Throughout history, celebrity beauty marks have been the envy of countless women. From Marylyn Monroe and Cindy Crawford to Eva Mendes, women have long admired and tried to emulate this look. When located in the right place, they are said to make a face look alluring and sexy.
Interestingly, the only difference between a beauty mark and a mole is its location. The fact that one may be raised and another appears flatter makes no difference. It is purely location. If a mole is located above the lip, it is considered a stunning beauty mark. The same applies for the top of the cheekbone and several places on the cheek. However, if one should appear in the middle of the forehead, right under the chin or the tip of the nose, it is generally not considered attractive.
Interestingly, the only difference between a beauty mark and a mole is its location. The fact that one may be raised and another appears flatter makes no difference. It is purely location. If a mole is located above the lip, it is considered a stunning beauty mark. The same applies for the top of the cheekbone and several places on the cheek. However, if one should appear in the middle of the forehead, right under the chin or the tip of the nose, it is generally not considered attractive.
A Mark Throughout History
In ancient cultures, however, the melanocytic nevus (beauty mark or mole) carried less attractive interpretations. In ancient China, an easily seen beauty mark served as a warning while a hidden one indicated good luck and great fortune. If you had a beauty mark on your neck in ancient Greece, it was an indication you would eventually be beheaded. Roman women disliked them tremendously and would attempt to scrub them off with ashes made from snails. In Medieval times, a visible beauty mark required an exorcism and, during the Renaissance, corresponding moles were used to discern whether someone would make a good husband.Over time, the glamour and popularity of Hollywood actresses that sported beauty marks (whether real or fake) became a focus of great admiration. These included 1920s actress Clara Bow, who wore a self-imposed heart on her lower right cheek. Eventually came Marilyn Monroe. An iconic sex symbol, her look was much sought after and women everywhere wanted to mimic her beauty mark. Today, we can see the resurgence of her entire look that is back in vogue. Supporting this appeal is Cindy Crawford, Natalie Portman and Blake Lively, to name just a few.
But what about those not born with this mark of beauty? Can it be achieved and appear convincing? Thanks to micropigmentation, it can! Anyone can achieve the iconic symbol of beauty without worrying if it will smear or wear off.
Where There is None
If your client has no sign of a freckle or beauty mark, one can be totally created with micropigmentation. Just pick a spot. The most natural and convincing way to do this is to keep to the brown shades and avoid black. Black will eventually turn blue, making the mark look unrealistic.If Client Has a Freckle
A freckle can be easily enhanced with micropigmentation. Freckles are flat and generally considered safe to darken, but make sure it has not changed in color or shape or grown larger before tattooing. You would not want to disguise a possible sign of skin cancer.If Client Has a Mole that Has Lightened Over Time
If the client has a flat mole that has lightened over time, it is very simple to darken it with micropigmentation.A raised mole is a situation best decided by a dermatologist. In the micropigmentation profession, raised moles are not typically darkened unless medical clearance is given.
The procedure itself is quite simple and can be performed on Fitzpatrick skin types 1-6. First, the beauty mark should be drawn for the client to see and approve an exact placement and size. A small grouping of sterile needles is used, such as a 3-Outline or 3-Liner. This ensures the beauty mark will not be too large. A small dot is placed in the center and then built outward, expanding into a round shape until the desired size is achieved. The actual size will be slightly smaller when healed due to some light swelling. Most permanent makeup practitioners would rather add more on a touch-up visit than be concerned the size is too large.
Dos: Attractive Placement
Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yet there are certain places on the face where a beauty mark is generally desired. A beauty mark on the top lip is considered very sexy, and one right under the corner of the bottom lip is often requested as well.The apple of the cheekbone is another popular area, or even up a bit further by the corner of the eye. Even the center of the cheek is popular. A small beauty mark on the corner of a beautiful jawline can also be appealing. Just remember, wherever it is placed, attention will be drawn to that area.
Don’ts: Placements to Avoid
The least popular placements are the center of the chin, under the chin, the nose area or center of the forehead. A mark here would not enhance these facial features by highlighting them.Beauty marks should have a subtlety to them, so avoid making it too large or obvious. Having a beauty mark that overtakes the face or is the first thing seen is not the purpose. It will shriek of fake, unnatural and overdone.
Color Selection
Color selection begins with a brown of the desired depth of color, but warming this color is imperative. Without the addition of a warming shade (yellow, orange or a henna shade), chances are increased for a bluish and unrealistic outcome. Once the formula is mixed, place it on the area and allow it to dry to avoid ash tones in the formulation. If the color dries bluish or ashy, add more warmth. When selecting a darker brown shade for a Fitzpatrick 4-6, be sure to add additional warmth since their degree of melanin is greater and tends to ash easily. Once the desired color is achieved, the beauty mark can be tattooed.Cost of Procedure
The cost of a tattooed beauty mark ranges from $75 to $150 and may or may not include a 4-6 week touch up visit.Longevity of Beauty Mark
The lasting effects of tattooed beauty marks depend on a few different things, such as time spent outdoors. The sun fades all permanent makeup. The depth of color selected also makes a difference, as darker colors tend to last longer and lighter shades will fade and require a touch up sooner.The average length of time is about one year for light to medium shades and two to three years for darker shades. Active skin care products tend to fade beauty marks and all permanent makeup applications. However, color refreshing a beauty mark is so simple that clients should never avoid their active skin care products.