Permanent eyeliner

An eyeliner guide – what you need to know

If you love makeup, eyeliner may be one of your best friends. It is hard to imagine any makeup look without those little wings, but honestly, drawing them every day can be quite a challenge. That is why many women choose permanent eyeliner. It lets them enjoy their favourite eyeliner for years without the risk of it smudging. But what exactly is it, how is it done and does it hurt? I will tell you in the lines below!

About permanent eyeliner – what is it?

Permanent eyeliner is an advanced permanent makeup treatment that recreates the look of wearing eyeliner. Using an electric device designed specifically for permanent makeup, a plant-based pigment is implanted into the skin, “permanently” drawing the eyeliner in the shape you want – tailored, of course, to your eyelid and eye shape. The whole treatment is generally considered non-invasive, as there is no downtime and you can carry on with your life right afterwards, but it does involve a week of home care while your skin recovers from the micro-trauma.

Can anyone have permanent eyeliner?

Just as with any permanent makeup treatment, most people are suitable candidates. There are, however, certain conditions that make eyeliner unsafe and therefore impossible:

• Viral infections or illnesses
• Ongoing chemotherapy
• Blood clotting disorders
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis or rosacea in the area
• A tendency to form keloid scars
• Blood-thinning medication
• Diabetes
• Blepharoplasty in the last 6 months
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Visible broken capillaries on the eyelid

Does eyeliner hurt?

This is a question clients ask very often. Because a lidocaine anaesthetic is used during the treatment, it is painless. You will most likely feel a tickling sensation around the lashes. Of course, it is extremely important to be well rested and not to have consumed alcohol or other prohibited substances in the 24 hours before the treatment. Large amounts of coffee or energy drinks will not do you any favours either.

What NOT to do before an eyeliner treatment

• Do not tint or perm your lashes for at least 2 weeks before your treatment.
• If you wear lash extensions, you will need to remove them at least 3 days before your treatment.
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E for at least 3 days before the treatment.
• Do not drink alcohol in the 24 hours before the treatment.
• You will not be able to wear contact lenses during the treatment or for 24 hours afterwards.

The healing process:

Days 1–2: there may be slight swelling of the eyelids and slight redness.

Days 3–6: the scabs come off as tiny specks.

Days 7–10: the result has healed.