Eyeliner Tattoo in Melbourne

An eyeliner tattoo is a form of cosmetic tattoo eyeliner where pigment (or tattoo ink) is implanted into the skin along the lash line using a machine for permanent make-up. This can create anything from a subtle natural eyeliner tattoo to a bold wing, depending on your style.

At Face Figurati, I use sterile state-of-the-art equipment, safe numbing agents and high-quality pigments designed for the delicate eye area. Think of it as semi-permanent eyeliner that saves you time every day.

Why are Melburnians loving permanent eyeliner styles? Here are the biggest benefits:

• Time saving — No more daily eyeliner application.
• Smudge-proof — No more panda eyes after the gym or a swim.
• Customisable — Thickness, shape and colour to suit your facial features.
• Lash line enhancement — Makes lashes look fuller even without mascara.
• Longevity — With proper aftercare, results last for years.

Beauty service data for 2025 shows that semi-permanent eyeliner bookings in Melbourne have increased by over 40% in the last three years.

Pros

• Saves daily makeup time
• Lasts 2–5 years
• Sweat-proof, swim-proof
• Wide range of permanent eyeliner tattoo styles
• Can enhance lashes and balance eye shape

Cons

• Requires a healing period
• Gradual fading over time
• Not suitable for all eye health conditions
• Occasional touch-ups needed
• Changes require tattoo removal

While a cosmetic eyeliner tattoo is generally safe when done by an experienced professional, we recommend waiting in the following cases:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active eye infections
• Uncontrolled diabetes or bleeding disorders
• Recent eye surgery (LASIK, cataract removal)
• Severe allergies to tattoo ink or numbing cream
• Keloid scarring history

Pro tip from my Melbourne studio: If you have seasonal hay fever or allergies that make your eyes watery in spring, book your eyeliner tattooing appointment in autumn or winter for smoother healing.

A permanent eyeliner treatment isn’t just about saving time — it’s about creating a customised, smudge-proof look that suits your lifestyle. You might be a good candidate if you:

• Wear eyeliner daily but want a low-maintenance, wake-up-ready look.
• Have pale or sparse lash lines and want to make lashes appear fuller without heavy makeup.
• Struggle with eyeliner application due to shaky hands, mobility issues or vision changes.
• Lead an active lifestyle — gym sessions, beach days or cycling along Melbourne’s windy bayside — without worrying about smudging.
• Understand touch-up reality — even the best permanent eyeliner styles need maintenance every 2–5 years for colour freshness.

Real client example: One of my clients was a nurse working long shifts under fluorescent lighting. Her lash line tattoo meant she could skip eyeliner pencils entirely and still look fresh during 12-hour shifts.

Permanent eyeliner isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. At Face Figurati, I assess your eye shape, skin type, lifestyle, and personal preferences before recommending a technique. This means your eyeliner tattoo will complement your features, heal beautifully and fit your makeup comfort zone.

Lash Enhancement Tattoo

A subtle, ultra-thin eyeliner tattoo is placed directly within the lash line to create the illusion of naturally thicker, darker lashes. Perfect for clients who want the “no-makeup makeup” look. Works great for mature skin or those who rarely wear full eye makeup.

Winged Eyeliner

A bold flick extending from the upper lash line — Melbourne’s most popular permanent eyeliner style. The wing adds definition and instant glamour, whether you’re in a suit for the office or a dress for a night at St Kilda.

Classic Eyeliner

A clean, defined line along the upper lashes. This look is suitable for all ages and all occasions, from school drop-offs to formal events. Great if you want a timeless, natural eyeliner tattoo without trend-driven shapes that might date.

Shaded Eyeliner Tattoo

Also known as “smoky eyeliner,” this technique blends soft shading for a diffused, smudge-proof finish. Popular among clients who like a softer effect than a solid line but still want definition around the eyes.

