Eyeliner tattooing can be somewhat complex, and without the right understanding, it can be a little intimidating. How would you feel when someone proposes a tattoo anywhere near your eye? I’d venture to say that you’re not ecstatic at the thought. But make no mistake, permanent eyeliner tattooing is very different from a typical tattoo around your eye.
So what’s the difference? We’ll help you understand more about permanent eyeliner through this article. Then, at the end of the article, you can hopefully feel better prepared for the procedure. Sound good? Let’s start by answering a few questions.
What is permanent eyeliner tattooing?
Permanent eyeliner tattooing is referred to by a few names, such as cosmetic eyeliner tattooing, or semi-permanent eyeliner makeup. Although it’s focused to provide makeup-like results, it must be classified as a tattoo, just like all permanent makeup. However, despite the name, it’s not totally permanent. It’s not going to wash away in the shower, and it won’t come off with your other makeup, but it will naturally fade after a year or two, unlike a traditional tattoo.
Why? Again, unlike typically tattoos, semi-permanent makeup doesn’t go nearly as deep and uses a different type of ink. It focuses on embedding colored ink within the top layers of skin instead of going deeper, allowing it to fade subtly over time.
What is the process like?
Before anything else, you should schedule a consultation with a technician. You and your technician will start by picking a color and a design. You and the artist will go back and forth, deciding upon a design that will suit you best, then once approved, you can schedule your procedure.
During the procedure, first, your trained technician will clean the area with an antibacterial approved for eyes. From there, they will apply a numbing agent to reduce pain and other discomforts (which are typically very minimal). Then, tiny drops of colored pigment are inserted between your lashes and under the skin with a tool. That process is usually done over several passes or through multiple appointments so your technician can monitor the absorption of the color and make sure you leave with the best results.
Fair warning, you may feel a little bruised afterward and feel many of your blinks, but that should only be for a few hours. The typical aftercare instructions say that you aren’t allowed to cry at all, no matter how happy those tears may be. You need to keep your eyes dry for at least 72 hours, and you’re also not allowed to wear any eye makeup for that time either.
After a full six days, you’ll be good as new and ready to couple your new look with whatever makeup you think suits it best! Not a bad deal, right?
Some things to note:
- Be sure to remove your last eyelash extensions, ideally about a week before your permanent eyeliner appointment, so the glue has time to dissolve – even a small amount of adhesive can have significant impacts on your outcome.
- Remove your contact lenses before the appointment. Keep them out until the redness and tenderness has gone away.
- Stop taking anything, such as aspirin, fish oil or other products that act as blood thinners, at least three days prior to your appointment.
- Lastly, consult your doctor, especially if you take prescription blood thinners that you aren’t sure whether you should stop taking.
When you should seek medical advice before opting for the procedure:
- If you’re using Accutane or other retinoids, you need to stop taking them at least six months before your appointment as they may discourage healing. Again, be sure to consult your doctor before you stop taking medications.
- If you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk of infection and slow healing. Ask your doctor for advice.
- Lastly, for those who have Botox injections around or near your eye, be sure that the injections have entirely healed before getting the eyeliner tattoo.
Bottom line.
If you take one thing away from this, it should be that permanent eyeliner tattooing can look amazing and bring your natural look together. Do your research and be sure that you are prepared with a skilled technician.
To find out more about our permanent eyeliner services and to book your consultation, click here!
