If you’re thinking about getting a permanent eyeliner, it is important to find the right artist for the job. You can ask to see photos of their work and inquire about the amount of experience they have had. Just as with regular body tattoos, eyeliner is not without risk, so it’s essential to take the time to do some research before committing.

In a nutshell, the procedure involves an electric device with a fine needle depositing pigments into your skin. A numbing cream is applied to the area, and depending on your personal pain tolerance and how much makeup you wear on a daily basis, the experience can range from not painful at all to being fairly uncomfortable.

Once the numbing is in place, the artist will start implementing pigments into your skin using a PMU machine. It’s similar to a regular tattoo machine, but the needle is smaller and the pigment is applied only superficially into the skin rather than deeper into the dermis layer. The color will appear more intense and exaggerated for up to two weeks following your service, and then gradually fade in to a softer look. Touch-ups are recommended every 2-3 years to keep the look fresh and vibrant.

Although there is little to no downtime after receiving a permanent makeup tattoo, the area must be kept clean to avoid infection. It is also a good idea to avoid rubbing the area or wearing eye makeup until it’s fully healed, which usually takes about a week. Vaseline is usually advised for the first few days to prevent dryness and itchiness. Keeping the area as clean as possible is also key, so it’s a good idea to avoid showering or bathing in a steamy environment for the first few days.

If you’re a newbie to makeup tattoos, it is best to book a consultation before your actual session. This will give you the opportunity to weigh your options and discuss the style that will suit you best. It’s also a good idea to bring in inspiration photos of the look you want.

To ensure your skin heals properly, you’ll want to stop any skincare products with glycolic acid or retinol in the lead up to your appointment. You should also avoid taking any blood thinners a few days before your appointment. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, niacin, and coumadin.

The process can be pretty quick, especially if you’ve had a lot of experience with it. A typical eyeliner appointment lasts about an hour and a half, but it can vary depending on your preferences and the artist’s level of skill.

Like any form of body art, the pigments used in permanent makeup aren’t completely safe and can cause allergic reactions, scarring or loss of eyelashes. Having the procedure done in a professional environment by an experienced artist can greatly reduce these risks, however. If you’re not happy with the results, you can get them removed with laser or saline removal.