Eyeliner Tattoo - The Ultimate Guide

Eyeliner tattoos are a stunning, long-lasting way to flawlessly enhance your eyes without applying makeup every day. Say goodbye to smudged or uneven eyeliner! Our guide takes you through all the details about eyeliner tattoos.

What is tattoo eyeliner?

Also known as permanent eyeliner tattoos or cosmetic tattoo eyeliner, this technique uses micropigmentation to insert tiny pigment particles into the dermis, the second layer of the skin. 

The result closely resembles traditional eyeliner makeup, giving your eyes a beautiful, defined look.

 

Different types of tattoo eyeliner

Let’s take a look at the different types of cosmetic tattoo eyeliner.

Top eyeliner tattoo

A fine or bold line applied along the top lash line. Choosing this style is ideal if you’re after a subtle and natural-looking enhancement to your eyes. By just focusing on the top lash line, you can achieve subtle definition but maintain an understated appearance. 

At Tanya Beauty Care, we offer an ‘invisible’ top eyeliner tattoo which is even more subtle than the traditional top liner. 

Bottom eyeliner tattoo

This focuses on placing pigment along the lower lash line to subtly enhance the definition of the eye. You can also opt for the complete package; a cosmetic eyeliner tattoo on the bottom and top lash line for long-lasting definition of the entire eye area. 

Winged eyeliner tattoo

This creates a line that extends or "wings" out past the outer corner of the eye, giving a captivating "cat eye" effect and adding an almond shape to the eyes. This is a more dramatic and defined look than the top eyeliner tattoo, a striking way to emphasise the shape of the eye. 

Semi permanent eyeliner vs permanent eyeliner tattoo 

The main difference between permanent eyeliner tattoo and semi-permanent eyeliner tattoo is in the application method and how the ink is deposited into the skin —whether it is done using a machine or by hand. 

Permanent makeup involves implanting pigment into the deeper dermal layer of the skin, using a digital machine. 

On the other hand, semi-permanent makeup applies pigment to the superficial layer of the skin, using manual application technique. 

Both approaches give you long-lasting results, but the difference lies in the depth and application method used.

 

How much does tattoo eyeliner cost?

How much your eyeliner tattoo cost will be depends on the style you choose and the expertise of the artist. 

At Tanya Beauty Care, eyeliner tattoo cost will range from $599 - $1300 depending on what procedure you choose. If you come to us to refresh an existing eyeliner tattoo, the cost will range from $350 - $699.

You can view our eyeliner tattoo price list here. 

 

Eyeliner tattoo before and after

The shape and definition of your eyes will be enhanced, either subtle or dramatically, after an eyeliner tattoo procedure. Before the treatment, the eyes might look less defined, while after the treatment, they will have a more defined appearance.

Looking through a portfolio of tattoo eyeliner before and after photos from an artist or salon you’re considering is a must before making your decision.  

We’re proud to share Tanya Beauty Care’s gallery of eyeliner tattoo before and after photos; we’ve achieved gorgeous results for our clients!

How long does eyeliner tattoo last?

A skillfully applied eyeliner tattoo can last up to 3 years and we recommend clients return to us for a refresh to maintain the colour and sharpness of the tattoo.

How long eyeliner tattoos last will depend on factors like skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, and your skincare routine. Cosmetic tattoos on oily skin types tend to fade quicker than other skin types. 

Avoid spending hours in the sun and be vigilant about wearing sunglasses as UV exposure fades the pigment. The type of skincare you use can impact the longevity of your eyeliner tattoo too; skip the harsh makeup removers and avoid tugging around your eyes when cleansing your face. 

 

Eyeliner tattoo aftercare

Let’s talk about the things you need to help your fresh tattoo heal properly and to prevent any infections. 

Straight after the procedure

You may experience some slight swelling which is totally normal. You can apply an ice pack to soothe the area but just be mindful to move it around so you don’t get frostbite! 

If you wear contact lenses, we advise you to wear glasses or arrange transport home after the procedure. Don’t replace your contacts for at least two hours.

