Permanent Eyeliner Guide: What Is an Eyeliner Tattoo? (2024)

Eyeliner is a makeup staple that can truly make your eyes pop. The right eyeliner frames and enhances your natural eye shape, making them appear bigger, more defined, and wider awake. However, applying perfect eyeliner takes skill and patience that many people struggle with daily. Traditional makeup eyeliners can also smudge, fade, or run throughout the day.

Permanent eyeliner, also known as an eyeliner tattoo or cosmetic tattoo eyeliner, offers a long-lasting solution. This semi-permanent makeup allows you to wake up with perfectly lined eyes every single day without any makeup application required.

What Is an Eyeliner Tattoo?

An eyeliner tattoo is a form of cosmetic tattooing or permanent makeup where pigments are implanted along the lash line to create the appearance of eyeliner. However, it’s not actually a traditional tattoo ink that’s used.

The process involves using a specialized handheld machine to deposit ultraviolet pigment granules just below the surface of the skin along the lash line. The result is a natural-looking eyeliner enhancement that frames the eyes.

While called “permanent” eyeliner, the pigments do eventually fade over time, unlike traditional tattoo ink. Touch-up appointments are recommended every 1-3 years to maintain the fresh, just-lined look.

3 Benefits of Permanent Eyeliner

There are many benefits to getting cosmetic eyeliner tattooing:

1. Wake Up Ready: No more struggling with pencils, liquids, or gels. Your eyeliner is permanently in place when you wake up.
2. Long-Lasting Results: Expect your eyeliner tattoo results to last 1-3 years before needing a touch-up, saving you time and money on daily makeup.
3. Enhances Your Features: Permanent eyeliner can enhance your eye shape, add definition, and create a more youthful, awake appearance.

What Are the Different Eyeliner Tattoo Styles?

Cosmetic tattoo artists offer several different permanent eyeliner styles to choose from:

• Thin Line: A subtle, precise line that hugs the lash line closely for definition without being too dramatic.
• Thick Line: A bolder line that’s slightly thicker than the lash line for those who prefer a more noticeable lined look.
• Winged/Cat Eye: An elongated, winged-out line at the outer corners creates a cat-eye effect to lift and elongate the eyes.
• Smoked/Blended Liner: Instead of a solid line, pigment is blended into a soft, smokey shadow effect along the lash line.

• Custom Designs: Some studios even offer bespoke designs where your favoriteartwork or symbols can be made into temporary tattoos for a unique eyeliner look.

The tattoo artist will work with you to determine which eyeliner style and thickness best complements your natural eye shape and desired look.

Who Is a Candidate for Eyeliner Tattooing?

Most people are good candidates for permanent eyeliner tattooing as long as they don’t have any contraindicating conditions like:

• Active eye infections or diseases
• Keloid/excessive scar formation
• Certain medical conditions or medications
• Unrealistic expectations about results

However, eyeliner tattoos can be ideal for those with allergies, active lifestyles, shaky hands, poor vision, or aging eyes that make applying daily makeup difficult.

Proper aftercare and touch-ups are required to maintain results. Those unwilling to follow pre- and post-care instructions may not be candidates.

How Is Eyeliner Tattooing Done?

The permanent eyeliner process involves several steps:

1. Consultation: Discuss your goals, take measurements, and design your custom eyeliner look.
2. Prep Work: The area is cleaned and a topical numbing cream is applied prior to tattooing.
3. Lash Line Mapping: With you reclined, the tattoo artist will use a scratch tool or surgical marker to draw the eyeliner lines.
4. Pigment Implantation: Using a specialized cosmetic tattoo machine, the artist will carefully implant pigment granules into the surface skin of the lash line following your custom design.
5. Aftercare Instructions: You’ll receive detailed aftercare guidance before leaving to ensure proper healing.

The tattooing portion itself typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the style and whether it’s a touch-up or initial application. While discomfort is minimal thanks to the numbing agents used, some clients may experience minor swelling or bruising that dissipates quickly.

How Long Does Tattooed Eyeliner Last?

Unlike traditional tattoos that use permanent ink, permanent makeup and cosmetic tattoos like eyeliner use specialized pigments that are semi-permanent. With proper aftercare and periodic touch-ups, your eyeliner tattoo results can last:

• 1-2 years for powder brow and eyeliner effects
• 2-5 years for lip tint and blush effects

Longevity depends on your skin’s unique properties, sun exposure, use of active skincare ingredients like retinols and acids, and the skill of your tattoo artist in implanting the pigments correctly.

