FAQs
Questions and Answers
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Permanent makeup is not inexpensive, but it can be priceless. It has been estimated that the savings in daily makeup is about $400 per year, and in time that you may save 380 hours per year. Most people don't get permanent makeup to save money, they do it for convenience and to know that they always look their best. If you compare other non-surgical procedures such as Botox or wrinkle filler it gives you a good idea of the value of permanent makeup. For about the same cost as some Botox or filler, which may last only 3-4 months, you will get permanent makeup that lasts for years and saves you time every day.
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Usually, each procedure appointment is one to two hours. The majority of the time is spent adequately consulting and selecting the appropriate color for your skin; measuring and artistically drawing on the planned procedure prior to actually implanting the color; and allowing for the application of topical anesthetics. Complete after-care instructions will be reviewed verbally and then sent home in written copy form.
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Yes, a full-face procedure will take 3-4 hours. In fact, one advantage is that your aftercare and healing time for all the areas is consolidated into the same time frame. However, some people choose to do the procedures as individual appointments, and some will do only brows and eyeliner and return for lips later, etc. Age and tolerance, metabolic factors and your typical healing responses are all taken into consideration and we can make recommendations for the best options.
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Topical anesthesia is used as needed to help numb the areas to be treated. This helps to alleviate any minor discomfort you may experience during the procedure. Everyone has their own unique level of pain tolerance. Some people feel that certain areas of the face are more sensitive than others, so special emphasis is put on making the client as comfortable as possible. A variety of topical anesthetics are on hand to ensure that your procedure is as pain-free as possible.
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You may experience minor redness on procedure day. The eyebrow area has very little soft tissue content so swelling is usually not a concern. Eyeliner and lip color can definitely produce some noticeable swelling but it is usually resolved in 24 hours or so. We treat each procedure with Infrared light therapy and ice packs post-procedure to help reduce inflammation and promote faster healing.
You may resume normal activities immediately except that you will be advised to wear no makeup directly on the treated area for about one week. There is some minor redness, healing, and peeling during the first week. Most clients resume their regular schedule, such as returning to work, the very next day. It is advised that for very special occasions or anytime you want to look your super-best you allow one week of healing time.
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At first the pigment will appear too dark, bold, or bright depending on the area. There is an exfoliative process during the healing that allows for the surface layer of color to “peel” after 4-7 days. Once completely healed, you are actually viewing the color through the skin, not on the surface as with traditional cosmetics. You can expect that it will “heal, peel and fade” after about one week. The color is usually about 30-40% lighter when healed than it appears the day of the procedure. If the color looks perfect immediately after the procedure, it would be much too light when healed.
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Most people will need the color refreshed within one to three years after the procedure depending on skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and skin products. This is typically a reduced fee from the original cost since it is merely a re-coloring of any areas which may have lost color intensity. A light blonde eyebrow tone will not last as long as a dark brown color due to the physical properties of the color pigments. Regular use of sunblock and avoiding exposure of the areas to retinols and other exfoliating products will help prevent premature fading.
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We use makeup pencils to draw on the areas in advance for your approval. Guidelines such as facial shapes, bone structure, and artistic design techniques are implemented to create a guide for shape, symmetry, and precision. Our standard practice is to stay on the side of light and natural, for we can always add more color later during your follow-up visit.
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It is preferred that if given medical clearance by your doctor and you are within the proper time frame of your treatment schedule, you do the permanent makeup first. This helps in color selection and placement in your natural eyebrow position. When the hair does fall out, you will have eyebrows already done and be able to avoid going without any eyebrows for a time.
If you miss the time window allowable by your doctor’s treatment plan, you may come after the fact when you receive a medical release for any invasive procedure.
General Permanent Makeup
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It is a form of tattooing, although the techniques, pigments, and needles are specialized for the more delicate areas of the face. Anytime color is implanted into the dermis of the skin, it is technically a tattoo, regardless of the manner in which it is performed. This includes microblading, which is a form of cosmetic tattooing that utilized a hand-tool method rather than machine implantation of the pigment.
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Many people refer to permanent makeup by fancy names such as micropigmentaton, dermal pigmentation, etc. It is all correct but is typically a marketing strategy, however, it truly is a tattoo process.
