What is Permanent Eyeliner

Everything you ever wanted to know about permanent eyeliner


Permanent eyeliner is a cosmetic tattoo.

Similar to a body tattoo, a machine with a sterile needle (or group of needles) is used to deposit ink into the skin along the eyelid. The purpose of this is to enhance your eyes and simplify your beauty routine! It is one of our favourite treatments here at The Perfect Feather! Permanent eyeliner is very versatile; there is a style to suit everyone, from dainty and subtle to dark and dramatic.

Who is a good candidate for permanent eyeliner?

Permanent eyeliner is a great option for people with:

  • disabilities
  • dexterity issues
  • makeup allergies
  • compromised eyesight
  • alopecia
  • and anyone who is tired of drawing on their eyeliner.

You are NOT a good candidate if you:

  • UNDER 18
  • are pregnant or nursing
  • are prone to keloids or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation
  • have a transmittable blood disease such as HIV or Hepatitis
  • are undergoing chemotherapy. A doctors note may be required.
  • have any kind of skin condition or irritation on or near your eyelids.
  • have allergies to alcohol or numbing agents.
  • are on certain medications. Please contact us to discuss your medications prior to booking an appointment.

Style Options for Permanent Eyeliner

We work closely with each client to design the perfect eyeliner for their facial features, based on their desired outcome. We determine what size and shape the eyeliner should be to be the most flattering both now, and as you age.

Lash Line Enhancement

lashline enhancement
Make your eyes pop!

Every eyeliner treatment begins with a lash line enhancement. This is where we  implant color into the lash line, between the lashes, giving the appearance of thicker, fuller lashes.

A lash line enhancement alone is a great option for women or men who want a very natural, subtle enhancement. It can be very soft and go part way across the lash line or clearly defined from inner to outer corners with either dark brown or black pigments.


Classic Eyeliner

Classic liner on an Alopecia client

Classic eyeliner is slightly thicker than a lash line enhancement and extends just above the lash line. This can have either a crisp outline, similar to the look of  liquid liner or can be soft and smokey (aka pixelated).


Wing or Wedge Eyeliner

wedge eyeliner
Soft wedge

A winged or wedge eyeliner is thicker than classic liner and includes either a wing or a wedge design at the outer corner. A wing is typically thin and wispy and a wedge is thicker and more defined.


Smokey Shadow Liner

smokey shadow liner
Smoke show

Smokey shadow liner is a very soft and pretty – yet dramatic eyeliner option. It includes a large or small wing. The ‘pixels’ are closer together and darker at the wing and fade inwards towards the inner corner of the eye.


Is it really permanent?

Some people debate whether or not cosmetic tattoos are permanent or semi-permanent. Some consider them semi-permanent due to the fact that the pigment will fade over time and will require maintenance to keep it looking fresh. On the flip side, there is no guarantee that it will ever fade away completely, which is why we call it permanent.

So, how long does it last? Everyone’s skin is different, however, your eyeliner should last one to two years, and without any maintenance could potentially fade away in 3 years. By getting annual touch-ups or colour boosts, your eyeliner will last forever.

How long does the procedure take?

We always schedule 2.5-3 hours for the first treatment. This gives us ample time to go over our forms/waivers, any questions that clients may have, drawing and design, and numbing before starting the treatment.

Each treatment requires a 6 to 8 week touch-up appointment to complete perfect the look. This session can take as little as an hour, depending on how well the eyeliner has healed (aka retention). This is highly dependant on how well our clients care for their eyeliner during the healing process.

What’s the healing process like?

The healing process is pretty easy and there is really no down time. You can go about most of your daily tasks immediately after and even drive yourself home. We have detailed aftercare instructions on our website and provide you with everything you need for caring for your new tattoo.

You may expect some minor swelling the day after your treatment, but simple tricks such as sleeping with your head elevated and using a cool compress will minimize any swelling. Your lash line may also start to feel tight and scab slightly in the first few days and if so, you may notice small flakes in your lashes. If you do scab, never pick them off.

To ensure the best results, we ask that clients avoid the following in the days immediately after their treatment; wearing contact lenses, wearing mascara/eye makeup, using lash serums, touching the face/eyes, dirt/dust/dander, swimming, working out, and hot/steamy showers until the flaking has stopped (about 1 week).

Read our detailed aftercare instructions here.

Is it painful?

Everyone has different levels of pain tolerance and therefore can have a different experience during their treatment. In order to ensure the most comfortable experience, numbing cream is applied to the area before we begin. A second, more powerful, numbing agent is applied once the tattooing has begun. Once the effects of the numbing agents kick in, the whole process is pretty painless, though you do feel the vibration of the machine.

There are ways to minimize possible discomfort. For example, avoid booking your appointment for when you will be on your menstrual cycle as you will be more sensitive. Arrive at your appointment hydrated and well rested. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants 24 hours prior to your appointment, and arrive on time and relaxed!

How much does permanent eyeliner cost?

The big question of course is how much does it cost? Having your eyeliner tattooed is an investment. Visit our pricing page for the most up to date pricing. Each treatment requires a perfecting touch-up 6 to 8 weeks after the first appointment as well as an annual colour boost to keep the pigment looking its best.

We are happy to correct, refresh, or update work that has been done by other artists. Contact us to schedule a consult and receive a quote for your treatment.

Visit our pricing page for our most recent pricing. Prices are subject to change of course, and do not contain taxes or optional gratuities.

Make an appointment

Are you ready to take the plunge and book your permanent eyeliner treatment? All bookings are made online at www.theperfectfeather.ca/booknow. A booking fee of $50 is required to secure your spot. Payment options include VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, and cash.

When you book your appointment you will be sent an email outlining how to prepare for your appointment. You must not be using lash serums or taking blood thinners (speak to your doctor for advice).

On the day of your appointment you must not wear lash extensions, contact lenses, or eye makeup.

If you’re not quite ready to commit to permanent eyeliner, I encourage you to contact us or book your free consultation online.