Permanent Make Up With Karen Betts

I first tried permanent make up several years ago with super and long lasting results, but with an increasing number of grey and even white hairs popping up on my brows (eek) and with the addition of lip filler to plump up my lips since then, I was definitely in need of some more facial tattooing. Luckily, I was kindly offered the chance to review the renowned Karen Betts‘ permanent make up experience, the pioneering artist who brought permanent make up to the UK from the US. There’s no one better than Karen Betts and her team!

It was perfect timing too with the release of my new children’s book and a much needed confidence boost!

My lips have always been pale and in need of brightening up, and my brows were less defined and more sparse than ever so I couldn’t wait for the treatments.

With an option to visit either of the three clinics in London, Cheshire or Yorkshire, I plumped for South Elmsall, and the HQ, just an hours drive from where we live in Harrogate.

A glam venue in the centre with ample parking and where training is often held for practitioners wanting to learn, I was in great hands with Vikki, Karen’s longest standing artist for my first session, with Karen to follow for the touch ups a few months later.

After a detailed consultation, a colour was chosen for both brows and lips with Vikki promptly working her magic. Highly trained in Colour Theory, Vikki advised on a natural chestnut brown colour for my brows, and a peachy pink for my lips, both to complement my olive skin. First she worked on my brows, perfecting their shape and symmetry, showing me different options. Once I was happy, the treatment began. Vikki gently applied Karen Betts’ award-winning pigments to both my brows and lips using very fine needles. It felt a little like an electric toothbrush and certainly didn’t hurt one bit. You only feel the vibration thanks to the numbing cream, and Vikki chatted to me throughout ensuring I was relaxed and calm.

Returning 6 weeks later, the renowned and incredibly lovely and down to earth Karen herself went over my brows and lips to ensure the colour lasts for at least 12-18 months before a top-up is needed.

Treatments can take 90 minutes but my brows took around an hour and my lips approximately 75 minutes on both occasions.

My lips were instantly bolder and accentuated and although they did lighten as they healed, they looked incredible by day 10 and these photos here were taken on day 41.

The healing process was barely noticeable (just slightly sore and dry lips the first week) and with clear instructions and email remainders on how to use the balms and thickening brow gel provided, there was no chance of forgetting the all important after care.

I highly recommend both treatments! They will save you time on a morning and I always feel more polished and ready thanks to my natural looking brows and lips! Thank you!

This was a complimentary review but as always my words are honest.