Permanent Eyeliner Pros And Cons

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Applying eyeliner is such a pain! It is maybe the most frustrating makeup product to apply. Sure, some ace their eyeliner application. However, there are many who just can’t perfect the technique. 

It takes practice to master applying your eyeliner, especially if you have hooded eyes. One day you apply your eyeliner perfectly then curse at every eyeliner you have the next day because it just isn’t as perfect. 

Enter permanent eyeliner! It could be the answer to your frustations. But before you decide to go for itlet’s look at permanent eyeliner pros and cons.


Contents

What is Permanent Eyeliner?

Before we discuss the pros and cons of permanent eyeliner, let us first define what it is. Whenever you hear permanent eyeliner or permanent makeup, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

For many people, it’s tattoos.

So is permanent eyeliner also a tattoo?

No, permanent eyeliner is similar, but still different from a tattoo. 

Permanent eyeliner, like other permanent makeup, uses hypoallergenic pigments instead of ink, which is used for tattoos. They are placed on the dermal layer of the skin by making use of a very thin needle. 

Permanent eyeliner, like other permanent makeup, uses hypoallergenic pigments instead of ink, which is used for tattoos. They are placed on the dermal layer of the skin by making use of a very thin needle. 

Before the procedure starts, the tech will use a numbing cream on the skin first. Then, they could start with the procedure, which could last for up to 2.5 hours. 

Unlike tattoos, permanent eyeliner isn’t permanent at all.

It might be best to consider it as semi-permanent makeup because the pigments will fade eventually.

The good news is that even if it fades, it won’t look weird in the way that fading tattoos sometimes do. 

Usually, permanent eyeliner could last for about three years. The products you use for your faces like eye creams and oils could help make the pigments fade faster. 


Permanent Eyeliner Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve explained the basics of what permanent eyeliner is and how it differs from an actual tattoo, let’s look at the pros and cons of this process.

Is it worth going through the procedure just to save time each morning? Many people say yes! Let’s dive in.


Permanent Eyeliner: The Positive Side

As with any procedure, there are positive and negative sides to it. There are benefits and risks that you should know about before deciding to get permanent eyeliner.

Let’s first start with the pros: 

1. Long-Lasting

As we’ve said earlier, the results of permanent eyeliner do not last forever, but they last for a long time. Permanent eyeliner could last up to three years. Just imagine not having to rush in the morning just to do and redo your eyeliner before you head out for work.

Permanent eyeliner could last up to three years. Just imagine not having to rush in the morning just to do and redo your eyeliner before you head out for work.

The long-lasting effect is one of the main reasons why people decide to get permanent eyeliner. Since the pigment is on the dermal layer of the skin, the line created won’t smudge even when you wash your face or use makeup remover at the end of the day. 

Those who are fond of swimming could be confident that their eyeliner won’t smudge or create raccoon eyes just because they want to enjoy the water. 

However, you still have to remember that the eyeliner will fade gradually. It could last for three years, but some clients might need to have touch-ups after 18-24 months.  

Some love to maintain their eyeliner and have to have it refreshed regularly. You can have it refreshed periodically to keep it looking amazing.

2. Saves You Time

How many times do you have to do your eyeliner before you get it just the way you like? For many, you have to repeat it a few times to get it right. Sometimes, you have to redo your entire makeup regimen, including your eyeshadow, if the eyeliner doesn’t work right. 

Not having to redo your eyeliner multiple times saves you so much time, especially in the morning rush.

It’s not just realistic to constantly be able to apply eyeliner evenly on both eyes in just a single swipe. Mistakes happen. 

Instead of spending that time redoing your eyeliner, imagine what other things you can do with the free time that you have. You can have a more leisurely breakfast or even sleep for a few minutes more when you have permanent eyeliner.

3. Different Styles Available

Another good thing about permanent eyeliner is that you can select the style that you want. You just have to tell the professional artist to create the style that you want. You can even show them a picture of the eyeliner style you want and they’ll be able to do it for you. 

