Permanent Eyeliner: Eyeliner Styles, Benefits, Healing Process & More.

Permanent eyeliner is a type of permanent makeup treatment, made increasingly popular due to its accessibility through many cosmetic clinics up and down the country. 

For those looking to improve their appearance and self-confidence, here’s everything you need to know about PMU eyeliner treatments.

Permanent eyeliner is a treatment which involves a tattoo machine that specialises in gently implanting pigment on the lash line. The result is that it replicates the look of eyeliner. The makeup is considered permanent because it’s essentially a tattoo on the skin. However, unlike regular body tattoos, the pigment and colouring can fade over time, so it’s something that can be topped up as and when it’s needed.

Eyeliner is a great type of product for the eye because it can create a dynamic look and enhance the eye - this is something that many benefit from, especially if they want to create a different shape or look for their eyes in general. With permanent eyeliner, you can enjoy a glamorous or natural look without the fuss of having to apply it every day.

2. Types of Permanent Eyeliner Treatments

There are a number of eyeliner tattoo treatments to choose from. Here are the options available for someone who is looking at a permanent eyeliner treatment and which one might be the best pick depending on your preference.

Invisible Liner

Often referred to as Eyelash enhancement, invisible liner is a treatment that adds just a subtle definition to the eyes. The pigment is laid down along the lash line to give the illusion of thicker and darker lashes.

It’s a treatment that’s hardly noticeable to the naked eye and is a fantastic choice for those who are after a more natural makeup look in their appearance. It can also be something that’s applied to the top and bottom lash lines.

Classic Eyeliner

For the classic eyeliner, this is a more noticeable enhancement where a slightly thicker eyeliner is created. This liner is sleek and defined, similar to a liquid eyeliner. You can have this liner applied to both the top and bottom lash lines. 

The classic look is one that many go for because it’s a typical style that’s used to add definition to the eye, and can be adapted to suit most eye shapes.

Smokey Eyeliner

For that smokey look every day, black shading is added to give more depth. The smokey liner is softer and more diffused at the edges than the classic liner, which can be a great option if you're looking for a longer lasting alternative to eyeliner pencils.

With a smokey eyeliner your makeup routine, especially when it comes to the eyes, is cut in half. You also don’t need to worry about messing up your eye look ever again.

Winged Eyeliner 

Getting the perfect winged eyeliner is challenging at the best of times, with many finding that they can perfect one but not the other. With this type of treatment, you can get permanent winged eyeliner so no more struggling with the liquid eyeliner hopelessly trying to get them to match. This wing could be sharp and defined or soft and smokey.

It’s a great enhancement to the eyes, which can also be accompanied by a lower lash line pigment applied.

3. Benefits of Eyeliner Tattoo

There are many great benefits to getting permanent eyeliner. Whether you’re looking to enhance your eye shape or you want to improve the appearance of your eyelashes, here are some of the advantages of getting the treatment.

  • Time-saving and convenience

  • Elimination of daily eyeliner makeup routine

  • Long-lasting results and reduced maintenance

  • Enhanced eye shape

  • Thicker looking lashes

  • Boosting confidence through improved appearance

Being able to save time is important in life and when it comes to your makeup, getting permanent makeup of any kind is convenient. It eliminates the need for the daily eyeliner makeup routine and it’s useful if you struggle when it comes to applying eyeliner in general, particularly for those with poor eyesight or a sensitivity to cosmetic products.

One of the main benefits of an eyeliner tattoo is that it boosts a person’s confidence. Improving your appearance is personal to each individual so a treatment like this can bring real joy in its effectiveness.


What if I wear false eyelashes?

You are absolutely fine to continue wearing false eyelashes with your eyeliner tattoo after the area has healed, all we ask is that you remove your lashes before your treatment and refrain from wearing them until after your eyeliner has healed.

4. Who is a good candidate for Permanent Eyeliner treatments?

If you’re looking to explore the permanent makeup treatments available, then you might be wondering if you’re a good fit for eyeliner treatments. 

For example, if you’re a regular eyeliner wearer, then getting permanent eyeliner might be the appropriate solution for you. You might find that you save not just time but money too. Others with dexterity issues or those with poor vision may struggle to apply eyeliner. After all, it’s a very fine application that takes precision. 

There are those who won’t be suited for eyeliner tattoo treatments. If you’re currently breastfeeding or pregnant, taking blood thinning medication or undergoing cancer treatment, it’s not recommended to have the treatment. Your artist should do a thorough check of your medical health to ensure you are suitable for the treatment.


