Like a pair of well-shaped eyebrow enhancements, PMU styles rise, peak, then fade – often giving way to their exact opposites.

It’s a constant cycle. Maximalism turns to minimalism, bodycon vs oversized. It’s the low rise-to-high-waist phenomenon. It’s just human nature: oversaturation sparks reinvention.

A little ironically, as the bold styles of yesteryear slide into the back seat of our collective consciousness, understated, “natural” styles are becoming more noticeable. We’d wager that we’ll see a resurgence of the more makeup-heavy look somewhere down the line, but for now natural aesthetics are very much in the spotlight.

How have PMU procedures changed stylistically in the last few years?

What’s different? Let’s take a closer look at a few treatments and how they’ve evolved.

Brows

Maybe it was the camera phone quality, or maybe it was those early Instagram filters (#valencia, anyone?), but early PMU brows were defined by solid, saturated colour. Eyebrows had sharp, blocky edges and often healed with ashy undertones, requiring frequent corrections.

Now, brows are softer, more defined - but in a way that actually looks like hair. Nano-needling and pixel shading let artists layer pigment, feather strokes, and create smoother, natural curves. The result? Fuller-looking brows that heal beautifully, age well, and need far less maintenance.


Natural Eyebrow PMU Procedure

Eyeliner

Cleopatra called… and honestly, she can keep that look. The thick, dramatic liners of a decade ago have mostly faded (literally!), replaced by something far more subtle.

Today’s clients want their eyes enhanced, not overpowered. Gone are the days of statement cat-eyes and “out-out” aesthetics; now we’ve got lash-line enhancements and soft pixel eyeliner: barely-there definition that makes lashes look plumper and eyes brighter, without the obvious permanent-makeup finish. It’s a look that works for every occasion, every outfit, every day.


Natural Eyeliner PMU Procedure

Lips

A decade ago, nothing in life was certain except death, taxes and the Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge convincing us that the secret to perfect lips was hiding at the bottom of a shot glass. News Flash: it wasn’t. Add in the era with seriously heavy lip liners, another Kardashian-adjacent social experiment, and 2015 felt like it threw a new lip-related trend at us weekly - we were barely “keeping up”.

Today, soft glam reigns supreme. A little sheer pigment blushes the lips and enhances your natural tone, rather than mask it. Less sharp borders, less heavy fill. Your lips, but better. Effortless, modern, low maintenance. Just how we like it.


Natural Lip Enhancement

The tech driving the trend

This shift towards more natural permanent makeup styles isn’t just about tastes – technology caught up. Needles, pigments and machines are smarter, safer and more efficient than they’ve ever been.

  • Low-vibration machines with higher precision make delicate passes easier for both artist and client, reducing skin trauma and pre-session nerves. The Kwadron Sona Sky provides in this respect, offering optimal precision despite packing a 5W motor into its lightweight frame.
  • Adjustable stroke lengths and variable power mean artists can seamlessly switch between ultra-fine lines and soft shading. Take, for example, the Flux S Max from MicroBeau: a high-end machine with an intuitive digital interface and ultra-smart adaptive features, recognising and reacting to the needle cartridges of your choice.

Whilst the added features at the top-level can make life as a PMU artist easier, practitioners don’t need to pay a premium for a premium machine. Price point options have seen massive improvements; see the Mast Tour, a wireless, pen-style tool from Dragonhawk that balances elegance with power and covers all bases when it comes to Permanent Makeup procedures.


PMU machine & needles examples

Looking for your first PMU machine? Learn more here.

  • Nano-tech needles mean even deeper attention to the smallest details, so every stroke looks purposeful and natural. Modern cartridges often feature dual side vents; an innovation designed to decompress ink and reduce spraying. Vertix Nano Cartridges are a perfect option for creating subtle definition and detailing, designed by DarkLab in the USA and crafted from the finest Japanese surgical steel.  
  • Modern pigments heal softer and last longer, fading more naturally over time. This means less maintenance and better results. Perma Blend Luxe, Tina Davies FADE and Li Pigments are all great choices, each reputable names offering high quality, vivid and stable pigments with huge selections of colourations for every skin or hair tone.

pmu pigment examples

Why do people choose natural Permanent Makeup procedures?

Clients are asking for beautiful results that are low-maintenance, timeless, and versatile. They don’t want to commit to a single “look” for years; they want enhancements that make them feel naturally confident.

Natural PMU ages better, needs fewer corrections, and fits into busy lifestyles. It’s a quiet kind of luxury, waking up looking effortlessly put-together. No filter required.

What will be the next big trend in PMU?

If there’s one thing the beauty industry guarantees, it’s change. Right now, the needle is firmly in the “less is more” camp, but don’t be surprised when bolder looks start creeping back in - this time with modern, wearable twists.

Everybody is unique, and we can expect to see more personalisation - techniques tailored to individual features, skin tones, and styles, powered by even more precise machines and advanced pigment science. For now, though, PMU is all about soft, subtle, and natural.