PMU Unfiltered: Pigments, Needles & Dark Lip Truths with Carla Ricciardone | TAF #114 Artwork

Tatter-a-fact® PMU Podcast

Teryn Darling is a legend in the Permanent Makeup industry. She's dedicated 20+ years to the craft of permanent makeup and in that time she's grown her company, Girlz Ink, into a global brand and industry standard. Teryn's overcome a lot of adversity and has done pretty well for herself in the PMU world! She's developed her skills as a cosmetic tattooer and to do that she had to develop her skills as an entrepreneur and business woman. Expect smart, sharp conversations. Teryn doesn't hold back so these episodes will be interesting, honest and real! She loves talking business and digging deep to get to know people; how, why and why not they do things.

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Tatter-a-fact® PMU Podcast

PMU Unfiltered: Pigments, Needles & Dark Lip Truths with Carla Ricciardone | TAF #114

December 12, 2025 • Teryn Darling • Season 5 • Episode 116

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In this episode of Tatter-a-Fact, Teryn Darling sits down with Carla Ricciardone of Sculpted Studios, global PMU educator, color-theory expert, and pioneer of dark lip neutralization for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about what truly matters in Permanent Makeup today.

Together they break down the science behind pigments, color theory, needle choice, and machine movements, while opening up about artist growth, education integrity, and creating healed results that speak louder than hype.

🎓 What You’ll Learn

The science of dark lip neutralization — undertones, melanin response, and healed color
Pigment chemistry: the real difference between iron oxides, organics, and hybrids
How carriers, needles, and voltage impact implantation and retention
Best practices for eyeliner tattooing and working on mature or sensitive skin
How to rise above toxicity and build a grounded, professional PMU career

💡 Guest Spotlight – Carla Ricciardone, Sculpted Studios

Carla is an international PMU educator known for her science-driven teaching style and transparent approach to color theory and melanin-rich lips. Her focus on data, healed results, and ethical education has made her one of the industry’s most trusted voices.
Follow her on Instagram → @sculptedstudios

Explore all courses and products at GirlzInkTraining.com
and GirlzInk.com

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro & why honesty matters in PMU
05:42 – Teaching with facts over trends
12:30 – Toxic Facebook groups & finding community
23:10 – Pigment science & color theory explained
34:00 – Dark Lip Neutralization: what every artist should know
53:25 – Pigment carriers and healed results
1:07:00 – Iron Oxides vs Organics vs Hybrids
1:14:45 – Integrity in PMU education
1:29:10 – Needles, machines & hand pressure
1:35:20 – Eyeliner tattoo tips
1:46:00 – Working on mature skin
1:58:00 – Drama-free growth & artist mindset
2:06:00 – Closing thoughts & Girlz Ink updates

Subscribe to Tatter-a-Fact for more real, educational, and empowering conversations designed to help you grow as a PMU artist.
Follow us on Instagram → @girlzinkstudio
| @tatgirlzink

At Girlz Ink, we stand for education, ethics, and healed results that last.

🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia
🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe
🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Teryn Darling

Host