814-359-7867

 HOW TO WAKEUP WITH MAKEUP

Lorie (Burns) Litzinger has a SECRET.  It’s one that she’ll gladly share, though.  Every morning this busy Centre County businesswoman wakes free from the worry that she might not have time for her beauty routine.  When she goes to the gym, she doesn’t fuss with makeup – before or after.  Though life may bring tears of joy or sorrow, her eyeliner will always hold up.  A day at the pool?  No worries.  She always wears perfectly applied makeup.  How does she do it?  Litzinger wears permanent makeup!  That’s right, permanent makeup perfectly applied, once!

It’s now 5 years since Secrets by Lorie opened in Pleasant Gap, PA.   Lorie opened her salon specializing in electrolysis and eyelash perming and tinting, a unique beauty service that most people never heard of before 2001.  Shortly after opening, she flew to Las Vegas and became a certified permanent makeup technician, then flew to Dallas and received additional certification in her field.  Permanent makeup soon became the forefront of this business.   Since then, thousands of procedures have been performed, and now this owner-operated business is becoming known as a leading permanent makeup salon on the east coast. 

 What is permanent makeup?

Permanent makeup, or micropigmentation, is a revolutionary way to apply natural-looking makeup that won’t wear off.  In about one to two hours, Litzinger can enhance your eyes, eyebrows, and lips with micro insertions of natural pigments applied into the dermal, or second, layer of skin. The most common procedures, according to the American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics Master Technician, include eyeliner, eyebrows, full lip color, lip liner, and eyelash enhancement.  The process leaves a fresh, natural look when done by a skillful technician.  Litzinger can reshape and fill-in sparse brows using a technique, called the hairstroke method, she learned at a continuing education class.  Tiny strokes of pigment, strategically placed, will simulate a brow hair.  When clustered together the brows appear fuller and natural.  Permanent eyeliner will brighten the look of eyes and make eyelashes appear thicker and fuller.  Applying lip color that never smudges or runs is a lifesaver for many women, plus it adds a splash of color to the face. 

 How do I know if permanent cosmetics are right for me?

“Permanent makeup is suitable for just about anybody, but I recommend potential clients take my “Are You?” challenge to help them decide if they would benefit with Permanent Cosmetics,” says Litzinger.

Are you tired of applying makeup everyday? 

Are you tired of touching up throughout the day?

Are you having trouble seeing to apply makeup? 

Are you too busy in the morning to apply makeup? 

Are you unsure of how to apply makeup? 

Or are you a woman who likes the look of makeup but doesn’t apply it because of allergies, contact lenses, or other reasons?”

If you answered yes to any of these questions, permanent cosmetics could be the answer. The most common reason women choose permanent makeup is simply convenience.  "Who wouldn't want to wake up with makeup that's permanently and professionally applied?" says Litzinger.  Allergic reactions to the process, she emphasizes, are extremely rare.  A patch test is given, if desired.  Age is often another question from certain prospective clients, according to Litzinger, but it needn’t be.  While most of her clients are in their 40s, 50s and 60s, she has worked with women into their 90s with superb results.   

 What I should and shouldn’t expect? 

Clients should expect precision application of their permanent makeup that enhances their natural appearance, Litzinger says.  Correction of major flaws should not be expected, though minor lip and brow imperfections and scars might be concealed by the lip and brow procedures.  The process takes about one to two hours.  Your technician will use a topical anesthetic to reduce the discomfort. 

After a procedure, your techinician will provide instructions for follow-up care, which typically includes application of an ointment for about six days.  And while permanent cosmetics are meant to last, as with any tattoo, Litzinger emphasizes that they will lighten through the years due to excessive sun exposure, natural body chemistry, and certain skin care products.  When this occurs, permanent makeup can easily be refreshed.  “I recommend clients use sunscreen over the areas, wear protective goggles when indoor tanning and know their skin care products.”  

 What is the cost? 

Procedures Fees vary between $250 and $500. 

 How do I choose a technician?

If you’ve decided permanent makeup is right for you, choosing the right technician is imperative.  The technician you choose should be well-trained and experienced in executing the procedures.  Litzinger emphasizes that women considering micropigmentation know their technician’s credentials, but knowing their capabilities is equally important.  “Permanent makeup is permanent,” she says.  “Though many things are important when choosing a technician, it’s not all about education, equipment and credentials.  For example, great eyesight and steady hands can’t be taught.  Pinpoint accuracy and preciseness are borne in the hands of an accomplished technician.” 

 Litzinger suggests these additional tips for choosing a technician: 

*Ask around.  Ask local dermatologists and plastic surgeons for technician recommendations.   Most will share what they know.

*Check credentials. Clients should know where their technician was educated, if they are certified, and whether they stay up-to-date with continuing education in this fast-growing field.  Qualified technicians will gladly share this information or have it displayed in their office.  Litzinger now holds three certifications and travels annually for continuing education classes.  Most recently she traveled to Dallas and proudly earned her Master’s Certification in Permanent Cosmetics from The American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics.  

*Look at the results.  How precise is your technician?  Be sure the before and after pictures in your technician’s portfolio are actual photos of their work, rather than manufactured illustrations.  The photos should be clear and enlarged to show detail.  The level of detail a technician is capable of will reflect in his/her portfolio. 

*Communication.  “Be sure you’re comfortable in every way with your technician.  Be sure your needs and desires are understood.   

*Cleanliness.  The technician’s work area should meet all cleanliness standards.  

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a retiree, or a 9-to-5’er, permanent makeup can take the hassle out of your morning routine everyday.  Sure, it’s a big commitment, but with her dedication to being among the best in the industry Lorie (Burns) Litzinger can help you make your permanent makeup choice with confidence.  Contact Lorie at,  814-359-7867 or email  lorie@secretsbylorie.com.  Visit www.secretsbylorie.com to see photos of her work.