Color me permanent: The struggle with women's body image
...past five years cosmetic tattooing has been imported over from Europe where it first originated. Although it is expensive (usually between $300-$1,500 a procedure), many women feel that it is worth it because cosmetic tattooing is only semi-permanent and takes the hassle out of applying makeup. There has and always will be a constant pressure for women in our culture to look good. We are vastly influenced by what others think of us. Some women can argue that this is untrue, but when it gets down to the nitty-gritty expectations from others -especially men, every woman wants to look their best. My Uncle married an Italian esthetician who introduced the women in my family to cosmetic tattooing. My mother and grandmother were the only two brave ones to undergo the needle. My grandmother never wore makeup simply because she didn’t know how to apply it properly. She was a dazzling diva in the 50’s, but as her skin matured, makeup just wasn’t as appealing on her anymore. She decided to get lip liner tattooed as well as her eyebrows and eyeliner. My mother on the other hand, did it simply for convenience. Instead of having to apply her “necessary” makeup, she simply rolled out of bed and brushed a little bit of powder on. With three kids she was always on the go and didn’t have the time to put on the desired amount of makeup. Tattooing provided her with that little touch of lip liner and eyeliner to enhance her features allowing her to look made up, but still natural. This “natural” aspect of some cosmetic tattooing is perhaps to credit for its increasing popularity. Once the tattoo is faded, it’s very hard to tell that it isn’t real. According to studies, most men like the “natural look” on women. The faded tattoo is almost a perfect compromise. It gives the men their natural look that they like, yet still leaves women feeling gorgeous. Although cosmetic tattooing does enhance certain features, it can a...