Everything you need to know about Eyeliner
The purpose of this page is to educate you & reassure you! Choosing your Permanent Cosmetic artist is not something that should be taken lightly. Some things to consider when choosing an artist:
These procedures fall under the Tattoo category of state regulations. Every Permanent Cosmetic artist MUST have a Tattoo License, Bloodborne Pathogens certificate, & undergo annual, spontaneous inspections. In addition to this, it’s important to have specialized training specifically in permanent cosmetics, different eyeliner techniques, color theory, needle theory, & yearly training. Unfortunately, these subjects are not taught in a general certified course, these are specialized extended courses that responsible artists will pursue.
This page is divided into different parts
You can click on a category to skip to that section of the page
Various Styles
There are lots of different variations that we can do when it comes to eyeliner designs! I’ve created a digital edit to show & compare the different styles, check out the photos below. Here are some options that we will discuss:
Lash Enhancement Liner
Bottom Liner
Standard Eyeliner
Eyeliner with a Wing
Standard Smokey Eyeliner
Smokey Eyeliner with a Wing
Lash Enhancement Liner
This is the most natural-appearing eyeliner style. It is a very thin liner across your upper lid, that hugs your lash line. By doing this, your lash line looks darker which makes your lashes appear more full with definition.
Bottom Liner
I want to be very transparent about this specific style - Bottom Liner usually “closes” your eye and makes it appear smaller. However, if this is still your preference, I will do a thin Bottom Liner that hugs the bottom lash line. Please know that I cannot tattoo on your actual waterline. If you are desiring a thick Bottom Liner than I probably am not the artist for you. I want to provide services that flatter the face, and thick bottom liner will usually make your eyes look more droopy and sad.
Standard Eyeliner vs Eyeliner with a Wing
Both of these styles are your usual Eyeliner design, but one has a Wing tip, and the other doesn’t. If you desire a Wing tip then please know that it can only go as far as your first lid crease. For example, if you have deep hooded eyes then your lid will hang over the end of the wing tip, which will make it appear half-done because only half of the wing would show. With this being said, a Wing design will be entirely based on your natural lid structure.
Smokey Eyeliner vs Smokey Eyeliner with a Wing
Both of these procedures include a “smokey” effect by adding tiny pixels above the Standard Eyeliner design. One has a Wing tip, and the other doesn’t. However, this procedure will not work for everyone. It is most ideal for client’s who are ages 20-40, without visible veins around their eyelids. Otherwise, there is a significant risk for pigment-bleed (or in other words, the pigment traveling to unwanted areas, creating a blur). As we age, we usually lose some of the subcutaneous fat beneath the very thin periocular eyelid skin, which then causes the eyelid veins to be more noticeable. Feel free to reach out & send photos of your eyelids if you are considering this specific style but are unsure if you’re a good candidate.
2. Procedure Process
Rest assured that the way I do these procedures are by breaking them down into steps to make certain that you feel absolutely confident before moving forward each step of the way. This procedure is not rushed. I cushion a lot of extra time beyond the “expected” procedure time, just in CASE! With this being said, please don’t come in a rush either, or have a pressing obligation immediately following the procedure.
Once you arrive to your appointment I will discuss with you what your overall eyeliner goals are. You can also show me photos of how you usually do your eyeliner, or inspirational photos. I will take some “before” photos, which I will then show you at the very end of your appointment so we can admire the transition together!
I will begin by cleansing your eye area, & then spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour using a red pen to customize & create the perfect eyeliner template that follows your natural eyelid structure & compliments your face. I make sure to look at you from all perspectives - lying down, sitting up, & at different angles. I measure everything to make sure the eyeliner is as symmetrical as possible. If you have any asymmetry (which the majority of us do) I will discuss it with you & walk you through my thoughts on how I plan to balance your eyeliner out! Once I am completely satisfied with the drawing of your eyeliner, I will show you and have you spill all of your own thoughts! This may be that you’d like it thicker, thinner, longer, shorter, OR you absolutely love it and are ready to move forward beyond this step. Please find comfort in that I WANT you to share your thoughts! This eyeliner is going on YOUR face so I want you to be as in love with it as I am! I will adjust the shape (within reason) until you feel FABULOUS!
I will then use a topical anesthetic to numb the surrounding eye area. While you numb, we will go over colors together (if you are wanting a unique color, please let me know prior to your appt so that I can make sure I’ve got it on hand), & we will also go over your Aftercare kit and what you should expect while you heal.
My supplies are single-use disposable to maintain the most sanitary environment for each client. My pigments are hypoallergenic & adhere to EU Reach Compliance (these European regulations are much more strict than the FDA). Tattoo pigments in the USA are not regulated; the FDA does not regulate them.
Once you’re numbed, I will begin tattooing! I usually do 3 passes per eye, & in between each pass I will re-numb the side that I am not working on. If you have high sensitivity (ie: more sensitive at dental appts) please feel free to let me know, and I can extend your numbing time.
Before you know it, you have a FABULOUS set of new eyeliner & your confidence has skyrocketed. You will be so excited to know that getting ready in the morning has now become TOO easy! The most common feedback I hear is that my client’s wish they would’ve just done it sooner!
3. Contraindications
You are not a candidate for this procedure if:
You are under 18 years old.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
must wait 3 months after, for both.
You have used Accutane anytime within the past 12 months.
You have a heart condition, pacemaker, or defibrillator.
You have “keloid” scars (raised scarring).
You have an autoimmune disease.
must consult your doctor, condition must be stable.
must know retention isn’t as optimal.
You are undergoing chemo/radiation therapy.
must consult your doctor & have a permission note.
You are taking medical blood thinning medication.
must consult your doctor.
