Permanent makeup (PMU) continues to redefine beauty routines with its long-lasting, effortless enhancements. A key factor behind flawless PMU results is the quality of the cartridge needles you choose. In 2024, several leading brands are offering top-notch options. While each brand brings unique advantages to the table, today we want to spotlight the MAST & YD Cartridges—a favorite among PMU artists for their precision, reliability, and innovative design.
1. Kawdron PMU Optima Cartridges
Kawdron PMU Optima Cartridges are renowned for their exceptional quality and precision. They feature:
- Ultra-sharp needles stabilized by a unique system for enhanced durability.
- A medical-grade plastic housing that reduces friction and ensures smooth operation.
- A full protective membrane that prevents liquid ingress, ensuring complete safety.
Price: $41.99 for a box of 20 cartridges.
2. Vertix Pico Cartridges
Vertix Pico Cartridges, part of the Microbeau line, are engineered for precision and ease of use:
- A slim, tapered design for maximum visibility and pixel-perfect work.
- An internal system that minimizes vibration for gentle yet effective pigment implantation.
- An elongated tip reservoir that optimizes pigment usage while preventing splatter.
Price: $39.99 for a box of 20 cartridges.
3. MAST Cartridges – Our Top Recommendation
Though ranked third in our list, MAST Cartridges stand out as a top recommendation for PMU artists. Here’s why:
- Versatility: Suitable for various procedures including eyebrows, lips, eyes, and areola work.
- Precision & Safety: Made from hypoallergenic surgical steel, these cartridges ensure high precision without compromising safety.
- Innovative Design: The textured tip interior guarantees excellent ink distribution, while the protective membrane prevents liquid leakage and stabilizes the needle.
-
Ergonomic Performance: Their design offers a comfortable handling experience, helping to maintain consistency throughout long procedures.
Price: $16.99 for a box of 20 cartridges.
4. YD Pink Crystal Universal Cartridge
The YD Pink Crystal Universal Cartridge is a cost-effective choice that doesn’t compromise on performance:
- Innovative Design: Features waterdrop-shaped air windows to keep dust and impurities at bay.
- Enhanced Ink Storage: Its trumpet-shaped design provides 20% more ink storage, reducing the need for frequent refills.
-
Precision Injection: A specially designed nozzle incision ensures smooth, even ink delivery without splatter.
Price: $6.8 for a pack of 10 cartridges.
5. Tina Davies PIXL Cartridges
Tina Davies PIXL Needle Cartridges are praised for their high safety standards and innovative features:
- No-drip Tip: Minimizes pigment pooling, which enhances precision and reduces mess.
- Enhanced Control: A soft, silicone finger ledge offers extra control and reduces hand fatigue during long sessions.
-
Full Safety Membrane: Ensures backflow prevention and maintains a hygienic procedure.
Price: $25 for a box of 10 cartridges.
Comparison at a Glance
| Brand | Material | Needle Types | Advantages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawdron | Medical-grade plastic, 304 surgical steel | RL, RS, MG, FL, CF | Full protective membrane; precise, stable operation; wide variety of types and sizes | $41.99 for 20 pcs |
| Vertix Pico | Medical-grade plastic, 304 surgical steel | RL, CM, FM | Slim, tapered design; reduced vibration; optimized pigment usage; soft membrane for backflow prevention | $39.99 for 20 pcs |
| MAST | Hypoallergenic surgical steel | RL, RS, RM, M | Textured tip interior; protective membrane; extremely sharp and stable; ergonomic design | $16.99 for 20 pcs |
| YD | Medical-grade plastic, 304 surgical steel | Various (1R, 3R, 5R, 5F, 5RM, 5FX, etc.) | Dust-preventing small windows; trumpet-shaped for more ink storage and anti-backflow; excellent value | $6.8 for 10 pcs |
| Tina Davies PIXL | 304 surgical-grade stainless steel | 1RL, 3RL, 3RS, 5RS, 7CM, 9CM, 5U CF, 8U CF | No-drip tips; tapered for stability; soft silicone finger ledge; full safety membrane | $25 for 10 pcs |
Conclusion
Selecting the right cartridge needle is essential to achieving flawless PMU results. While Kawdron, Vertix Pico, YD, and Tina Davies all offer unique strengths, MAST & YD Cartridges shine as a top recommendation. They combine precision, safety, and ergonomic design, making them ideal for a wide range of procedures and artistic styles. If you’re looking for consistent, high-quality performance that can elevate your PMU work, give MAST & YD Cartridges a try—you might just find they’re the perfect fit for your technique.
Which cartridge needle are you excited to try next? Let us know in the comments!