One local artist has found a new canvas for her work – the human body.

Lynn Keenan, a certified Cosmetic Professional, opened Permanent Beauty earlier this month in the Cleveland community. Keenan is a portrait and mural artist who has lived in the area for 20 years. She teaches various art courses at local schools and centers and even runs her own art program. But a decade ago, she was bitten by what she called the “make-up bug.”

At a time when the permanent make-up industry was just taking off, Keenan decided to give it a try. She had procedures done in which her eyebrows, eyeliner and lip liner were permanently tattooed on in a process known as facial micropigmentation enhancement. While like a tattoo, the process does not use the same ink, but special pigments made especially for the face. According to Keenan, the place where she got it done was not the most reputable, and as her interest in the industry grew, she knew she wanted to provide a place that was safe and comfortable for clients.

Now in her own space, all the materials Keenan uses are disposable, and her business is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and inspected by the local health department.

With a steady hand and an artist’s eye for color and design, Keenan knew she found another job she could do and do well.

“I love make-up and helping people design their own make-up,” she said. “I want to help people put their best face forward.”

Maria Starkweather of Smithfield is a friend of Keenan’s who took advantage of those services, an act that took her by surprise

“When she started her business I thought it was wonderful, but I didn’t think it would be something I would do personally,” said Starkweather.

But the 40-year-old mother and wife changed her mind as she reassessed her daily routine. With red hair and pale skin, Starkweather’s blonde eyebrows simply disappeared into her face.

“I’ve had to draw my eyebrows on since I was 15 – otherwise it looked like I didn’t have any,” she said. “I thought, if I didn’t have to do that every morning, it would be a good thing.”

Starkweather took the plunge and had her eyebrows and eyeliner done in April.

“Since I’ve had it done, I’ve had more compliments in that time than I’ve had in years,” she said. “One of the first reactions I got is that people thought I’d lost weight, because the way my eyebrows were drawn on, my face looked thinner. It’s changed how I perceive myself. I’m more comfortable in what I wear and just more confident in general. It sounds kind of silly, but it really is a life changing experience.”

And according to Keenan, the procedure can become a life changing experience for more reasons than trying to save time. Keenan says there are numerous medical conditions that lead customers in her direction, from those suffering from alopecia (loss of hair) to chemo patients needing new eyebrows, or clients who have arthritis or poor vision and difficulty applying make-up. Keenan has also performed procedures for clients who suffer from allergies and watery eyes that make it difficult to wear typical make-up. For Keenan, one of the most rewarding services she offers is areola micropigmentation for women who have had breast reconstruction surgery, typically after a battle with cancer.

“It’s nice to be able to do that for people who have been through so much and who just want some normalcy in their lives,” she said.

Clients must be at least 18 years old to get a procedure done, unless there is a medical reason with a written prescription from a doctor.

Starkweather said the process she went through was very easy, from an initial consultation to the procedures themselves.

Both Keenan and Starkweather say the pain is minimal and likened it to a sensation similar to plucking. Topical anesthesia is used for the eyeliner and lip procedures. There is no down time after a procedure, and Keenan schedules follow-ups within 10 days to ensure the face has healed and make any adjustments the client may want.

“Styles change and your face will age, so we are very careful to make sure the make-up is as natural looking as possible,” said Keenan. “We say it’s like lingerie for your face – you can always add to it.”

Starkweather is hoping to add to her list of procedures and get her lips done in the future – a fact she sometimes can’t believe herself.

“I thought I would be embarrassed about getting something like this done, but I’ve told everyone about it, from the teachers at my kids’ school to people at church. I even posted about it on Facebook,” she said.

Keenan is offering a grand opening special of $50 off procedures through June 15. Her initial consultations are free.

“I would caution anyone thinking about doing this to make sure they trust their artist, their training and the pigments that will be used on their face,” she said. “And I would encourage anyone who is interested to come in for a consultation to discuss their needs and wants. It’s all about the client feeling comfortable, because this is something that will enhance their lives for a long time to come.”

Permanent Beauty is located inside the Cupid Nails salon in Peddler’s Village and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Appointments are preferred. For more information, call Keenan at (919) 291-7810 or visit www.lynnakeenan.com.