Hi, I'd like to introduce myself...
My name is Collette MacDonald, I am a fully licensed and highly trained permanent makeup artist working in the Reading area.
​
I am a true artist first and foremost, it has always been my life's passion ever since I could hold a pencil. I have been extremely lucky that my passion for art has taken me to so many places and experienced so many things; from traditional tattooing, special effects on big blockbuster movies by Marvel and Pixar, all the way to art therapy within palliative care. I've gained a huge amount of transferable skills, which allow me to be a very unique permanent makeup artist and one of the only ones in the country who is an artist and qualified tattooist with medical training.
​
But for now, let's talk about makeup! I believe makeup is a very personal thing and we all have our own preferences. My aim is to deliver beautiful, natural results that enhance your look and compliment the way you like to apply your makeup. I don't use set templates, or a "one style suits all" approach, I go to great lengths to ensure that whatever procedure you choose is tailored to you as an individual, using the shape and bone structure of your face as a reference so that you can wake up every day with a timeless look you'll absolutely love.
I have 25+ years of professional level drawing and colour theory knowledge under my belt, allowing me to create a bespoke customised brow colour perfectly matched to your skin/hair colouration, or favourite lip colour. The same amount of knowledge applies to my shading and blending skills which has always been an obsession of mine, meaning I can deliver flawless results whether you prefer a stronger, bolder brow or a light and airy natural result.
​
I offer a free, no obligation consultation in person, by phone or video call to discuss what you feel is best suited to your current makeup needs so that together we can work out a plan for you. No question is too big or small, so get in touch, I'd love to hear from you!
My Training
Technical Training
-
Microblading
-
Powder Effect Eyebrows, Combination Eyebrows
-
Natural Hair Simulation
-
Needle configurations
-
Machine management and sterilisation
-
Seven advanced needle techniques
-
Pigmenting guideline for Brows, Eyes and Lips
-
Total symmetry, Convex and Concave Faces
-
Pre drawing & Measuring Eyebrows, Lips & eyeliner
-
Lip liner, natural lip blush and full lip colour
-
Eyelash enhancement, Safe and Simple Eyeliner designs​
Colour Theory
-
Colour theory, Permanent Make Up Pigments and Colour Mixing
-
The study of 21 Pigments
-
Advanced Colour Correction
Medical Knowledge
-
​Dermatology
-
Medical Conditions
-
Contra-indications
-
Allergy Testing
-
Changes to the skin
-
Consultations, Medical History and Aftercare
Specialist Training
I have had specialist training in corrective Permanent Makeup procedures that clients have had done elsewhere and have been unhappy with their results.
​
I also have six years of infection control training so you can be confident that your safety is always paramount limiting cross infection.
I've always sought out the best training and tools and I am proud to have trained with one of the best in the industry; multi-award winning Katy Jobbins at the Permanent Makeup Training Academy. I trained 1-to-1 with a fellow artist who truly cares about her clients as individuals, which is so important when placing your trust in someone to listen and understand what it is you want from your permanent makeup.
The Pigments
I only use the best quality, pharmaceutical grade pigments that have been pre-sterilised and meet FDA and EU safety regulations for quality control, safety and manufacturing. They are vegan friendly, hypoallergenic, and have incredible colour retention so that you can be sure that whatever your choice of treatment, they will remain true to the colour you chose - no nasty surprises down the line! All colours are custom blended by me and tailored specifically to you.
All colours gently fade over time and it is recommended to book a colour boost typically around 12-24 months, depending on the look you want to maintain.
My Permanent Makeup Journey
Permanent makeup has made a huge difference to my every day life. It's a small change that's given me so much more time, but more importantly so much more confidence. We all know that while confidence really comes from within, there are external factors that can, and often do, chip away at how confident you feel about your appearance. For me personally, that has always been the case to some degree. I've never been the most confident about the way I look. It's funny how people are always so critical of themselves and I am no exception.
After having three beautiful children (who are my world and were totally worth every scar and bodily change) I experienced some pretty dramatic brow and eyelash loss after my second and third babies. Of all the changes you go through, this one I was not expecting! This loss can also happen naturally with age, just like your natural lip pigment fading, so I knew it was only going to get worse, and to be honest they were a bit sparse to start with. I simply didn't have time to present the version of me that I would normally choose to - that is the version with eyebrows...who knew that was a luxury!
​
Having had a "soft powered" brow and a lash line enhancement expertly applied, I no longer have to worry about penciling in my brows every morning, or hoping that I have left enough time to do so (which quite often I did not). And the time saved is amazing! In fact I am often now ready before my husband when we go out, so now I can get to be the one standing by the door tapping my foot looking at my imaginary watch! This was a change that was for me, no one else. I was probably the only person who was bothered by, or noticed, my sparse eyebrows as I had always disguised them.
Changes like these, although small, can be quite empowering. We could all do with a little boost from time to time to help us feel good. It's my pleasure to now offer the same time saving confidence boost to my beautiful clients, who all have their own stories to tell.