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At Newport Permanent Makeup, we use all pre-packaged, sterile, and disposable needles and one-time-use- treatment supplies. We use medical-grade needles that are encased in a special cartridge that contains an internal diaphragm, preventing any bodily fluids and airborne contaminants from entering the device and thus your body.. This ensures that you will receive the safest, most sterile form of cosmetic tattooing available. In addition, all of your procedures are done under Federal OSHA standards that regulate sterile, safe, and healthy practices for the prevention of cross-contamination from person to person.
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There may be some situations where you would need medical clearance first. A thorough health history will be taken prior to your procedure. Any contraindications or medical alerts will be discussed prior to receiving the procedures. These situations are typically rare. Some medications such as blood thinners are to be discontinued with physician clearance prior to any procedure. It is advised that a doctor’s release be provided if you are under a physician’s care for certain ongoing medical conditions. There are a few skin disorders that prevent the application of permanent makeup. Diabetics may have slower healing times.
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You may give input into the selection of the color. Some people like to bring their everyday makeup, such as brow pencils or lipstick to the procedure appointment for color comparison. However, there are many considerations to choosing a color for permanent makeup, especially so in the eyebrows. This is where a highly trained and experienced permanent makeup practitioner guides you in the selection process. Everyone has their own unique skin qualities, including color tone and sensitivity. Using these guidelines helps in the decision-making process. Underlying skin tone will influence the healed color result and the long-term color qualities. It is IMPERATIVE that the technician has a good grasp of color theory, extensive knowledge of skin physiology, and investigates the ethnic influences on skin tone values. In addition, having lots of experience working on many different skin types with a particular brand of color pigments is important. I have worked on so many different skin types that I can usually predict with great accuracy how my individual colors tend to heal just by reading the undertones of the skin correctly.
The final factor is to remember that being conservative is key. It is easy to darken or add more color later, but not easy to remove or recolor if the result is too dark or unnatural.
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Yes, however, removal is a highly specialized technique and assessment and recommendations must be made by someone with proper training and experience. There are options for both saline-based solutions that are tattooed into the area, and specialized lasers for permanent makeup pigment removal. If you wish to simply change color, re-coloring is possible but only if there is a slight shift in color, not to go significantly lighter or to cover up a highly undesirable result. Any removal or corrective process is extremely advanced and requires special training and the technician should be a seasoned practitioner. At Newport Permanent Makeup, we specialize in saline removal and corrective procedures. We are certified in globally recognized removal products and the correct techniques. The same cautions apply to laser removal by a medical professional trained specifically in the removal of permanent makeup. When laser removal is the best option, we refer clients to our medical partners.
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It is often advised that you have your permanent makeup first. You will have great guidelines to ensure symmetry and placement when adjusting facial structure as is done in a face or brow-lift. The other bonus is that you look better when you are healing from surgery while you are not allowed to wear traditional makeup.
If you have surgery first, you need to wait until your doctor clears you to have any procedures done, usually 6-12 weeks.
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You may have laser treatments such as IPL for photodamage, Fraxel-type lasers for skin tightening and skin restoration but you need to inform the medical professional that you have permanent makeup. Certain colors can turn to an undesirable shade or get lightened or removed. It is simply avoiding direct contact between the laser and the permanent makeup areas. If you have had a laser rejuvenation treatment, microneedling, or a chemical peel, you must wait a minimum of four weeks before having any permanent makeup procedure.
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No, you can safely have an MRI even if you have permanent makeup. In rare, isolated cases of facial/head MRI scans, a warm sensation can manifest in the makeup areas. Statistical data indicates this is rare and usually related to heavy dark eyeliner. Simply tell the MRI technician that you have had permanent makeup (or any form of tattooing) so they know to watch for any unusual reactions. Visit www.SPCP.org to read published medical articles on the subject.
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A highly specialized technique called eyebrow hair simulation is used to create unbelievably realistic eyebrows. Personal preference will dictate how “natural” or “dramatic” you want the healed result to be. Fewer hair strokes implanted in the skin look more natural, and often 2-3 colors and 2 different needle sizes will be used to create a more multi-dimensional appearance.
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NO! Every attempt is made to retain all of your natural hair and integrate it into the design of permanent eyebrows. In some cases where the shaping of the natural brow is required, a few hairs here and there may need to be removed to create a clean, symmetrical, and esthetically pleasing result. The more brow hair you have the more natural the result will be.
Eyebrows
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You can have the eyebrow tattoo procedure, but you need to wait a minimum of two weeks after receiving any injections in the forehead region. If manipulated too soon, the Botox can travel from the intended area, and there can also commonly be some minor bruising at the injection sights. If you are having Botox after your procedure, we recommend waiting at least ten days until your brows are fully healed.
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No, you must refrain from wearing mascara and other eye makeup while in the healing stages. It is recommended that you discontinue the use of mascara for 7 days and then resume with a brand new mascara to prevent any possible contamination or infection. Wearing mascara during the healing process can contribute to possible infection and removal of the mascara during healing can interfere with color retention.
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You must not be wearing any eyelash extensions during your permanent eyeliner procedure. You should wait at least 10 days or until full healing has taken place before having lashes put on.
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Either get your eyeliner done 2-3 weeks before your surgery, or you must then wait 3 months or until your doctor gives you the release to proceed with permanent eyeliner.
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Yes, you must be 3 months post-surgery or have a release from your eye surgeon prior to that.
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You must have a form of glaucoma that does not require medication. If you use prescription medication for any eye condition, you must have a release in writing from your doctor.
Eyeliner
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Permanent eyeliner should be placed only in the natural lash line and above. The outer corners should not be connected and you shouldn’t have tails or “wings” tattooed beyond the corners. If you do get eyelid surgery the natural lash line is not altered, only excess skin removed. Your eyeliner should remain intact even after the surgery.
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You must remove lenses for the procedure and it is recommended that you wear glasses if possible for 2-3 days after. This is precautionary to prevent irritation and possible eye infections. If you need contacts to see and don’t have glasses you will need to keep them out the remainder of the day and have someone drive you home. With strict hygiene, you may begin wearing them the next day.
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Eyelash growth products vary in their active ingredients and most over-the-counter brands use polypeptides to encourage lash growth and extend the lash cycle. Prescription products such as Latisse, use prostaglandins which cause extreme inflammation and increased vascularity in the eyelids. This can cause complications such as excessive bleeding during the eyeliner procedure and color migration wherein the pigment moves out in the skin away from the intended area.
We require all over-the-counter products to be discontinued for three to six months prior to eyeliner tattooing. Latisse users are not good candidates for eyeliner tattooing and need to discontinue use six to twelve months prior depending on the frequency of past use.
Lip Color
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ORAL HERPES or “cold sores” may be set off by the lip procedure and you should take an anti-viral medication in advance. This is true if you have EVER had a cold sore or “fever blister” even if it has been years. Any disturbance of the lip area, from aggressive dental work to too much sun exposure can cause the Herpes Simplex virus to come out of its dormant state and react in a blister-like sore. It can negatively impact the successful healing of lip color. You must contact your doctor, dermatologist, or dentist to get a prescription for an anti-viral medication as a preventative for this condition.
The condition of the lip tissue is highly relevant to the success of the procedure. Lips have no sweat or oil glands, therefore dehydrate very easily. Using a conditioning, hydrating lip balm, and gentle exfoliation prior to the lip procedure will ensure a more favorable "canvas". Also, it is recommended to avoid using "long-wear" lip color products for several weeks before the procedure, as these tend to dry out the lips.
People who get a lot of sun exposure are often not good candidates for lip tattooing. Assessment of your lips is recommended in a face-to-face consultation prior to your procedure to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for this process.
If you get lip fillers, it is recommended that you refrain from any filler injections a minimum of one month before or after the lip tattooing. If you plan to have both lip tattooing and lip filler, we recommend doing the lip tattooing first so that we can optimize the natural symmetry of the lip shape. Dermal fillers can also alter the texture of the lip tissue, making implanting of the color more difficult.
Microblading
The Official Position From The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals On Microblading. More information is available on the official SPCP.org website.
