Post-Procedure Instructions for Eyeliner

To ensure the best results, please follow these instructions after treatment

Aftercare Instructions

  • On the day of the procedure:

    • Wash the treated area every hour with a cool and wet cloth.

    • Apply vaseline ointment to the treated area using a cotton bud.

    • Use the other side of the cotton bud to wipe off any excess ointment.

    • The vaseline layer does not need to be thick. You want a light coating so that the skin is still able to breathe.

  • You can gently wash your eye area using tepid water. Make sure your hands are washed and avoid all washcloths, soap and cleaners.  

  • Use a fresh cotton bud to apply a small coat of vaseline to the area twice a day for 5 to 7 days. Make sure that the area does not dry out.

  • Keep any contact lenses out during the procedure and for 24 hours afterwards. If possible, use a new pair of contact lenses after this point to reduce infection risk.

Avoid the following

  • Peeling, scratching or itching the treated area. Doing so may lead to scarring or uneven colour.

  • Touching the healing area, as you risk spreading germs around the area.

  • Any strenuous activity (particularly working out) in the 2 days after your procedure.

  • The use of products like Retin-A to speed up healing. Such products can fade permanent makeup.

  • Exposing the healing skin to hot tubs, tanning beds, chlorinated pools and very hot water for 2 weeks after the procedure.

  • All skin creams, lotions and ointments for at least 3 days (except those you have been instructed to use for aftercare)

Do not apply makeup for 3 days following the procedure. After these 3 days use new makeup only on and around the treated area, for the next 10 days. Wait at least 2 weeks before using an eyelash curler.

Important long-term care approaches

  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when going outside in bright sunlight.

  • If you require a medical procedure like an MRI in your future, make sure to inform your physician of your cosmetic tattoo. The same is true if you plan on having a chemical exfoliation or something similar.

What you can expect

Your eyeliner may look darker than desired immediately after your procedure. This is to be expected. The pigment naturally softens and fades over time as your skin heals. You will typically lose between 20% and 40% of your colour during the first few weeks.

You may experience some pigment flaking off or could find that your colour decreases too much. These are not uncommon issues and will be resolved during your touch up appointment. Outcomes like this are a key reason that a touch up procedure is required, especially as each person’s skin responds differently.

While the pigment molecules from cosmetic tattoos remain in the skin, the colour fades over time. For eyeliner, you can generally expect somewhere from 18 months to 4 years worth of life from your tattoo. The rate of colour loss is influenced by many things, including the colour chosen, any medications and your skin.

A colour boost is recommended every few years to top up your colour and keep your tattoo looking amazing.