Meet Dr. Laura Reed, O.D., CPCP

Dr. Laura Reed enjoys making beautiful things or making things more beautiful. Instead of becoming a professional artist, her love of science and helping others led to a career in health care where she has been a licensed Doctor of Optometry for 26 years. She was an associate doctor in private practice, then held management positions in the contact lens and pharmaceutical industries working for companies such as Johnson & Johnson. Her numerous awards included “Young Optometrist of the Year” from the California Optometric Association. A national speaker, editor, and published author in professional journals, she was featured on the cover of the Journal of the American Optometric Association.

Dr. Reed provided outstanding patient care while practicing optometry. Her commitment to excellence continued when she began her micropigmentation practice in 2006. She is the only doctor of any kind in California who is also an exam Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional. Winner of several “Best Permanent Makeup Artist” awards, she is a consumer advocate for public safety in permanent cosmetics. She has been a featured expert in cosmetic medicine blogs and newspapers including The Orange County Register and has published several articles on permanent cosmetics.

Her Journey into Permanent Cosmetics
Dr. Reed’s mid-life career change began after she got permanent makeup herself. The technician who tattooed her permanent eyebrows and eyeliner said, “This field needs more people like you with health care backgrounds to raise the bar on its standards of care.” She knew her artistic talents, medical credentials, and patient care experience would be the perfect combination for a practice in cosmetic tattooing.

She researched cosmetic tattoo equipment to find the most advanced digital systems. Her initial choice for safety and technology was Nouveau Contour, and later she acquired the I-Star system. Her basic training was at the Huntington Academy of Permanent Cosmetics under the direct supervision of owner Karen Holvey. She continued advanced training at the Huntington Academy and also the International Institute of Permanent Cosmetics (IIPC) where she personally trained under its Founder Susan Church. A pioneer in the permanent cosmetics industry, Ms. Church developed skin needling and scar tissue treatments for burn victims at the world renowned Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks, California.

Dr. Laura Reed’s medical education and experience 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. That’s why physicians, nurses, and other health professionals choose her to perform their permanent cosmetic procedures. Using advanced technology and skillful artistry, let her create beautiful results safely for you, too!

Credentials for Permanent Cosmetics, Health Care, and Makeup Artistry

Business and Professional Licenses and Permits
California Registered Optometrist with TPA Certification (license to prescribe medications, active)
DEA Controlled Substance Registration (license to prescribe narcotics, active)
Orange County Department of Health—Permit for Permanent Cosmetics (current)
City of Garden Grove Business License for Permanent Cosmetics (current)

National Certifications and Memberships
American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM, active)
Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional (CPCP, passed national examination)
Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP, active)
Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (inactive)
Member of American Optometric Association (inactive)

Awards and Special Recognition
“Best of the West Award”—Best Permanent Makeup Artist for Western Orange County (2010)
Woman of the Year in Health Care and Medicine (2010)
Cosmetic Tattoo Work Presented at International Permanent Cosmetics Congress in Mexico (2009)
“Best Permanent Makeup Artist” for Garden Grove and Stanton (2008)
“Winner’s Circle” at Iolab Pharmaceuticals (a Johnson & Johnson company, 1991)
“Young Optometrist of the Year” from California Optometric Association (1987)

Media, Publications, and Research
Articles published in The SPCP Quarterly Newsletter; and Cover 2 Cover magazine
Clinical investigator for new tattooing devices for Mei-Cha International 
Industry expert featured in magazines and newspapers: The Orange County Register; LA Examiner; News Enterprise; Beachcomber; and Women in Optometry (published by Review of Optometry)
Invitation to appear on television’s “Day Break OC”
Speaker on permanent makeup safety at public events for cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, and La Palma
Contributing editor and published author in optometry journals: Optometry Today; Review of Optometry; Journal of the American Optometric Association; and Optometric Management
Speaker at optometric conferences including the American Academy of Optometry; California Optometric Association; Pathways in Practice; and International Vision Expo

CDC-OSHA and Emergency Medical Certifications
Certified in Blood borne Pathogens and Exposure Control—CDC/OSHA Standards (current)
American Heart Association Certified in First Aid for Health Care Providers (current)
American Heart Association Certified in Life Support for Health Care Providers (current)

Permanent Cosmetics Education and Training
Fundamental/Basic Course (2006, over 100 hours)
Certified Technician in Nouveau Contour System

Advanced and Continuing Education Courses
(2006-Present)
Beautiful Eyebrow Techniques—Hair Simulation and 3-Dimensional Color; ColorWash™ Technique for Eyeliner; Full Lips and Color Formulas; Pigment Removal and Color Theory; Areola Repigmentation and Skin Camouflage; Techniques in Corrective Pigment Camouflage; Innovative Techniques in Microdermal Pigmentation; Designer Eyeliner Techniques; Permanent Makeup Correction; Tattoo Removal and Tattoo Vanish™; Pain Control; Areola Complex Tattooing; Techniques in Areola and Needling Pigmentation; Corrective Pigment Camouflage; Digital Slope Needle Techniques; Comprehensive Needle Study—All Modalities; Anesthetics Up Close and Personal; The Eyelid; Corrective Permanent Cosmetics; Creating the Perfect Brow; Anatomy and Evolution of Skin.

Post-Graduate and Undergraduate College Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Phoenix (1993)
Doctor of Optometry (OD), Southern California College of Optometry (1985)
Bachelor of Science (BS), Southern California College of Optometry (1983)
Associate in Arts (AA), Santa Monica College (1980)

Conventional Makeup Artistry Training and Experience (1977-2006)
Beginning and Advanced Makeup Artistry; Advanced Makeup Theory and Techniques; Certified Eyebrow Design Master—Adriel International; Associate makeup artist for professional music video (Brian Lynn Jones band); Wedding makeup artist.