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With the sudden popularity and media attention to the term microblading, many are led to believe microblading is not a tattoo process. Permanent cosmetics, micropigmentation, dermal implantation, microblading/microstroking, eyebrow embroidery, and long-time/long-lasting makeup, are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time color is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process as defined by many well-informed regulators, the medical community, and dictionary sources. Denying this process is a tattoo can be problematic for those who would, for religious or other personal reasons, normally refuse to have a tattoo.
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Microblading is performed with a grouping or configuration of needles affixed to a handle to manually create lines that resemble eyebrow hairs. Manual methods of tattooing have been used through the ages, and the tools have gone through changes over time from pre-historic sharpened stones to the hand tool devices currently being used. An actual scalpel or cutting-type blade should not be used under any circumstances as these are considered medical devices and cannot legitimately be used for this process. Any hand tool device (i.e., both handle and attached needles) used for microblading should be pre-sterilized and fully disposable.
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Some are promoting microblading or eyebrow embroidery as a semi-permanent process; and the color only reaches the epidermal (outer) layer of the skin. A careful review of basic skin anatomy and physiology would reveal this is not true. By definition and tattoo industry standards, color is tattooed/implanted into the dermis of the skin. If pigment particles do not reach the dermis, they will disappear during the healing phase of the skin, during the normal regeneration of cells at the epidermal level. Pigments do fade in the skin over time, but that does not make the process semi-permanent. It is impossible to predict how much pigment will fade away and how long it will take to do so with any measure of consistency or reliability.
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This is simply because a much smaller amount of pigment is inserted (tattooed) into the skin as compared to fully or solidly filled eyebrow tattoos.
At Newport Permanent Makeup we now have long-term statistics available, and the depth of implantation, the skill and experience of the technician, and proper color selection will all determine how dark, bold, and long-lasting the color will be.
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No, if someone is new to the industry and does not already have a minimum of 100 hours of training in permanent cosmetics, they need to have a similar amount of training in microblading, even if it is for just that one type of procedure. There are many areas of study when learning these techniques, which include facial morphology and bone structure, brow shaping and design, color analysis, color theory, proper handling of equipment, prevention of cross-contamination, as well as practice work and the opportunity to observe procedures before actually performing them under supervision. Anyone interested in pursuing training in cosmetic tattooing, including microblading, should first check with state and county regulating agencies. This would also include verifying the qualifications of any trainer, in addition to checking with regulatory agencies for trainer compliance with local health, safety, or permit requirements if the trainer is traveling from another state or country to offer training.
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The first step is to select the proper color. When only one areola needs re-coloring a small test patch is done to match the natural existing areola on the opposite breast to see if the color heals as anticipated. If at the follow-up visit the test is satisfactory, then the procedure may be completed. Careful measurements are made to ensure placement and symmetry of the areola(s) and a template is drawn on the skin for your approval. Specialized artistic techniques in shading and highlighting with multiple color tones result in an incredibly natural and realistic appearance.
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Artistic shading can be used to create the appearance of a nipple. Specialized artistic techniques in shading and highlighting with multiple color tones result in an incredibly natural and realistic appearance. In our experience, the absence of a surgically created nipple bud gives a better chance of a more favorable outcome in the 3D tattooing results.
Areola Restoration
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We are experts at working in the delicate, and often compromised, skin of the breast cancer reconstruction patient, including having undergone radiation therapy. The tattoo pigment is placed in the upper layer of the dermis, with no chance of penetrating deep enough to compromise the breast implants. We also use extreme caution and sterile practices to ensure you heal with little to no risk of infection or complications. Your health, safety, and integrity of your skin are our number one priority.
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The first step is to select the proper color. Then there is a small test patch done to see if the color takes as anticipated. If in the follow-up visit the test is satisfactory, then the procedure may be completed. You will return in 6-8 weeks for a follow-up visit to determine if additional color is needed to perfect the procedure. Remember we are working in scar tissue so there is no way to anticipate exactly how the color will retain in the skin. Multiple treatments to layer in color are always necessary. The average is two to three sessions.
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Scars are very tricky to anticipate. Test patches are done to determine how receptive the scar is to the color, and what the final color will be. A scar cannot just be correctly "colored" on the initial visit. Getting it right is a process that will take more than one visit. The only scars that can successfully be camouflaged are scars that are lighter than the surrounding skin tone. Scars that are raised or Keloids, dark red or purple scars, and scars that are less than 9 months old cannot be treated. Some individual skin types are not good candidates for the scar camouflage process. A personalized consultation will determine if this process is indicated for your situation.