Arrows On The Lower Lash Line

A more creative, editorial-style choice, placing pigment beneath the eyes for extra drama. Usually paired with a strong upper liner for high-impact, fashion-inspired looks.

Coloured Tattooing

Instead of black, we work with pigments in deep plum, emerald green, navy or chocolate brown to enhance your natural eye colour. A green liner can make hazel eyes pop, while navy is stunning against blue or grey eyes.

Good preparation is half the result in cosmetic tattooing. The better your skin and lash line condition on the day, the better your pigment retention and healing will be.

One week before:

• Stop lash serums to prevent pigment migration.
• Avoid facials, chemical peels or strong exfoliating eye treatments.
• Pause fish oil or other blood-thinning supplements (with your GP’s guidance).
• Keep the eye area out of the sun or wind, especially in Melbourne’s crazy weather.

24 hours before:

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol to reduce sensitivity and pigment push-out.
• Drink plenty of water — healthy, plump skin retains pigment better.
• Remove contact lenses if you wear them daily so your eyes can fully relax during treatment.

On the day:

• Come with no eye makeup — clean skin means a cleaner tattoo.
• Wear comfy clothes so you can relax during the procedure.
• Bring any eyeliner reference photos you have if you have a specific style in mind.

Pro Tip: Some Melbourne studios charge a consultation fee for the design and prep session. At Face Figurati, your pre-design consultation is included in the treatment, so we can spend as much time as needed to get the shape, thickness and style perfect before the first line is tattooed.

At Face Figurati, our eyeliner tattooing process is customised to you — your eye shape, skin type and lifestyle. Whether you want a subtle lash enhancement tattoo or a bold winged eyeliner, each session follows a sequence designed for precision, comfort and beautiful healing.

Consultation — We chat about your style goals, review your skin type, check for contraindications and confirm the most flattering eyeliner tattoo style for your face.

Design & Mapping — I use professional mapping techniques to outline your eyeliner shape, taking into account your lash line curve, eye size and bone structure.

Numbing Cream Application — A high-quality numbing agent is applied to the eyelids to keep you comfortable. With the right technique, most clients describe the sensation as mild scratching rather than pain.

Pigment Application — I use sterile, state of the art cosmetic tattoo equipment to deposit high grade tattoo ink into the lash line layer by layer.

Final Check — I check the symmetry, thickness and colour density and make fine adjustments if needed.

Olha’s reassurance: Your eyes are closed and fully protected during the entire tattoo eyeliner procedure — no risk to your vision.

The healing process for semi-permanent eyeliner is usually straightforward, but still requires care:

Days 1–2: Eyeliner looks darker and thicker than your final look. This is temporary and due to pigment oxidation and minor swelling.

Days 3–5: Pigment may flake lightly. Do not pick, as this can remove pigment.

Days 6–10: Colour may look lighter or even “faded” — this is normal as the skin is regenerating.

Weeks 6–8: You’ll see your true colour and shape after your perfecting session.

Client example: One of my Melbourne clients was worried when her eyeliner faded by 30% in the first week. After her 6-week touch-up, the colour locked in beautifully and has lasted her nearly 3 years.

Your permanent eyeliner tattoo will only last as long as you look after it. Proper aftercare not only extends pigment life but also prevents infection and premature fading. Keep the eye area dry for 7–10 days — use a damp cotton pad around (not on) the treated area if needed.

Use the provided aftercare ointment as directed.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors — Melbourne sun is strong and will fade pigment faster.
No mascara and lash curlers until the area is fully healed.
No saunas, pools or heavy sweating for at least 10 days.
Don’t rub, scratch or pick at flakes.

Olha’s tip: If you swim regularly, consider getting swim goggles and using SPF around the eye area (once healed) to protect your eyeliner tattoo from UV breakdown.

If you have an old cosmetic tattoo eyeliner that has faded unevenly, gone patchy or no longer suits your eye shape, tattoo removal or colour correction may be necessary before re-tattooing.

