Permanent Eyeliner Aftercare: What to Do and What to Avoid

Permanent eyeliner sits right along your lash line, so careful aftercare matters. This guide follows Val’s aftercare instructions, from the evening of your appointment through about 8 weeks of healing, so your liner heals well and keeps its shape and color. If you are still getting ready for your appointment, start with our guide to preparing for your permanent makeup appointment. Having your brows done too? See our eyebrow aftercare guide.

Permanent Eyeliner Aftercare at a Glance

• Evening of your appointment: press a clean, damp paper towel on the area for 1 minute

• First 24 hours: no workouts, tanning, facials or spas, and do not touch or clean the area

• After 24 hours: wash gently once a day with a mild cleanser

• Throughout healing: apply the ointment Val recommends

• Full 8 weeks: no sunscreen on the area, no exfoliants, no Retin A or strong skincare products

• After 8 weeks: sunscreen is recommended

The Evening of Your Appointment

Later that evening, Val’s aftercare calls for pressing a clean, damp piece of paper towel on the treated area with gentle pressure for 1 minute. This lifts away lymph that has built up on the surface. Press, do not rub. Ask Val to show you the safest way to do this around your eyes before you leave your appointment.

The First 24 Hours

For the first 24 hours, avoid working out, tanning, facial treatments and spas. Do not touch, rub or clean the treated area. Keep your hands away from your eyes as much as you can.

After 24 Hours: Gentle Daily Cleansing

Once the first 24 hours have passed, start washing the area gently once a day with a mild cleanser. Do not scrub, and do not use anything that contains exfoliants.

Your Ointment

Val will tell you which ointment to use on your eyeliner, how often to apply it and for how long. Brows and lips each use a different product, so follow the instructions you were given for your eyes rather than the ones for another treatment.

What Healing Looks Like: Flaking, Color Loss and Color Changes

As your eyeliner heals, expect some flaking, loss of color and color changes. This is normal. Your color moves through stages, from dark to light, before it settles into its intended shade, so your liner will not look final while it is still healing. Do not pick or peel flaking skin, and avoid judging your results in the first weeks.

Not sure whether what you are seeing is normal? Read Is This Normal? Flaking, Color Change and Fading.

Eye Makeup, Lash Products and Contact Lenses

Because your liner sits so close to your lashes, ask Val at your appointment about mascara, eye makeup, lash extensions, lash tints and contact lenses. She will tell you when each is safe to use again. Until she does, do not apply anything to the treated area unless it is something she has told you to use.

Weeks 1 to 8: Protect Your Color

Until you are fully healed, about 8 weeks, avoid Retin A and any strong skincare products on or near your eyes. Keep sunscreen and exfoliants off the treated area for at least 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, sunscreen is recommended.

Once you are healed, see How Long Does Permanent Makeup Last? for ways to keep your liner looking fresh.

Your 4 Week Touch Up

Permanent eyeliner is built in stages. About 4 weeks after your first appointment, a 4 Week Eyeliner Touch Up lets Val refine your line and your color once the first round of healing has settled. Learn more in Why You Need a 4 Week Touch Up and What a Yearly Refresh Does.

After Healing: Keep Your Liner Fresh

Over time, your liner softens gradually. A Yearly Eyeliner Touch Up keeps your line crisp and your color looking natural, year after year.

Dark Circles Too?

If the area under your eyes is a concern, ask about Under-eye Concealer and Camouflage Tattooing. It is a separate treatment that Val tailors to you.

When to Contact Val

If something does not look or feel right, call Val at 902-497-7392 or email hdbeautybyval@gmail.com. If you notice increasing pain, swelling, spreading redness or discharge, contact Val right away, and see your doctor if you are worried about infection. If you have any change in your vision or severe eye pain, seek medical care right away. This guide is general information and not medical advice.

Thinking About Permanent Eyeliner?

Wondering how an appointment goes? Read What to Expect at Your First Permanent Makeup Appointment. Worried about comfort or safety? See Permanent Makeup Myths and Facts. Not sure it is right for you? Start with a Personalized Consultation and talk it through with Val. When you are ready, book an Initial Eyeliner Tattoo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Eyeliner Aftercare

How long does permanent eyeliner take to heal?

Full healing takes about 8 weeks. During that time your liner flakes, loses some color and changes color, moving from dark to light before settling into its intended shade.

Can I wear eye makeup after permanent eyeliner?

Ask Val at your appointment. She will tell you when it is safe to use mascara and other eye makeup again, and until then you should not apply anything to the treated area that she has not approved.

Can I wear sunscreen on my eyelids after permanent eyeliner?

Keep sunscreen off the treated area for at least 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, sunscreen is recommended.

Is it normal for my eyeliner to flake and look lighter?

Yes. Flaking, loss of color and color changes are a normal part of healing. Do not pick or peel.

When do I need a touch up?

About 4 weeks after your first appointment, and then once a year to keep your color fresh.

Ready to wake up flawless?

Book your appointment online, or call 902-497-7392.Questions? Email hdbeautybyval@gmail.com.HD Beauty by Val, 1175 Bedford Highway, Bedford, NS