Some people may just want permanent eyeliner to make their lashes look fuller.

With this style, the pigment is placed in the lash line to make it look like there are more eyelashes.  

There’s a classic eyeliner style that starts with a thin line towards the inner corner of the eye. This could thicken into a subtle wing and the length could be customized. 

You can even get an eyeliner plus eyeshadow combo. With this, a technician will create a line from your lash line and then blend it on some areas over the eyelid. This imitates an eyeshadow and is sometimes called permanent eyeshadow. 

You can even get an eyeliner plus eyeshadow combo. With this, a technician will create a line from your lash line and then blend it on some areas over the eyelid.

Permanent eyeliner can be placed on your upper lash line and/or the lower lash line. It depends on your preference and the style that you wish to have. 

4. Fades Eventually

Fading might sound like something you wouldn’t want out of your permanent eyeliner. But hear us out first.

When your permanent eyeliner fades over time, it gives you the chance to modify your look.

Styles change over the years. Some makeup trends fade. and if you want to keep up with those trends, fading permanent eyeliner is a good thing. 


Permanent Eyeliner: The Negative Side

Now that we know the good things about permanent eyeliner, let’s get to know the downside too!

Things can definitely go wrong with permanent eyeliners, something the glossy brochures and social media posts sometimes forget to mention.

1. Migrating Pigments

One of the things that could happen is that the pigments can migrate. This isn’t limited to permanent eyeliner, and could even happen to body tattoos. 

Due to the thinness of the skin of the eyelids, the line could have blurred out borders. There are multiple reasons why this could happen. 

Sometimes, it could be the technique of the tech who did your permanent makeup. Other times it could be due to the excessive oiliness of the skin or the large pores that the skin has. 

As a precaution, many professionals don’t suggest connecting the lower and upper eyeliners. This is because the migrating pigments usually occur at the corner where the eyelids meet. 

2. There Is A Recovery Period

Eyeliner tattoo is done by with an ultra-fine needle. Nevertheless, that needle still inserts into the skin to place the pigments. That means that the area still needs to recover after the procedure. 

The eye is a super delicate area! And although there is a numbing cream used, you may still feel a bit of prickling or pressure when the procedure is done. This can be pretty uncomfortable. 

The eye is a super delicate area! And although there is a numbing cream used, you may still feel a bit of prickling or pressure when the procedure is done.

Additionally, the area could feel painful and swell up for a day or so after the procedure. It simply needs to heal. You should carefully follow the aftercare routine carefully so that you don’t end up having scabs or an infection. 

3. Not That Easy To Remove

There is a downside to permanent makeup with regard to its longevity. Sometimes, people might change their minds about the style of eyeliner that they had. Some people may not love the work that was done. 

It is difficult to remove permanent eyeliner completely. You may just need to wait it out in order to get rid of it. 

It is difficult to remove permanent eyeliner completely. You may just need to wait it out in order to get rid of it. 

Some procedures could be done to remove permanent eyeliner. But it will take a few sessions for it to be completely removed.

Additionally, you need to make sure that it has healed first before starting the removal session. In between removal sessions, you have to recover before the next session is done. 

4. Change In Makeup Trends

As we’ve mentioned, permanent makeup lasts longer than your typical waterproof eyeliner lasts! If you want to keep up with the latest style trends, it may not be the best option for you. 

Some makeup trends only last for a couple of months, but a permanent eyeliner could last for years. 

If you want permanent eyeliner, it may be best to choose a more subtle style that you can enhance with makeup. That way, you can change your look and keep up with the current trends if necessary. 


Should You Go For Permanent Eyeliner?

The choice to get a permanent eyeliner is entirely up to you.

It really does save you time and effort in doing the eyeliner style that you like, but you better like the style you’ve chosen, as you’re gonna have it for a few years!

And you should anticipate the pain and healing period after the procedure.

Permanent eyeliner It is a good solution for a long-lasting eyeliner alternative. Carefully select the salon and technician who does it for you. You don’t want to regret your eyeliner for the next few years!

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).