Meet Dr. Laura Reed, O.D.

Dr. Laura Reed has always enjoyed making beautiful things or making things more beautiful. Instead of becoming an artist professionally, her love of science and helping others directed her toward a field in health care. She has been a California licensed Doctor of Optometry since 1985. Early in her career, she was an associate doctor in private practice. Her interest in clinical research led to management positions in the contact lens and pharmaceutical industries where she worked for companies such as Johnson & Johnson. Among her numerous awards, she was honored as “Young Optometrist of the Year” by the California Optometric Association. A speaker, editor, and published author in many professional journals, she was featured on the cover of the Journal of the American Optometric Association. Dr. Reed has consistently provided outstanding patient care in her practice of optometry. Her commitment to excellence has continued in her permanent cosmetics practice. She was named “Best Permanent Makeup Artist for 2008” by The Garden Grove Journal. As a consumer safety advocate, she does public speaking on health issues in permanent cosmetics. She has been featured in blogs and newspapers including The Orange County Register and The News Enterprise.

How Dr. Reed Entered the Field of Permanent Cosmetics

Although she liked her positions in the ophthalmic industry, Dr. Reed was tired of working for others and not having time for art projects. Her mid-life career change began after she got permanent makeup herself. She loved her permanent eyebrows and eyeliner and how it saved time every day. But she was shocked to learn that no licensing requirements exist in California for permanent cosmetics, tattooing (body art), or body piercing. In addition, she learned that most permanent makeup technicians have no health care education or experience.

The technician who performed Dr. Reed’s permanent makeup procedures told her that “the field needs more people like you with health care backgrounds to raise the bar on its standards of care.” Dr. Reed knew her artistic talents and medical education would be the perfect combination for a practice in permanent makeup and medical micropigmentation. She could start a practice of her own where she could also enjoy being an artist. And as a doctor, she would perform all procedures safely as well as beautifully—this was the “perfect fit” for her.

Because she wanted to use the safest machines and needles, Dr. Laura thoroughly researched cosmetic tattoo equipment. Her choice for the safest and most innovative system was Nouveau Contour. She initially trained to become a Certified Nouveau Contour Technician at the Huntington Academy of Permanent Cosmetics under the direct supervision of its owner Ms. Karen Holvey. Dr. Laura’s education and training in advanced techniques continued later at the Huntington Academy and also at the International Institute of Permanent Cosmetics (IIPC). She was personally trained by IIPC’s Director and Founder Susan Church. A pioneer in the field of permanent cosmetics, Ms. Church developed skin needling and scar tissue treatments for burn victims at the world renowned Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks, California.

Dr. Reed’s medical background assures comfort and safety for every patient. She uses the most effective anesthetics to minimize discomfort and follows strict infection control guidelines before, during, and after each procedure. With her artistic talents, abilities in makeup artistry, and skills in cosmetic tattooing, she can create many beautiful makeup looks ranging from subtle and natural to dramatic and glamorous. And her eye for matching colors on skin camouflage and areola repigmentation patients is exceptional. Dr. Laura Reed loves to enhance the outward appearance and self esteem of her patients. She believes each patient's “most beautiful feature" is what is inside that person's heart. Above all, she enjoys the satisfaction from helping to make a person's “inner glow shine through.” Using advanced technology and skillful artistry, she looks forward to safely creating beautiful results for you.

Education and Credentials in Permanent Cosmetics and Makeup Artistry

Basic and Advanced Education in Permanent Cosmetics:

Conventional Makeup Artistry:

Memberships and Awards:

Business Licenses and Permits

CDC and OSHA Training:

Professional Education and Credentials in Health Care

Undergraduate Degrees:

Graduate Degrees:

Professional Licenses:

Emergency Medical Certification: