PERMANENT EYELINER FAQS
What is Permanent Eyeliner?
Permanent eyeliner frames the eyes and can make eyelashes appear thicker, darker and fuller. It may eliminates the need to apply eyeliner with makeup. It can enhance the shape or balance the symmetry of your eyes, create the illusion of larger eyes, or affect how the spacing of the eyes is perceived. Permanent eyeliner can also enhance or intensify eye color and make eyes appear brighter.
I customize the design of your lash line or permanent eyeliner based on your individual needs, shape of your eyes, as well as personal style.
Can I get tattooed if I am pregnant or nursing?
As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.
How much does it hurt?
The eyeliner or lash line procedure is more psychologically scary to most clients than anything else. The discomfort is relative as everyone has a different levels of sensitivity. A pre-numbing anesthetic is applied to the eyelids for numbing prior and during the procedure. Every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the procedure.
Pre-care instructions are designed and MUST be strictly followed to limit bleeding and skin sensitivities during the service. Excessing bleeding and sensitivity during the procedure will dilute and expel the pigment color and lead to poor results.
Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure.
If you are a frequent smoker or "sun worshipper" the topical anesthetics used during the treatment may not last as long and also can lead to poor retention and poor lasting results.
What should I do before and after my eyeliner procedure?
Arrive WITHOUT any eye makeup or eyelashes on
Remove eyelash extensions one week prior to eyeliner procedure
Discontinue Latisse and any other lash growth serum for a minimum of 4 weeks prior
No lash tinting, lifting, perming or curling for a minimum of one week prior
If you wear contacts, please do not wear them to your appointment and refrain from wearing them for a minimum of 24 hours after procedure is finished.
Do not work out 48 hours before procedure.
NO alcohol or caffeine 48 hours before procedure (Yes, there is caffeine in decaf coffee and tea!).
Avoid sun and tanning on your face two weeks prior to procedure.
Do not take Aspirin, Niacin, Vitamin E or Advil/Ibuprofen 48 hours before procedure.
Avoid Fish Oil, Prenatal Vitamins, Nutritional Shakes (Shakeology, etc), "Hair, Skin, Nail" supplements two weeks prior to procedure.
Discontinue Retin-A, Chemical and Laser Peels, Microdermabrasions, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), and any chemical exfoliant or "brightening" skincare at least 6 weeks prior (Once your eyeliner has fully healed, you must cover your tattoo area with VASELINE prior to the use of these products to prevent premature fading).
It is recommended to begin taking Arnica and/or bromelain one week prior to procedure.
Please Note: You will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.
How will I look immediately after?
There will be swelling. The swelling may last up to 48 hours. The color will appear darker the first week. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. No need to go into hiding :)
If I am using an eyelash enhancing serum, similar to Lash Boost or Latisse. Can I still have my permanent eyeliner done?
Please stop using any and all lash serums for a minimum of 3 months prior to your permanent eyeliner procedure. The reason is that those types of serums are stimulants. The will make your eyelids too fragile and vascular for cosmetic tattooing. As a result, your eyelids will bleed and bruise. After your eyeliner procedure is completed, you should wait 4 weeks to start your serum usage again.
How long is the healing process?
It is normal to experience minimal swelling and tenderness immediately following your procedure. This usually subsides within a few hours. The first week following your treatment, the pigment will appear much darker than how it will appear once it has healed. Around the 1st or 2nd week post procedure, the skin naturally exfoliates and sheds. During weeks 4-8 when the skin completes healing, you will see the pigment become more visible. A touch-up session may need to be done approximately 8-12 weeks after your first initial appointment is necessary in order to achieve that richness of color, achieve symmetry, and density in the shape.
How long does Permanent Eyeliner last?
Permanent eyeliner is a cosmetic tattoo. The pigment will fade over time and we recommend touch-up to keep them looking their best. There is no guarantee in how long it lasts as each individual has very different skin and lifestyle.
Please note that final results cannot be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your touch-up appointment and make any changes. Two appointments are recommended initially. Each of these appointments being 6-12 weeks apart. At your Complimentary Enhancement Session, we will assess the color retention and make any adjustments necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your eyeliner tattooo does not heal perfectly the first time, do not worry! We can always go make necessary adjustments at your next appointment.
What factors will affect Permanent Eyeliner?
Bleeding during the procedure: Excessive bleeding during the tattooing procedure will reduce the amount of pigment absorption. Alcohol, certain medications and vitamins, as well as any blood-thinners and should avoided a minimum of 48 hours prior to your appointment. For a full list of what to avoid 48 hours to your appointment click here.
Sun exposure: The sun will extremely soften the look of your tattoo, and may also change the color appearance of the pigment. Whenever possible, we encourage our clients to wear sunglasses and hats to protect their beautiful eyeliner (and eyeballs too)!
Lifestyle: smokers, "sun worshippers", or anyone with skin that is in a state of distress may have less desirable results.
What should I know about long term care?
The color will fade over time. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, iron deficiency.
Wear protective sunglasses and hats when in the sun also tanning bed goggles over eyes while tanning to prevent premature fading of your eyeliner.
If you are planning an MRI, please inform the technician that you have had an iron-oxide cosmetic tattoo.
If you are planning to have laser treatments, tell your laser specialist to avoid the pigmented area and also provide you with necessary eye protection.
How often do I need eyeliner touch ups?
Touch up appointments are optional. We suggest that if you want to maintain your eyeliner so that it always looks its best, plan on scheduling a touch up once every two years.