Permanent Eyeliner: Your Expert-Approved Guide (2024)

Nailing the perfect eyeliner application can be a tedious and time-consuming task. If you've stood in the mirror trying to apply a pencil or liquid liner, you know what we're talking about. Between your eyes watering, the line becoming wonky, and the liquid smudging, a lot of frustration can amount. So it's no wonder that permanent eyeliner, or an eyeliner tattoo, has become increasingly popular.

The treatment is considered permanent because the pigment used to create the line can remain in your skin forever, however, the longevity of the color and its visibility will fade over time. That said, it's actually more of a semi-permanent makeup (PMU) procedure that replaces the need to apply eyeliner every day. To find out more about the beauty treatment, we turned to experts Daly Beneche, Dr. Mariana Vergara, and Dr. Glen K. Goodman.

Keep reading for our complete guide to getting permanent eyeliner.

The Benefits

Permanent eyeliner enhances the eyes without the use ofliquid linersand pencils — simply put, it will make your eyes pop. The procedure also helps to improve the appearance of light-colored or missing lashes.

"There are many reasons why someone might choose to get permanent eyeliner," said Beneche. "Not only does it save you time each morning, but you'll also save a ton of money on eyeliner products."

Beneche noted that most clinics offer various lines for you to choose from.

"Our signature is the Angel Wing Eyeliner, but we do offer other lines based on the needs and desires of the client," Beneche added. "We have a lash line, awing line, and a stardust eyeliner, for example."

How to Prepare

If you are thinking about getting permanent eyeliner, there are a few precautions Beneche advised that you should be aware of to ensure a smooth procedure.

"Please do not work out the day of the procedure as the body heat will expand the pores," said the Arch Angels master artist. "Avoid heavy sunlight three days before your treatment as your skin should not be in the process of healing."

If you have a sunburn, Beneche recommended waiting four to five days before performing the procedure. Other precautions include avoiding coffee before your treatment.

"Caffeine will act as a blood thinner and can cause you to bleed more than average," explained Beneche. It's also important to avoid drinking alcohol the night before treatment, as this can lower your pain threshold.

What to Expect

At Arch Angels NYC, their popularAngel Wing Linerinvolves depositing hypoallergenic mineral pigments into the dermal layer of the skin using an ultra-thin needle. The procedure typically takes two and a half hours.

"We begin by numbing the skin and drawing the shape of the liner," said Beneche. "Then, we use a digital machine to pixelate the pigment into the skin. We repeat this method a few times to ensure the pigment stays." Unlike traditional eyeliner andbrow tattoos, pigments used for permanent makeup do not penetrate as deeply into the skin layer.

Additionally, although skin tests are not typically required, some salons do offer them.

"We determine if a test is needed by reviewing skin allergies, medical history, and other personal details that may impact eligibility," noted Beneche. "We automatically do a test if a client indicates any concerns, allergies, or other medical conditions during the intake process."

Ironically, permanent eyeliner is not as permanent as the name suggests. On average, you can expect the line to last one to three years.

"Constantly using eye creams, oils, and other products can cause the ink to fade over time," Dr. Vergara told us. "Not only does the color change, but as the ink is placed at the surface of the skin, the precision of the line also decreases."

Risks and Safety

According to Dr. Goodman, permanent eyeliner is generally considered a safe procedure if performed by an experienced practitioner in a medical-grade clean environment, employing completely sterile techniques. However, as the procedure is invasive, the ophthalmologist added that there are no guarantees against complications — so make sure you do your research and find a reputable establishment.

"The most serious risk is an infection," said Dr. Goodman. "Pathogens can be placed inadvertently into the eyelid, and from there, they can infect the surrounding soft tissues."

Other risks include allergic reactions, migration of the applied pigments, excessive or irregular scarring, and keloid formation. Dr. Vergara advised pregnant women and patients with autoimmune disorders like lupus to avoid having permanent eyeliner treatment to prevent complications.

Side Effects

Immediate side effects can include swelling, bleeding, and bruising. "You may also experience burning, itching, or discomfort around the injection site," said Beneche. "However, these side effects should only last a few days."

Beneche also explained that the eyeliner color will typically appear much darker for up to 10 days after the procedure. So, make sure you're aware of all the anticipated aftercare before undergoing your procedure.

"You should receive written instructions upon discharge, 24/7 access to the practitioner, a formal post-operative appointment schedule, and a written description of the specific product(s) applied," said Dr. Goodman. "Generally, mascara, harsh skin cleaners, UV tanning, and skin exfoliants are to be avoided while the eyelids heal."

Cost

The price of getting permanent eyeliner can vary. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1000, depending on the style, color, and thickness of the eyeliner.

Removal

Fortunately, permanent eyeliner is not a life sentence. If you have the treatment and hate it, it can be removed.

"At our studios, we use PhiRemoval, a painless and very safe procedure that leaves no scarring," said Beneche. "PhiRemoval is ideal because, unlike laser or saline, it does not scar, the tissue heals quickly, and it's less traumatic and invasive on the skin."