Meet Dr. Laura Reed, O.D.
Dr. Laura's Journey into Permanent Cosmetics
Artistic since childhood, Dr. Laura Reed enjoys making beautiful things or making things more beautiful. Afraid of being a "starving artist", her love of science and helping others led to a career in health care where she has been a California licensed Doctor of Optometry for more than 23 years.
With over 27 years of patient care experience, Laura was in both private practice and management in the pharmaceutical and contact lens industries. A speaker, editor, and published author in many professional journals, she was featured on the cover of the Journal of the American Optometric Association. Honored as "Young Optometrist of the Year" by the California Optometric Association, she consistently provided outstanding patient care in her practice of Optometry. Her commitment to excellence continues again in her Permanent Cosmetics practice. Featured in Orange County's The News Enterprise, she is an advocate for public safety in permanent cosmetics through consumer education about California's lack of regulations in the field.
Dr. Laura gained interest in the field after obtaining permanent makeup herself. She loved the look of her permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip color and how those procedures saved her time every day. But she was stunned to learn that no licensing requirements exist in California for permanent cosmetics, tattooing, or body piercing. She learned that most permanent makeup technicians have no health care education. Laura realized her artistic abilities and medical background would be the perfect combination for permanent cosmetic makeup and corrective medical tattooing procedures to be performed beautifully and safely. (Note: Since California does not regulate schools or require licensing for permanent cosmetics, please read our "Consumer Guidelines" page under Common Q & A for tips on how to choose a qualified specialist.)
Laura's research into equipment designs showed that Nouveau Contour manufactures the safest, most innovative equipment. She became a certified specialist in the Nouveau Contour Digital System at the Huntington Academy of Permanent Cosmetics. Her advanced education continued at both the Huntington Academy and the International Institute of Permanent Cosmetics. Laura studied under the Director of I.I.P.C. who developed scar tissue treatments for burn victims at the world renowned Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks, California.
Dr. Laura's medical background assures comfort and safety for every patient. She uses the most effective anesthestics to minimize discomfort and follows strict infection control guidelines before, during, and after each procedure. Her artistic talents, training in conventional makeup application, and extensive education in permanent cosmetics allow her to achieve a variety of results. She creates different looks in makeup that range from subtle and natural to more dramatic and glamorous. Her work in scar camouflage and areola color restoration makes life-altering changes that boost people's self esteem and enhance their quality of life.
Laura truly loves to help enhance anyone's outward appearance. More importantly, she believes each patient's most "beautiful feature" is what shines from within that person's heart. Using advanced technology and skillful artistry, she looks forward to safely creating beautiful results for you.
Education, Credentials, and Memberships
Conventional and Permanent Cosmetics
- Basic Conventional Makeup Application Theory and Techniques (Goldenwest College)
- Advanced Conventional Makeup Artistry Theory and Techniques (Goldenwest College)
- Certified Eyebrow Design Master (Adriel International)
- Certified Nouveau Contour Permanent Cosmetics Technician (Huntington Academy)
- Advanced Eyebrow Techniques in Hair Simulation and 3-Dimensional Color (Hunt. Acad.)
- Innovative Techniques in Microdermal Pigmentation (International Institute of Perm. Cosm.)
- Advanced Permanent Makeup Techniques in Full Lips and Color Formulas (Hunt. Acad.)
- Basic Techniques in Areola and Needling Pigmentation (I.I.P.C.)
- Advanced Techniques in Areola Repigmentation and Skin Camouflage (Hunt. Acad.)
- Pigment Lightening and/or Removal with Advanced Color Theory (Hunt. Acad.)
- Member of American Academy of Micropigmentation
- Member of Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals
Health Care Licenses and Certifications
- California Licensed Doctor of Optometry (1985 to present)
- US DEA Licensed Registrant for Controlled Substances
- Certification in Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control (CDC and OSHA criteria)
- Permit from Orange County Department of Health for Permanent Cosmetics
- American Heart Association Emergency Medical Certification in First Aid and Life Support (CPR and AED) for Health Care Providers (revised national standards effective January 2007)
- City of Garden Grove Business License for Permanent Cosmetics
- Arizona Licensed Doctor of Optometry (1985-1997; currently inactive)
Formal Education (Degrees) and Awards
- Doctor of Optometry (Southern California College of Optometry)
- Master of Business Administration (University of Phoenix)
- Bachelor of Science (Southern California College of Optometry)
- College of Honors, School of Psychology (Psychobiology Major, UCLA)
- Associate in Arts (Santa Monica College)
- Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
- California Optometric Association "Young Optometrist of the Year"
- American Optometric Foundation Harold Kohn Memorial Research Award
- Contributing Editor of the journal Optometry Today
- Published articles and case reports in: The Journal of the American Optometric Association; Review of Optometry; Optometric Management; Optometry Today
- Lecturer at national and state professional association meetings: American Academy of Optometry; California Optometric Association; International Vision Expo (East and West); Rio Hondo Optometric Association; Optical Laboratories Association of America
