Permanent Eyeliner (Info and Photos)

Who Can Benefit from Permanent Eyeliner?

Permanent eyeliner allows people to exercise, swim, or shower without having to repair or replace eyeliner that has smudged or washed-off. Individuals who have difficulty applying eyeliner due to vision or manual dexterity problems appreciate the safety and convenience that permanent eyeliner provides. Eye doctors (Ophthalmologists and Optometrists) recommend permanent eyeliner to patients who wear contact lenses, have "watery" eyes, are allergic to conventional makeup, or must postpone wearing eye makeup while recovering after eye surgery (such as Lasik or Cataract surgery).  

Permanent Eyelash Enhancement helps women and men with sparse, missing, or thin lashes. Medical conditions such as Alopecia or Cancer (chemotherapy) can cause eyelash hair loss. Permanent eyelash enhancement helps restore the appearance of lashes and helps lashes look fuller by defining the base of the eyelash line. This procedure also helps people with thin or light colored lashes to see eyelid definition without applying eyeliner every day.

Eyeliner Shape and Design

Eyeliner frames an eye to make lashes appear fuller, thicker, darker, and more defined. Properly designed eyeliner enhances the shape or symmetry of a person’s eyes, creates the illusion of larger eyes, or affects how far apart the eyes appear. Permanent eyeliner also enhances or intensifies eye color and makes eyes appear more alluring. 

At Artistic Cosmetic Solutions, every permanent eyeliner procedure includes an eyeliner analysis with redesign, if desired. Dr. Reed has 30 years experience in conventional makeup artistry with extensive training and experience in advanced eyelid tattooing techniques.  She can create a very subtle, natural looking eyelash enhancement or a thin, medium, or thick eyeliner. She can also create a more vibrant and dramatic look with a smudgy or colored liner or layered color effect. 

Color Selection

If possible, you should bring your favorite eyeliner pencil to your appointment and wear your eyeliner as usual for evaluation and possible matching. The pigment colors that coordinate with your skin tone, hair and eye color, and personal preferences will be chosen. Dr. Reed will work with you to create a custom designed eyeliner that pleases you. She uses a conservative approach toward color because it is always easier to darken permanent makeup later than to lighten it. If a lighter (or natural) color is selected, a darker (or colored) pencil can be applied when desired to change the look from "daytime conservative" to "evening glamorous." Dr. Reed will only use colors that you have approved, and those will be recorded in your chart for future reference at a follow-up or maintenance appointment. Full spectrum fluorescent light bulbs that simulate natural daylight are used in the studio to improve the color selection process.

Eyeliner Tattooing Techniques

Once optimal design and color have been determined, topical anesthetics will be applied to numb your eyelids. As a licensed Doctor of Optometry for 23 years, Dr. Reed has full control and confidence while manipulating your eyelids during a procedure and knows how to ensure eye safety at all times. She creates permanent eyeliner in different ways: 

Before Your Permanent Eyeliner Procedure

You should block off at least 3 hours for your initial procedure appointment (for full top and bottom eyeliner). Any eyelash tinting or perming should be completed one week be

fore your appointment. Eyelash extensions should be removed completely before your procedure. You should not use

an eyelash curler before your appointment. If you wear contact lenses, you must wear or bring your eyeglasses since you will not be able to wear your contacts immediately after your procedure (or for the next 24 hours). You will need to have a driver if your corrected vision with glasses does not meet DMV vision standards. If you have had any type of eye surgery or treatment (e.g., Lasik, punctal plugs), the healing and recovery period must be completed before your procedure. It also helps to avoid taking certain non-prescription medications and herbs a few days before your procedure. You will be given a handout with information on how to prepare for your procedure when you schedule your appointment.

After Your Permanent Eyeliner Procedure

Immediately after your procedure, there will be mild swelling and redness. Your eyelids will appear a little puffy and thicker than normal as if you had been crying. All symptoms will subside within two or three days. Your eyeliner will look darker and thicker than you want but will look better after the first week when the initial healing is complete. Color stabilization occurs during the first few weeks as the color gradually softens and the thickness gradually shrinks to a more natural look. During the first week you cannot wear mascara or eyeshadow and your eyelids will be a little shiny from apply ointments, so you should keep this in mind when scheduling your procedure around work or social plans. Since Dr. Reed is an advocate for safe, correct after care, she will provide detailed verbal and written instructions. For your convenience and to minimize any chance of an infection or allergic reaction, she will supply you with a complete kit containing medical grade ophthalmic ointments and supplies at no additional cost.

Follow-Up and Maintenance Appointments

The initial saturation with color occurs at your first procedure. If your eyeliner appears too light or thin after healing, it can be darkened or thickened at a follow-up ("touch-up") visit. Refinement may also be needed to adjust areas that did not retain color due to swelling during the procedure. Your follow-up visit should be scheduled between 4 to 8 weeks post procedure. Because permanent makeup can fade over time, you can schedule maintenance visits every few years to keep your color looking fresh. These visits are shorter and less expensive.

For "Consumer Guidelines" on choosing a good professional, general information on permanent cosmetics,  and pricing, please refer to the “Common Questions & Answers” sub-pages.