To maintain fresh results, most clients need an annual touch-up session after 12-18 months. During that appointment, the artist goes over the initial tattoo lines to re-deposit pigment for a crisp, just-applied look.

How to Prepare for an Eyeliner Tattoo Appointment

To ensure optimal results and a comfortable permanent eyeliner experience, you’ll have a consultation first where you’ll discuss:

• Your goals, concerns, and desired look
• Assess your skin tone and natural eye shape
• Determine ideal pigment colors and eyeliner style
• Establish pricing for the procedure

Your artist will provide pre-appointment instructions like avoiding certain products, medications, supplements, and activities that can negatively impact the procedure. For example:

• No makeup, lotions, lash tints/extensions for 24-48 hours prior
• Avoid caffeine before to prevent over-sensitivity
• Take Arnica tablets to minimize bruising/swelling
• Bring reference photos of your desired eyeliner look

How Long Does an Eyeliner Tattoo Take?

In general, plan for your permanent eyeliner appointment to take 2-3 hours from start to finish. This allows ample time for:

• Consultation and design mapping (30 mins)
• Numbing and preparing the treatment area (30 mins)
• The tattooing process itself (60-90 mins)
• Application of aftercare products
• Reviewing aftercare instructions (15-30 mins)

The tattooing portion moves quickly but is a delicate process. If you’re getting touch-up work done over an existing tattoo, that can take less time (60-90 mins total).

Bring something to keep you occupied during the downtime as you’ll need to avoid excessive blinking and eye movements.

Tattoo Eyeliner Aftercare: How to Care for Permanent Eyeliner?

Proper aftercare is essential for allowing your new cosmetic eyeliner tattoo to heal fully with no complications. Be prepared to:

• Use preservation solution and ointments as directed
• Avoid makeup, lotions, lash extensions for 5-10 days
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling/bruising
• Sleep on your back to prevent fading/smudging
• Avoid water, saunas, sun exposure during initial healing
• Return for a 6-8 week touch-up to refine and perfect results

Your tattoo artist will provide you with detailed printed and verbal aftercare instructions customized to your specific procedure. Closely following this guidance is key to loving your permanent eyeliner results long-term.

The Pros and Cons of Permanent Eyeliner

Like any cosmetic enhancement, getting an eyeliner tattoo has its advantages and disadvantages to weigh.

Pros of Eyeliner Tattoos

• Convenience Factor: Wake up with perfect liner every day, no applying and removing eyeliner
• Enhanced, Youthful Eye Area: Lash line definition makes eyes look bigger, brighter, and more awake
• Long-Lasting: Results last 1-3 years before needing a touch-up, saving you time and money
• Looks Natural: When done well, permanent eyeliner looks just like expertly applied makeup liner
• Smudge/Smear-Proof: Unlike makeup that runs or fades, your eyeliner tattoo is permanent
• Precise Line Work: Specialized tools allow for incredibly precise, custom liner designs

Cons of Eyeliner Tattoos

• Semi-Permanent: While long-lasting, the pigments do fade over time requiring periodic touch-ups
• Upkeep Required: You’ll need annual touch-up sessions to keep your liner looking fresh
• Pain & Downtime: The tattooing process can be uncomfortable with minor swelling/bruising after
• Risks: When not done by a reputable artist, risks include infection, pigment migration, or unsatisfactory results
• Removal Challenges: While fading on its own, laser or surgical removal is required if you want it fully removed

Weigh the long-term benefits of waking up “makeup ready” against the short-term aftercare requirements and periodic touch-up costs.

Eyeliner Tattoo Before and After

One of the best ways to assess permanent eyeliner results is by viewing before and after photos and videos of real clients:

Reputable cosmetic tattoo studios will have an extensive before and after gallery on their website and social media pages. You can get a feel for the artists’ styles and see the type of results you can expect.

Featured Case Study:

“I was always self-conscious about my thin lashes and heavy lids that looked tired. After getting a subtle winged eyeliner tattoo, my whole face looks brighter and more youthful! No more daily eyeliner pencils or worries about it smearing. I wake up looking refreshed.” – Lisa T.

How Much Does Tattoo Eyeliner Cost?