Are PMU eyeliner treatments while pregnant or breastfeeding safe?

Permanent eyeliner treatments involve micro-injuries to the face. As a result of this, there is a risk of infection or other complications which may be dangerous while breastfeeding or during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to avoid this treatment until after.

5. How to prepare for your Permanent Eyeliner treatment

When you’ve decided to have permanent eyeliner treatment, there are a number of things to avoid when preparing for your eyeliner tattoo

Avoid tinting lashes for two weeks before your treatment.

It’s a good idea to not tint your lashes for two weeks before the treatment. Why? Well, it may cause a migration of pigment and that can impact the appearance of the eyeliner itself.

Remove any false eyelashes or lash extensions.

In order to ensure the pigment goes down properly, you want to remove any false eyelashes or lash extensions. That way, they won’t get in the way of the tattooing or cause any irritation either.

Avoid any lash growth serums should be avoided for four weeks prior.

Just like false eyelashes or lash extensions, it’s worthwhile avoiding any lash growth serums at least four weeks prior. Again, the serum itself might cause increased blood flow to the area which could result in bleeding, bruising and a poor healed result.

Avoid caffeine/alcohol.

It’s important that you’re being mindful of what you take or consume before the eyeliner treatment. As with any tattooing, it’s recommended you avoid caffeine or alcohol. With alcohol in particular, it can thin the blood and cause problems when it comes to the body healing itself.

Don’t wear contact lenses to the appointment.

Contact lenses are something to avoid when it comes to your PMU eyeliner treatment. You should also avoid wearing them at least 48 hours after the procedure.

6. The healing process

As the treatment involves a specialist tattooing machine, you’ll expect the same healing process to take place. You’ll usually see some swelling to the area, redness and perhaps some sensitivity. All of this is normal and should subside after a few days. It takes just over a month for the area to heal fully.


Your technician should give you detailed aftercare instructions on how to care for your new eyeliner whilst it heals, including what specific products to use in the days and weeks following your treatment, and what things/products to avoid. As it is essentially an open wound, it is important that you follow these aftercare instructions to get the best possible healed result.

7. How long does Permanent Eyeliner last?

Permanent eyeliner will typically last for up to two years, however, this can vary depending on each individual. In order to maintain the results that you have, you will need top-ups from time to time.

Top-ups will be required typically between 12-18 months after the treatment. There are some factors that will affect the longevity of the results. These include:

  • Skin type

  • Sun exposure

  • Lifestyle choices like swimming

  • Skincare routine


If you’re mindful of these when it comes to maintaining your eyeliner, you may find that less frequent top ups are required. Make sure you’ve prepared yourself for both recovery and putting in preventative measures for this treatment to last.


Is PMU eyeliner treatment a permanent fix?

While it’s considered permanent makeup because it’s tattooing the face, the longevity of the eyeliner might deteriorate over time. In order to achieve long-term results, you may need to return to the clinic for top-ups every twelve to eighteen months.

8. Can Permanent Eyeliner be removed?

There are two options to lighten/remove permanent eyeliner. However, it’s important to note that eyeliner removal is possible but it does take a specialist due to the area being delicate. The two options are:

Saline

Saline is a technique that is useful for lightening or removing most permanent makeup - it's most commonly used for microblading removal, however it can be used on eyeliner too! It’s ideal for smaller tattooing so great for cosmetic tattoos like eyeliner. Saline lightning usually requires 3-6 or more sessions to achieve the desired result..

Laser

Laser involves emitting a short pulse of light energy that breaks up the ink particles. Although more uncomfortable, it’ll provide very effective results. It takes around three to six treatments in order to remove the eyeliner completely. Only specialist laser technicians will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to complete eyeliner removal, it's not commonplace but it is possible!

9. Conclusion

Permanent eyeliner treatments are great for those who are looking to improve the appearance of their eyes. It takes away the hassle of having to apply eyeliner daily and there have been some incredible transformations from individuals who’ve gone ahead with this treatment.

If you struggle applying eyeliner, are sensitive to cosmetics or generally fed up with the daily hassle of drawing on your eyeliner, then an eyeliner tattoo would be a worthwhile treatment for you! Make sure you’re prepared for the treatment, be sure to research your artist and explore the style options available, as well as the aftercare involved so you can achieve a beautiful, long lasting eyeliner enhancement.

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