Press Room
Milton Daily News: Less is More! An Interview with Finesse Permanent Make-up Artist Ann-Marie Furness (by A.Dell)
“Looking great all the time is not cheating!” says Ann-Marie Furness with her trademark generous smile. The artist expresses the unshakeable confidence that her permanent make-up work requires.
Permanent make-up uses a process called ‘micro-pigmentation’ to create believable, permanent effects on eyes, lips and eyebrows.
Furness explains that she has a very sharp eye, a very steady hand, and a passion for perfection. These are the skills that led Milton’s Ann-Marie Furness to become a highly sought after permanent make-up artist who has created believable beauty for some of Canada’s most discerning women. With more and more people (even a few men) looking for time-saving grooming options, Furness shared some thoughts on the popularity of this art.
First of all, where can we find Finesse?
Finesse operates from my studio at 42 Dills Crescent in Milton. My ‘satellite’
locations are all within cosmetic surgeon’s offices in Oakville, Hazelton
Lanes in Toronto, and London, Ontario.
What makes Finesse make-up art special?
My perfectionism! [Laughs] I have a highly critical eye and my expectation
of my work is always the same: perfect. However, my client must agree with
me. And I’ve found that my clients are happiest with subtlety. I execute
an understated version of what they expect, so that they enjoy a gentle
natural enhancement. Today’s refined woman expects to look believable,
not made up. My attention to detail combines with my artistic eye to create
a subtle, natural look.
What about health and safety issues?
When performing procedures, I use a complete range of colours. The pigments
are the highest quality of hypoallergenic, iron oxide, FDA approved pigments.
The instruments I work with are all subjected to the same sterile technique
that any healthcare facility would use. I’ve built a reputation for
excellence in both artistry and clinical standards.
What’s your most-recommended Finesse Permanent
Make-Up procedure?
It’s an Eyelash Enhancement. This is one of the most delicate procedures,
because I’m actually applying the pigment in between the lashes, not
above the lashes like an Eyeliner. The beauty is that no one knows you had
any work done, due to the natural look. This procedure supplements sparse
eyelashes, making them appear fuller. You may not even need mascara because
of the fullness. But you must have a make-up artist who’s exceptionally
skilled at their work.
What are your clients’ other favourite Finesse
procedures?
Eyeliner is just what it says: All my work
is done above the lashes creating a smooth, flawless line. Lining the upper
and lower lids adds depth and definition to the eyes.
Eyebrows bring the whole face into balance. Not only do eyebrows frame the features, but when properly defined, they have the ability to alter the entire facial shape. Eyebrows reflect your personality, whether it be strong, soft, or sexy . People always make contact with the eyes; therefore the brows should gently bring you there.
Subtle eyebrow colour adds style and definition to sparse or half-formed eyebrows—or no eyebrows at all. Sometimes I use a “Hair Stroke Method” that gives the eyebrow a believable shading and texture.
Lipliner adds definition and can bring back the natural colour and shape you once had—or it can correct irregularities to create the shape you would like. It also helps prevent lipstick from bleeding. To see my clients smile right after this work is so rewarding!
Do your clients tell you why they chose Finesse?
Because I’m one of the artists who has both extensive formal training
and who continues to study my art and technique constantly. If you’re
going to excel at Permanent Make-up, you have be a permanent scholar of
the art. My mission is to continually research techniques for creating Permanent
Make-Up that is more sophisticated, more refined.
You’re doing such delicate work on the human
face, what gives you your confidence as a Permanent Make-Up Artist?
Knowledge. It’s my passion to learn and continue to learn. I have
built a reputation of excellence in the Permanent Makeup Profession. The
precision and accuracy that I insist on while working on someone, speaks
for itself. I use calipers to measure and I always draw on exactly what
we’re going to implant before starting. When a woman or man comes
to me for a consultation [many professional men are realizing the benefits
of restoring strength to their features] I take the time to listen and deliver
exactly what they’re looking for. When I work on a client’s
face and the work is permanent, it’s critical to keep your art soft
and precise. I truly love the work I perform.
Does Finesse have any medical partnerships?
I’m privileged to be working in several cosmetic surgeons’ offices
located in Toronto, Oakville and London, Ontario.. Fortunately for me, at
any given time during the consultation, there can be up to seven staff members
willing to show off my work. Their respect for my work is priceless to me.
How does someone know if they’re ready for
Finesse Permanent Make-up?
Permanent Make-Up can be performed on just about any age. My clients range
in age from 18 to 90. The most mature woman I worked on was 90 years old;
she wanted eyeliner and eyebrows. This lovely lady couldn’t see properly
to draw on a straight line. After performing Permanent Make-Up, her life
was so much easier and she looks great all the time. Believe me, this is
a boost for the spirit as well as the face.
Finesse Permanent Make-Up is also a great solution for people who are allergic to make-up and people who just can’t see well enough to apply perfect make-up every time. This includes the nearsighted and the middle aged! Anyone who’s in bifocal lenses would be delighted with how easy permanent beauty can be. There are many happy stories to tell about Finesse; my client testimonials are my greatest asset.
How do you support your community?
My passion is supporting wellness in women. I volunteer a lot of my time
and services to help raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation. A woman
goes through so much trauma after a breast cancer diagnosis, yet there’s
still hope—the option of Reconstructive Breast Surgery. That’s
another part of what I’m involved with. It’s the actual drawing
on and permanently implanting pigment to create a new, beautifully shaped,
three-dimensional areola. I’ve worked at Briarwood Cosmetic Surgical
Centre for over seven years in Dr. Stephen Brown’s Clinic. Dr. Brown
is one of a few, highly-accomplished doctors who do this type of surgery.
The end results are beautiful.
