigment used in procedures like eyebrow reconstruction, lip and cheek blushing, scar camouflage, and more.

On the other hand, ink tattoos have more ingredients to it. Tattoo ink consists of pigments combined with a carrier, as well as many chemicals such as lead, chromium, nickel, titanium dioxide, and many more. Because of its complex composition, ink tattoo has a higher risk of infection and allergic reaction.

Inks and pigments also differentiate on the colours available for artists to use. As the traditional tattooing process forms different styles and images, tattoo inks are available in all colours. For cosmetics, it works on the natural colour of hair and skin. So, pigments tend to come in shades of black, brown, and pink. To match the shade with your desired results, the PMU artist can mix different shades of pigments to achieve the right tone.

Another main difference between the two is its reaction to the skin and its longevity. PMU pigments retain for a certain period, but the skin breaks it down and absorbs it. As a result, the pigment’s colour disappears over time. On the contrary, ink cannot be broken down, retaining the colour on the skin permanently, even if it fades.

The three most general classifications of pigments for permanent makeup in Singapore are grouped based on the origin of their ingredients: iron oxide-based, inorganic ones, and organic ones.

Iron oxide-based pigments are the most commonly known type of permanent makeup pigments. It comes from ferric oxides, such as stone dust and rust. It is then mixed with water, glycerine, witch hazel and other chemicals, acting as binders, to form the liquid pigment. 

Such pigments are available in three different kinds: yellow iron oxide, red colcothar and black iron oxide. By mixing these primary colours in different ratios, the artist will come up with a shade that matches your skin. Because of its wide colour range, iron oxide-based pigments are commonly used for permanent eyeshadow, lip blushing, and scalp micropigmentation. Aside from the variety of colour, artists also use this type because it provides almost total opacity, making the final results more subtle and natural-looking.

Iron oxide pigments are most cosmetic artists’ go-to for a long time. However, recently, it is revealed that pure, unmixed iron oxides are prone to colour changes, uneven fading, and pigment migration. For beginners in permanent makeup, using this type of pigment may cause trouble, while experienced artists won’t as they have tricks to avoid colour migration. Still, this caused the popularity of iron oxide pigments to drop.

Some also point out the other inconvenience that the pigment may cause, especially in MRI. People have experienced burning pains afterwards, as iron oxide reacts to the magnetic and radio waves the procedure uses. With that said, its probability with infection and an allergic reaction is low.

Inorganic pigments are synthetically produced from metals, such as titanium oxide, manganese violet, ultramarines, as well as the mineral kaolinite. Technically iron oxides also belong to this group, though it is distinguished from other inorganic pigments due to its extensive use. Inorganic pigments still use iron oxides in its formula to provide solid colour and opacity, especially in darker shades. For lighter shades, it commonly uses titanium dioxide.

This type of permanent makeup pigment is non-toxic. It is unaffected by light and insoluble, preventing colour migration. Also, they are least likely to cause an allergic reaction, making it suitable for clients who may have sensitive skin.

In the past, organic pigments were called coal tar or anilines. Different colours are obtained from plant and animal organisms: nuts for brown pigments, kiwi for green, and berries for blue or red. This is not the safest option between the three, as it is prone to severe allergic reactions.

Nowadays, very few companies produce purely organic pigments; many create their colours in the lab. Carbon is the main component for organic pigments because it combines other elements perfectly that they can never be separated. To prevent the colour from dissolving, carbon is mixed with insoluble substances, such as nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen. By changing the rations of its components, they can come up with the right colour.

Organic pigments tend to disperse in the skin because of the water levels in our body. This causes the colour to fade quickly. To prevent that from happening, companies add hydroxide of alumina to its formula. This component is not soluble, which helps with colour retention and makes the pigment heavier, setting it into the skin better. It also makes organic pigments hypo-allergenic, as it prevents pigment molecules from reacting with the tissue directly.

Much like iron oxide-based pigments, organic pigments are not advisable for rookie PMU artists. Unless you learn the right techniques, using this type of pigments may cause colour migration.

Choosing the right type of pigment for permanent makeup in Singapore will depend on the artist’s preference, the treatment, and the nature of the client’s skin. However, most PMU artists use a formula made up of both organic and inorganic pigments. Over 95% of permanent makeup pigments available in the market contain both organic and inorganic elements, giving artists an array of the best options.

If you are interested in having permanent makeup in Singapore, it would not be hard, considering there are many cosmetic studios in the country that offer the procedure. They have state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained artists and technicians to ensure quality service for their clients. As we established, another vital thing to look for is the right pigments. A popular pigment brand in Singapore is Swiss Color. 

Swiss Color is a global company that offers an array of pigments. The company invested in years of research and development to come up with their pigments that are safe and free of heavy metals. Swiss colour introduces a wide array of pigments, in different shades, for various permanent makeup procedures to achieve your desired, natural result. Swiss Color is available in 54 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Swiss Color also trains semi-permanent makeup artists to master the principles of semi-permanent makeup and micropigmentation. Look for certified Swiss Color Artists in Singapore to get the best results for you. 

To learn more about Swiss Color, you can visit our website.