Dr. Kahren Arbitman
Life changing, that’s a phrase usually reserved for personal events like getting married or having children. But I can honestly say that permanent makeup has made a difference in my life. It’s not uncommon for redheads of English heritage to have blond eyebrows and lashes. Mine are virtually invisible. To make matters worse, my eyebrow shape can be best described as drooping rather than arching. Since my early teens, I have been penciling, powdering, and painting non-existing eyebrows onto my face. Getting them to match side to side was a daily challenge. Always lurking was a fear that exercising, swimming, or just sweating would cause them to run or rub off. My short blond eyelashes were a similar trial. Lots of eyeliner and mascara temporarily solved the problem, but I learned early never to touch my eyes, or heaven forbid, cry.
I heard about permanent makeup many years before deciding to go for it. What part of “permanently” marking one’s face isn’t scary? When I finally had the time to do the research, weigh the pros and cons, and read reviews to find a person I could trust to alter my appearance—permanently—I was already retired. Oh, how I wish I had done it years earlier. Regardless of my belated decision, I can honestly say that permanent makeup has liberated me from the tedium of makeup and given me a “wash and wear” face that takes me seamlessly from the tennis courts to a gala dinner.
My extensive research led me to Kari Boatner Permanent Cosmetics. Kari is one of the few people who trains other technicians. She has the highest level of certification and safety protocols. And, most impressively, she didn’t immediately agree to give me an appointment. I had to send her a photo of my face so that she could assess whether I was right for permanent makeup. The combination of these factors assured me that I had found the right person. I live in Texas and her office at the time was in Florida. She was definitely worth a plane trip.
On my initial appointment, Kari spent a great deal of time measuring and drawing to create perfect brows to fit my face. She then carefully chose the right shade to compliment my skin tone and hair. Before she began, she wrapped me in a warm blanket while explaining every step of the procedure, including what implements and anesthetics she would use. It was very comforting. I was in good hands. Throughout the procedure, Kari carried on a delightful conversation that was a great distraction. Before arriving, I received pages of instructions on what to eat, what to wear, what to do or stop doing. I left with a similar number of instructions and packets of moist towelettes to use throughout the day to stop swelling, promote healing, and help retain pigment. Kari’s level of attention to every detail is unmatched in this business.
That first appointment I only had my brows and upper lids done. For me it was baby steps. Within six months I was back for the lower lids and lips. Periodically I return for touch ups. The ink does lighten over time, more so if you spend a lot of time in the sun. But I have tossed out all of the used makeup that once filled my vanity drawers. I am never going back to my old ways or my old face. If you are hesitant about taking this monumental step, I urge you to read Kari’s website and compare her credentials and expertise with others you might find. I think you will agree that Kari Boatner is the best. And don’t you deserve the best?
With all good wishes,
Kahren Jones Arbitman, Ph.D.