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The pigment used in scar camouflage contains Titanium Dioxide. This is an opaque white pigment base that cannot be lasered. It can turn the pigment black. You simply need to inform your laser technician that you have had scar camouflage and they will avoid direct contact between the laser and the scar.
Scar Camouflage
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The test patch ensures a perfect color match before covering the entire scar. You will have an opportunity to review the results before committing to the entire process. A good technician will not proceed unless a favorable result is apparent.
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You may experience minor swelling and redness on procedure day. There is some minor redness, healing, and peeling during the first week. Scar tissue is different than healthy skin. The treated sight often looks “angry” and has some minor oozing of lymph fluid for a few hours. The color will appear too dark and may not look like it matches until the procedure is healed.
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The initial healing is completed in 7-10 days, however, it takes four weeks to determine the true healed color tones. You will return in 6-8 weeks for a follow-up visit to determine if the color tone and depth are satisfactory. It is typical to need some small areas of “touch-up” at this visit to perfect the results. Scar camouflage is tricky and should be done in increments to ensure a natural blend. Think of the pixels in a digital photo. Pixels are dots of color that, when added together, create a picture that the eye sees as a solid. The same is true when doing successful scar camouflage. A dotted or pixelated technique creates a visual impression of blended color that makes the scar “disappear”. Too solid of a color implantation will just create a scar of a different color. It is important to be conservative when adding color to a scar, therefore several procedures may be necessary to ensure a natural result.
Procell Microneedling
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Using the ultimate technology in topical, non-invasive anti-aging treatments, small needles are inserted lightly into the dermis, causing your own wound healing system to stimulate collagen production in your skin. The needles cause micro-trauma and micro –inflammation. Your body responds by sending blood to the area for healing. Blood platelets release clotting factors and essential growth factors. Fibroblasts make and deposit new extracellular matrix and collagen and new elastin. As your skin repairs itself, new collagen builds up in the dermis, just below the surface. The wrinkles, lines, depressed scars or tethered scar tissue plump up and release without the use of anything artificial (i.e. fillers, collagen substitutes) and can be repeated gradually as needed for additional new collagen.
This process is often referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy.
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Wrinkle treatment: fine lines and deeper wrinkles can be diminished.
Hyper-pigmentation: the diminished appearance of brown spots.
Indented scars: decrease the depth of pitted, depressed, or shallow scars caused by acne, chicken pox, surgeries or trauma.
Surgical Scars: raised or hypertrophic scars can become smoother with needling treatments that flatten the elevated scar tissue.
Scar Relaxation: burns and accidents can create fibrous bands of scar tissue that can contract and create limited flexibility. Needling can break down the contracted tissue to increase mobility and flexibility.
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The epidermis remains intact: the outer layer, or epidermis, is not removed and is left intact. The healthy skin and blood vessels in between the lines, wrinkles, and scars are preserved. This improves healing, collagen stimulation, and long-term results. Safe for people with a thinner epidermis due to skin type, age, and sun damage.
Less worry about pigmentation changes: because of less trauma to the epidermis, unlike lasers and strong chemical peels, there is less risk of permanent structural damage such as post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (skin darkening) or de-pigmenting (white spots or color loss).
Fast healing and less downtime: due to the precise control and minimal trauma , the healing is very rapid with a “downtime” of just a few days (3-5) vs. up to several weeks with more invasive and aggressive treatments. Makeup can be worn the next day!
Fewer side effects: due to the largely intact epidermis and controlled treatment areas, there are no effects such as thinning of the epidermis, heightened skin sensitivity, and very little, if any, risk of infection or allergic reaction.
Multiple or ongoing treatments are possible: other resurfacing methods cannot be repeated indefinitely because they eventually thin the skin and can create extreme photosensitivity. Needling, however, can be repeated as the dermis in the treated areas becomes thicker, not thinner. It can also be used in delicate areas such as under and around the eyes to treat “Crow’s Feet” lines, and thin and crepey skin and can even help the appearance of dark circles.