Cosmetic tattooing - or permanent makeup - is one of the fastest-growing segments of the health and beauty industry. Originally invented to help those who had lost their hair through illness or medical conditions, it's now an amazing beauty tool.
The most popular cosmetic tattoos include microblading (eyebrow tattoo), lip tattoos and eyeliner tattoo. Giving results that last for years between touch-ups, you're going to love your great new look.
If you just don't have time to apply makeup in the mornings, or you're allergic to products, this could be the perfect solution for you. In fact, once your eyeliner tattoo is in place you may as well throw away your eye pencil.
How long your cosmetic tattoo lasts depends on several factors but the national average is four to six years for eyebrows and eyeliner and three to four years for lips. Some people find the results last up to 10 years.
When you book in for an eyeliner tattoo there are several choices. You can get the top or bottom done or both, and even choose the thickness of the line. Lash enhancement is another option. This is a very natural-looking treatment that places pigment in-between the rows of eyelashes.
As well as doing away with the need for eyeliner pencils this treatment gives real depth to your eyes and makes them look sultry and mysterious. It also makes your lashes appear thicker and darker. Choose a bold defined line or ask your cosmetic tattooist to give you a softer smudged look.
An eyeliner tattoo is brilliant for people who wear glasses or contact lenses or have watery eyes.
Everybody is different but most clients describe the actual tattooing process as uncomfortable. Anaesthetic can be used to make the process more comfortable and you'll probably just feel a scratchy or tickly sensation.
An eyeliner tattoo offers so many great benefits. It does away with the need to use liquid liners or pencils and improves the appearance of thin or light lashes. It allows people to exercise, swim and shower without getting makeup smudges.
For those with an unsteady hand, it avoids the risk of getting makeup in their eyes and the frustration of trying to get lines straight. An eyeliner tattoo can improve the shape and symmetry of your eyes and even create the illusion of having larger eyes.
There are a few different eyeliner tattoo techniques. A full eyeliner tattoo creates a line above the last row of eyelashes or below the last row. The line can be thick, thin or medium. Some practitioners also offer designer treatments, such as smudging or layered colour.
A lash base enhancement is for people who want a more natural look. There's no obvious line but the colour is tattooed between the lashes to make the eyelash base appear darker. Many men choose this technique to enhance their eyes without looking as if they're wearing makeup.
It's probably a good idea to book your treatment at the end of the week or when you have a few days off. This is because your eyelids could be slightly red and swollen. These symptoms disappear very quickly.
Your eyeliner tattoo will look very dark at first but this will soften after a few days. It's important not to wear any type of eye makeup for a week or so as the tattoo heals. You may also have a cream or ointment to apply.
Most cosmetic tattooists offer a follow-up appointment to see how you're going and discuss the results. If you feel the line is too thin it can be touched up. Your appointment will be four to six weeks after treatment.
If you would like to get an eyeliner tattoo you can search Bookwell to find a professional cosmetic tattooist in your area.