Eyeliner tattoo aftercare: Days 1 - 14

• Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment daily for the next 7 days.
• Use a warm, damp cotton pad to gently wipe the area.
• Avoid using contact lenses, eye makeup, or mascara for 7 days after the procedure. It's best to purchase new mascara before using it again, as used makeup can contain bacteria.
• Don’t use lash-enhancing products or fake lashes for 14 days after the procedure.
• Avoid swimming in pools for 5 days afterwards; any bacteria and chemicals in the water might cause irritation.
• Don’t go swimming in the ocean for 14 days post-procedure, as the salt water can pull out the pigment.

The essential aftercare for eyeliner tattoos is key to a speedy healing process and a long-lasting, stunning result. 

 

How long after eyeliner tattoo can I wear makeup?

After getting an eyeliner tattoo, you need to allow the tattooed area to heal completely before applying makeup. Here's a general guideline on when you can wear makeup after an eyeliner tattoo:

• We recommend waiting at least 1 week before wearing makeup on the tattooed area. This allows the skin to heal and reduces the risk of infection or irritation.

• After a week, if healing is on track, you can apply makeup, including eyeliner, on and around the tattooed area.

Healing time may vary from person to person, 1 week is a guideline. Pay attention to how the tattooed area is responding and hold off applying makeup if healing seems to be taking a bit longer. 

 

How long does it take for eyeliner tattoo to heal?

If you’re wondering how long it takes for eyeliner tattoo to heal, here's what you can expect during the healing process of your eyeliner tattoo:

Day 1: You may experience swelling, tightness, and tenderness when blinking. It will look like you've been crying, and the tattooed area may appear heavy with some clear discharge.

Day 2: Swelling may still be present, and the tattooed area may have a heavy makeup look with some particles of pigment around it. It will feel tender, and a slight crust may have formed.

Day 3: Swelling should reduce significantly, and the skin may feel tight. The pigment will have a slight crust and may start to lift away from the skin.

Day 4: The surface pigment begins to exfoliate, and the skin beneath may start to flake off. It's important not to pick at it.

Day 5: Blinking and eye movements will feel less tender. Applying ointment usually removes any excess pigment. The colour may have an ashy grey appearance until a second exfoliation occurs in the following days, clarifying the true colour.

Day 6: The eyeliner will appear softer and shrink in size, revealing a thinner appearance.

Day 7: Still a soft ashy appearance, but the skin will be fully healed and exfoliated.

Day 8-30: Full healing will take place, and the colour will mature and clarify during this time.

 

How long after eyeliner tattoo can I get eyelash extensions?

We recommend waiting at least 2 weeks after your eyeliner tattoo before getting eyelash extensions. This gives the tattoo enough time to settle in and heal so your skin recovers beautifully.

When you're ready to rock those eyelash extensions, be sure to let your lash technician know about your recent eyeliner tattoo. They'll take extra care and work around the tattooed area for the best results.

 

Does eyeliner tattoo hurt?

One of the most common questions clients have about this procedure is “Does eyeliner tattoo hurt?” 

Most clients experience only minimal discomfort, but if you have a low pain threshold you might find it more uncomfortable. 

Your technician will apply a topical numbing cream to the area before starting the procedure to minimise any pain.

 

Eyeliner tattoo removal

Unhappy with your eyeliner tattoo or want to address any imperfections that have emerged over time? Eyeliner tattoo removal is an option. It’s a super delicate process because of the proximity to the eyes and should only be done by a highly experienced professional.

How to remove tattoo eyeliner

Laser removal is the most common approach to take, a laser penetrates the skin to slowly fade the pigment. During the procedure, a laser beam is carefully directed onto your skin, specifically targeting the pigments of the permanent makeup (PMU). 

The laser uses light energy to break down the pigment into tiny particles. These fragments are then carried away by the body's white blood cells, effectively extracting the pigments from within. Eyeliner tattoo removal usually requires multiple sessions for complete removal. 

With each session of laser treatment, more and more pigment molecules are broken down, leading to a gradual fading of the tattoo. It's important to note that the process must be done gradually to ensure the safety of your skin and avoid damage.

Book your permanent eyeliner or lash line enhancement with Tanya Beauty Care today!