Cosmetic tattoo pricing can vary significantly based on the artist’s expertise, technique used, and geographic location. In general, you can expect permanent eyeliner pricing to range:

• Initial Procedure: $400 – $800 per eye
• Annual Touch-Up: $100 – $300 per eye

Pricing is usually per-eye instead of the full eye area. The more intricate the design like a winged liner versus a simple line, the higher the costs. Prices also increase for talented, highly trained permanent makeup artists.

Don’t sacrifice quality to save a few dollars – an eyeliner tattoo done poorly can be costly to correct or remove later. Establish a cosmetic tattoo budget of at least $600-$1000 for your initial procedure with a top professional.

Where to Get Eyeliner Tattoo Done?

When researching where to get your permanent eyeliner done, always look for trained cosmetic tattoo professionals, not traditional tattoo artists or beauty salons.

Vet any provider by:

• Checking their credentials, licenses, and training
• Reviewing their portfolio and before/after photo gallery
• Reading customer reviews and testimonials
• Getting pricing estimates and a consultation first
• Touring their workspace for cleanliness and professionalism

Be wary of anyone performing permanent makeup or tattoo services out of an uncertified home studio or with questionable health safety standards. An eyeliner tattoo may seem simple, but you want it done flawlessly.

Some questions to ask during your consultation:

• How many eyeliner tattoo procedures have you done?
• What machine and pigments do you use?
• Do you have examples of the specific style I’m looking for?
• What’s included in your pricing and process?
• What are your sterilization and safety protocols?

Why Choose DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo?

At DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo, we specialize in gorgeous, natural-looking permanent makeup results including eyeliner tattooing. Our certified cosmetic tattoo artists:

• Have 10+ years of experience performing delicate cosmetic tattoos
• Use advanced digital machines and premium quality pigments
• Earn rave reviews for our precision line work and fantastic customer service
• Provide consultations to customize the perfect eyeliner look for your facial features

We believe permanent makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not make you look harsh or overdone. Our subtle-yet-stunning eyeliner tattoos give you a bright-eyed, refreshed look you’ll love waking up to every day.

Take a look at our extensive before and after gallery showcasing our gorgeous eyeliner enhancements for clients of all ages and skin tones. Then book your consultation to take the first step towards waking up with perfect lashes daily!

FAQ’s

Is Tattoo Eyeliner Worth It?

Yes, tattoo eyeliner is worth it for most people who want to wake up with perfect liner every day and avoid the hassle of applying makeup daily. The semi-permanent results last 1-3 years before needing a touch-up.

Is Tattoo Eyeliner Safe?

When performed by a trained cosmetic tattoo professional following proper protocols, eyeliner tattooing is generally safe. Risks are minimal but can include infection, allergic reaction, or unsatisfactory results if not done correctly.

Does Tattoo Eyeliner Hurt?

There can be some minor discomfort during the eyeliner tattooing process. A numbing cream is used to minimize pain. Most clients report just a mild scratching or tingling sensation.

Is Tattoo Eyeliner Permanent?

Eyeliner tattoos are considered semi-permanent, not fully permanent. The specialized pigments will gradually fade over 1-3 years, requiring periodic touch-up appointments to maintain fresh results.

Does an Eyeliner Tattoo Look Natural?

Yes, when done by a skilled cosmetic tattoo artist using proper techniques, an eyeliner tattoo can look incredibly natural – just like perfectly applied makeup liner.

How Long Does It Take for an Eyeliner Tattoo to Heal?

It typically takes 5-10 days for a new eyeliner tattoo to fully heal after the procedure. Swelling and dryness are common the first few days, which is normal.

What Are the Potential Eyeliner Tattoo Side Effects?

Potential side effects include swelling, bruising, dryness, cracking/scabbing, and sensitivity in the tattooed area as it heals. Infection is rare if proper aftercare is followed.

How Long After an Eyeliner Tattoo Can I Wear Makeup?

You’ll need to avoid all makeup, lotions, lash treatments, etc for about 5-10 days after your eyeliner tattoo appointment to allow it to fully heal first.

How to Remove Eyeliner Tattoo?

While they eventually fade on their own, fully removing an unwanted eyeliner tattoo requires laser removal treatments or surgical excision. This process can be costly and may not fully eliminate the pigment.

Does Daela Offer Eyeliner Tattoo Training?

No, Daela is a cosmetic tattoo studio that offers eyeliner tattooing services. We do not currently provide formal training programs for permanent makeup artists.