February 28, 2023
By: Ariel Wodarcyk | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
Permanent makeup is enjoying a huge resurgence lately, from lip blushing for a permanently rosy look to microblading for full, feathered brows. Permanent eyeliner is also coming back, possibly thanks to the spike in popularity of ’90s-inspired looks and the desire to wake up with your makeup already done. After all, who wouldn’t want one less step to worry about in their beauty routine? To find out more about the trend, we spoke to a permanent makeup artist who shared how long permanent eyeliner lasts, what the procedure itself feels like and what the aftercare involves. Keep reading to get all of your permanent eyeliner questions answered.
What Is the Aftercare for Permanent Eyeliner?
Ricciardone says that swelling is normal within the first 12 to 24 hours after getting permanent eyeliner. For the first night and the morning following, she recommends wiping down the eye area with antiseptic wipes, which your makeup artist should provide. On the second day, she says to wipe down the directed area twice — morning and night.
Ricciardone also recommends keeping the area moist with a thin layer of a gentle ointment (not a petroleum- or mineral-based ointment), applied throughout the day with a clean cotton swab. Ask your makeup artist or dermatologist for suggestions on what products are safe for this sensitive area.
“Do not let the area dry out and crack, keep it moist at all times,” she adds. “Do not press or rub when applying ointment.” She advises that too much ointment can cause the permanent eyeliner to fade, so you only need a thin layer — a little bit goes a long way in this case.
In the first five days after the procedure, treat the eye area very delicately. Do not touch, peel, rub or otherwise tamper with the liner, as this can cause the color to fade and slow the healing process. Abstain from any physical activity that causes extreme sweating, and do not let sweat, water, lotion, makeup or bodily fluids near the eye area. This means skipping eye makeup and skincare around the eye area during this time.
Ricciardone says to refrain from using a sauna, hot tub or pool for two weeks. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and petroleum-based products, and do not curl your lashes in the first two weeks post-procedure.
After the first two weeks, Ricciardone says to continue to avoid sun exposure until at least a month has passed since your appointment. You should also avoid forms of exfoliation (including using glycolic or fruit acids around the eye area) as well as alcohol, salt and saline during the first month.
Not ready to take the plunge on permanent eyeliner yet? Keep scrolling for some of our favorite eyeliners right now.
Our Favorite Eyeliners in 2023
NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Matte Liquid Liner
When it comes to vibrant, highly pigmented liquid liner, it doesn’t get much better than the NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Matte Liquid Liner. It’s the perfect eyeliner for experimenting with fun, graphic eye makeup looks. The striking jet black formula delivers major impact with just one swipe — and once it dries, it stays put all day long.
Lancôme Idôle Liner
We love the ultra-fine felt tip of the Lancôme Idôle Liner for its unparalleled precision and ease of application. Even if you’re an eyeliner rookie, you can use this user-friendly pen to create flawless wings and dramatic cat-eyes. If black eyeliner isn’t your thing, it also comes in stunning brown, blue, green and gray shades. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easily this liquid liner glides across your eyelids without any tugging or skipping.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner
The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner is our pick for a seriously long-lasting eyeliner at a budget-friendly price. With a waterproof, smudge-resistant and transfer-proof formula, this liquid liner stays looking great for up to 30 hours — no reapplication necessary. Plus, the grip gives you extra control to draw on straight, smooth and sharp lines on your first (okay, maybe second) try.
Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Ink Pen Eyeliner
Named for its staying power, the Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Ink Pen Eyeliner is waterproof and lasts for up to 24 hours without smudging, flaking or fading. One stroke delivers intense, inky black pigment for a tattoo-like effect.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Not into liquid liner? Try the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil instead. This cult-favorite eyeliner comes in dozens of ultra-pigmented shades and a variety of different finishes, including matte, glitter and metallic. It’s waterproof and smudge-proof, so it can handle whatever your day or night throws at you. Mix and match shades to achieve the colorful eye makeup creations of your dreams.
Charlotte Tilbury Rock ’n’ Kohl Eyeliner
If you prefer an edgier, smudged eyeliner look, we recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘n’ Kohl Eyeliner. Use this waterproof pencil to enhance a sultry smoky eye and finish the look with a volumizing mascara. We like the brown shade as a softer, unexpected alternative to a black kohl eyeliner.
Additional Reporting: Jordan Julian, Photo: Chaunte Vaughn
