Wake up with makeup.

That is how Lorie Burns, certified micropigmentation specialist, describes what she does for a living in her business, Secrets by Lorie.

Burns, who runs her own permanent makeup and electrolysis studio at 127 S. Danielle Drive in Pleasant Gap, said that she uses a hand-held machine that guides a cluster of five small needles across the eye.

"This procedure does not penetrate as deep as a body tattoo, and I use pigmentation instead of dye," Burns said.

The procedure, which can take between one to two hours, is said to be somewhat painless.

"I apply a topical numbing cream to the eye before I begin," Burns said. "Some of my clients say it is not as painful as a body tattoo."

The healing time is about six days, and the eyelid must be kept moist with an ointment at all times.

"The line will appear bolder during the first week, but then it will begin to lighten up," Burns said.

Despite its name, permanent makeup is not absolutely permanent. Burns said the outline can last from three to seven years, depending on care. Anti-aging products, especially those with alpha hydroxides, sunlight and facial peels can shorten the effect.

"Most people do it because it saves time with busy lifestyles," Burns said.

The cost of the procedure can range between $250 and $450, Burns said. Burns is the only person in the area who offers such services.

"There is nobody else in the State College area that does this," said Tony Campbell of Totem Tattoo, 225 W. Beaver Ave. "We do not do any sort of permanent makeup in our studio."

With its convenience may also come complications.

"It is a tattoo, so there is always a potential for problems," said Dr. James Dunne, a dermatologist at Centre Community Hospital. "There is the possibility of infections and allergic reactions to the pigment that is used," he said.

Dunne said it is important that a sterile technique is used to prevent certain diseases, such as HIV.

"The patient must realize it is permanent. Body tattoos now can be removed by laser, but the skin on the eyelid is so thin that removal may not be an option," he said.

In order for the eyeliner to look natural, the pigment must penetrate the dermis, which is below the top layer of the epidermis, Dunne added.

"If you get down into the subcutaneous tissue, all you will have is a blurred line with no definition," Dunne said.

Burns also performs eyelash and eyebrow perming and tinting. Next she hopes to learn how to camouflage age spots and facial scars.

To see photos of permanent makeup, visit www.secretsbylorie.com.