At Face Figurati here in Melbourne, I see clients who’ve had their eyeliner done years ago — sometimes overseas, sometimes in a different style era (remember those heavy 90s lines?). Correction is about getting your eyes back in harmony before adding fresh pigment.

Common correction options include:

• Saline removal — A gentle technique that lifts unwanted pigment out of the skin without causing major trauma.
• Laser tattoo removal — Suitable for darker, stubborn pigments, but must be done by a qualified professional experienced in working near the eyes.
• Colour correction — Adding carefully selected pigment shades to neutralise unwanted tones (like blue, green or orange) before layering your chosen eyeliner style.

Why is correction important?
Don’t skip correction, and you’ll get uneven colour take, distorted shapes or poor pigment retention when new eyeliner is applied. Think of it as preparing your canvas before painting.

Pro tip for Melbourne clients:
If your eyeliner was done in another state or country, bring any pigment brand details you can — pigment chemistry matters when choosing the safest correction method.

Most clients experience only mild, short-term side effects from cosmetic eyeliner tattooing. These are your body’s normal healing responses:

Swelling — Often most noticeable the morning after treatment, especially for those prone to fluid retention.
Redness — Localised around the lash line and usually resolves within 24-48 hours.
Itching — A sign the skin is healing; avoid scratching to prevent pigment loss.

Less common side effects include:
Allergic reactions to pigments or numbing cream — Extremely rare when high-quality, certified materials are used. At Face Figurati, I always patch-test if there’s a history of sensitivities.
Uneven fading — May occur if aftercare instructions aren’t followed or if the skin heals at different rates. This is precisely why your touch-up appointment is non-negotiable.

Melbourne-specific note:
Seasonal conditions can affect healing. For example, in our dry, windy winters, eyes may feel drier, while summer humidity can slightly extend swelling time. Adjust aftercare accordingly.

On average, permanent eyeliner tattoos last 2–5 years before needing a refresh. However, longevity varies based on:

Skin type — Oily skin breaks down pigment faster, sometimes in 2 years.
Colour — Lighter pigments fade sooner than deep blacks or rich browns.
Lifestyle — Frequent sun exposure, swimming in chlorinated pools or exfoliating around the eye area will speed up fading.

Ways to extend longevity:
Wear sunglasses to block UV rays.
Follow aftercare to the letter post-treatment.
Book in for touch-ups before the pigment fades completely — it’s easier to refresh than to rebuild from scratch.

Not all eyeliner tattoos are created equal. Over my years as a permanent eyeliner tattoo specialist in Melbourne, I’ve seen common mistakes that can be avoided with the right prep and aftercare.

Skipping Pre-Care
Arriving with irritated or compromised skin can result in poor pigment retention and longer healing. Follow your pre-procedure checklist — it’s not just suggestions, it’s the foundation of your results.

Going Too Thick, Too Soon
While dramatic eyeliner looks great for nights out, permanent eyeliner styles should complement your everyday face. Thick lines can overpower smaller eyes or age the face. Start with a more versatile style; you can always add more thickness at your touch-up.

Choosing A Style That Doesn’t Suit Your Eye Shape
Your eyeliner tattoo should enhance your natural features, not fight against them. For example, a long wing may not work for heavily hooded lids — a lash enhancement tattoo or soft shaded liner could be more flattering.

Picking An Inexperienced Artist
A steady hand, knowledge of eye anatomy and correct use of numbing agents are essential. Poorly placed pigment can cause uneven fading or migration. Always check healed results, not just fresh work.

Neglecting Aftercare
Even the best cosmetic tattoo artist can’t stop premature fading if you don’t follow aftercare. Sweating, rubbing your eyes or applying mascara too early can ruin pigment before it sets.

Melbourne Tip: With our crazy weather — one minute wind, the next sun — wearing sunglasses isn’t just about fashion, it’s about protecting your cosmetic eyeliner tattoo all year round.