You are wearing lash extensions at the time of the appointment.
must have them removed by your lash artist beforehand.
must wait 8 weeks before you get lash extensions redone.
You have macular degeneration and/or receive eye shots.
must consult your doctor & have a permission note.
You have a corneal abrasion (scratch).
this can occur microscopically from simply being a little too rough while removing contact lenses.
You refuse to go without contact lenses.
must refrain from wearing contact lenses for a minimum of 3 days prior to the procedure.
must not wear contact lenses during the procedure.
must wait 3 days following the procedure to begin wearing contact lenses again.
You use Latisse or any other hair growing serum on your lash area.
Must not being using these products for a minimum of 4 months.
4. Preparation
Things you are encouraged to do:
Avoid any water-proof eye makeup for 48 hours leading up to the procedure.
If you wear contacts, please refrain from wearing them for a minimum of 3 days leading up to the procedure. This is to prevent any accidental corneal abrasions, which would make you ineligible for the procedure. This is to be taken very seriously, as pigment can get permanently stuck inside of your cornea if you have a scratch.
Keep your skin moisturized (as normal) within the week leading up to the procedure.
Avoid all anti-aging products within a week of the procedure, especially around the eye area.
Cleanse your face on a daily basis. If you are someone who sleeps in their eye makeup, please do NOT do that for the week leading up to the procedure. Otherwise it can change the texture of your skin and it will affect how the pigment implants.
Try to drink lots of water within the week leading up to the procedure (it makes a big difference for your skin).
Come to your appointment with clean & dry skin. No lash extensions.
Be sure to eat a meal before your appointment.
Remember to bring glasses if you need them, no contact lenses during the procedure.
Things you should NOT do:
Do not wear contacts for a minimum of 3 days leading up to the procedure.
Do not have lash extensions at this time.
Do not wear any water proof makeup within 48 hours of the procedure.
Do not consume coffee or alcohol within 24-48 hours of the procedure.
Do not work-out within 24 hours of your procedure.
Do not consume power shakes, power greens, Fish Oil, or “hair, skin, nail” supplements within 24 hours of your procedure.
Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E, or Ibuprofen within 24 hours of your procedure.
Do not have any form of hair removal done on the brows within 1 week of the procedure.
Do not use Retin-A or Retinols, Glycolics, or chemical peels within 1 week of the procedure.
Do not use Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) within 1 week of the procedure.
Do not tint your brows within 2 weeks of the procedure.
Do not tan within 2 weeks of the procedure.
Do not have Botox done within 3 weeks of your procedure.
Do not use Latisse or any hair growing serum within 4 months of your procedure.
Do not have fillers done within 6 weeks of your procedure.
5. Aftercare + Healing
AFTER your eyeliner procedure:
Do NOT wear contact lenses for 3 days.
Do NOT wear any eye makeup for a minimum of 10 days (this includes mascara).
Do NOT use any eye creams or cleansing products around the eyes for 10 days - especially if they contain acids (glycolic, lactic, AHA), anti-aging ingredients, acne treatments, or exfoliants. I recommend using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to wash your face while your eyeliner heals.
Avoid getting your face wet in the shower.
Do NOT exfoliate, scratch, itch, or pick at the scabs while your eyeliner heals. The scabbing will resolve itself.
Use a fresh pillowcase while you sleep & avoid sleeping on your face for 10 days.
Avoid sweating, & heavy exercise for 10 days.
Avoid steamy showers, the sauna, & swimming for 10 days.
No facials, botox, chemical treatments, or microdermabrasion for 4 weeks.
Avoid direct sun exposure, or tanning for 4 weeks.
Do NOT have lash extensions done for a minimum of 8 weeks.
Do NOT use any lash-growth serums for a minimum of 3 months.
Aftercare Instructions:
You will receive an Aftercare Kit with everything you need to take care of your eyeliner while healing. You will cleanse & moisturize your eyeliner for 10 days, following the instructions provided during your appointment.
The healing phase is a PROCESS, but have faith!
Day 1: Your eyeliner is beautiful, but very vivid! It will soften about 30% and shrink just slightly! You can expect skin irritation, redness, and swelling.
Day 2-3: The swelling and skin irritation has decreased, but your eyelid feels dry, tight, and tender.
Day 4-10: You notice some flaking, but this is just your skin treating the area as a wound & healing itself. Do not pick at these flakes or you will cause loss of pigment and scar tissue. Let it flake on its own.
Day 10-28: Now the eyeliner has become much lighter, after flaking away. This is known as the “ghosting” phase. Your skin will initially heal over the design. The pigment is there, it’s just underneath an extra layer of skin.
Week 4-6: This is when you will begin to notice the true results. The pigment begins to become more noticeable again.
Week 8: You are completely healed!
6. Color Boosts
Color Boosts are important to maintain the fresh & vivid color of your eyeliner. The pigment used for permanent cosmetics is made to soften, & continue to fade over the years. If it was not made this way, or if “body-ink” was used instead, then the brows would age with blue or red tones. Our facial skin is exposed to many more “elements” than other areas on our body (ie: environmental pollutants, sun rays, chemicals of skincare regimens, makeup, etc.).
Everyone differs on WHEN they will need a Color Boost. Your skin-type, lifestyle, & environmental factors will influence how soon you will need a Color Boost.
For all of the Eyeliner procedures,
I require the first Color Boost to be done at 6-8 weeks.
After that, I recommend a Color Boost once every 2 years.
Here are some examples that will cause your eyeliner to soften sooner:
oily skin
tanning or sunbathing
swimming in chlorine
anti-aging products
acne treatments
chemical peel treatments
microdermabrasion
autoimmune disease
hormonal imbalances
If you’re ever wondering whether your eyeliner could use a Color Boost, or not, feel free to message me with a photo and I will let you know my thoughts!