Shaded Eyeliner Tattoo in Melbourne

A shaded eyeliner tattoo (also known as smoky permanent eyeliner) is a cosmetic tattoo technique that blends pigment from the lash line upwards, creating a soft fade rather than a sharp line. The result is a perfectly smudged pencil or eyeshadow look without the daily hassle.

Unlike classic eyeliner tattooing, where pigment is implanted in a solid block, shaded eyeliner uses premium pigments in layers, giving the eye area a gentle lift and depth. I do the treatment with sterile needle cartridge systems, antibacterial solution cleansing and under strict Health & Safety Standards.

If you’ve been curious about permanent makeup for your eyes but don’t want to look like you’re wearing heavy makeup 24/7, shaded eyeliner might be your perfect match.

Most of my Melbourne clients choose shaded eyeliner because they want definition without harshness. Here’s why it works so well:

• Soft but impactful: Enhances lash density with a blurred edge.
• Smudge-proof confidence: Survives humid tram rides and hot summer days.
• Saves time: Cuts your morning routine in half.
• Age-friendly: Diffused shading hides eyelid texture changes.
• Low maintenance: Often lasts longer between touch-ups compared to bold eyeliner.

Example: A corporate client who wore glasses found that pencil eyeliner made her eyes look smaller. We customised a medium-shaded eyeliner tattoo that opened up her eyes without overpowering her frames.

While shaded eyeliner is safe when done by an experienced cosmetic tattooist, there are cases where it’s best to wait:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active eye infections
• Recent eye surgery (LASIK, cataract removal)
• Uncontrolled diabetes or bleeding disorders
• Severe allergies to tattoo ink or numbing cream
• History of keloid scarring near the eyes

I recommend a GP check if you’re unsure. Your health and safety always come first.

You’re likely a great fit if you:

• Want the look of softly blended eyeliner
• Have sparse lashes or pale lash lines
• Struggle with eyeliner application due to shaky hands or vision issues
• Lead an active lifestyle where makeup smudges easily
• Understand that all permanent makeup requires maintenance

Real example: A yoga instructor came in frustrated with smudged liner after hot yoga. Her shaded eyeliner tattoo stayed flawless through every class.

One week before:

• Stop lash serums to prevent pigment migration
• Avoid peels or facials near the eyes
• Pause blood-thinning supplements (with GP approval)

24 hours before:

• No caffeine or alcohol
• Remove contact lenses before arriving

On the day:

• Arrive makeup-free
• Wear comfy clothes so you can relax
• Bring inspiration photos if you have a preferred thickness or wing style

There is a consultation fee at Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati to secure your booking and ensure we have enough time to plan your perfect eyeliner.

Your shaded eyeliner tattoo appointment at Face Figurati is not rushed — it’s a carefully planned, precision treatment designed to suit your natural features and lifestyle. Here’s exactly what happens:

1. Consultation and Design

We start with a detailed assessment of your eye shape, lash density, skin tone and desired finish. Together we decide whether you want a subtle lash enhancement, soft shaded wing or a more defined smoky effect. I also check for any contraindications to ensure the treatment is safe for you.

2. Pigment Selection

Using only certified pigments and high quality certified materials I choose a shade that suits your natural colouring. The choice depends on skin undertone, hair colour and how bold you want your liner to look once healed.

3. Numbing

A medical-grade anaesthetic cream is applied to keep you comfortable. Most clients report only a mild scratching sensation during the process.

4. Tattooing Process

Using a needle cartridge system and premium pigments, I work in fine layers to build the desired density and gradient. This eyelid micropigmentation technique ensures even pigment distribution, minimal trauma to the skin and a beautifully soft finish.

5. Finishing and Cleaning

Once the shading is complete, I check for symmetry and make any final adjustments. The treated area is then cleaned with an antibacterial solution, and you’ll receive your tailored aftercare instructions before you leave.

Timeframe: 1.5–2 hours on average, depending on the complexity of your design and whether it’s your first session or a colour boost.

Your shaded eyeliner tattoo is an investment in your confidence, so aftercare is where you lock in all that beautiful work. I always tell my clients that 80% of your final result comes down to how well you treat your eyes in the first two weeks.

Here’s my full aftercare guide to keep your results crisp and long-lasting:

• Keep the area dry for 7 days – That means no splashing water during your morning face wash and avoiding steamy showers. Even a quick accidental splash can cause pigment loss in those early healing days.
• Use only skin care key products I recommend – Certain cleansers and creams can strip pigment. I provide a safe, pH-balanced aftercare ointment that’s designed for the delicate eye area.
• Sleep on a fresh pillowcase – This reduces the risk of bacteria irritating the area and helps keep your liner free from lint and fibres.
• Avoid mascara or eyeliner for 2 weeks – Makeup products can introduce bacteria and cause irritation. Plus, applying and removing makeup can disrupt the healing pigment.
• Skip saunas, pools, and heavy sweating for 7–10 days – Melbourne summers can get humid, and sweat can cause premature pigment fading.
• Don’t pick at flakes – Light flaking is completely normal around days 3–5. Picking can pull pigment out before it’s settled, leading to patchy spots.
• Melbourne tip: If you’re getting your shaded eyeliner tattoo in the warmer months, I recommend booking early in the day to avoid heat and sweat affecting your healing in the afternoon.

Your shaded eyeliner tattoo can be customised to suit your lifestyle, makeup habits and facial structure. At Face Figurati, I help clients choose the perfect balance between definition and softness:

• Thin smoky line – A soft, barely-there enhancement that’s ideal for minimalists or those who rarely wear heavy makeup. Perfect for clients who just want their lash line to appear fuller.
• Medium blend – Offers balanced definition while still looking natural. Great for everyday wear, work environments or those who want a polished look without being too bold.
• Bold smoke – A stronger, more dramatic finish that mimics makeup eyeliner. Perfect for special occasions, night events or anyone who loves a statement eye.

Melbourne tip: The right thickness isn’t just about style — it’s about your eye shape, skin texture and lash density. I’ve had clients who thought they wanted bold, but after seeing the design stencil on their own lids, opted for a medium blend instead.

Touch-Up Appointment

Your 6–8 week touch-up is where the magic really happens. Think of your initial appointment as the foundation and your touch-up as the sealant that locks everything in.

During this visit:

• Fill in lighter areas where pigment didn’t fully retain — this is normal and common during healing.
• Adjust shading depth to get your desired intensity. Some clients like to go a shade darker at this stage.
• Extend longevity so your results can last up to 2–5 years, depending on pigment colour, skin type and lifestyle.

Why you shouldn’t skip it: Without a touch-up, you risk uneven fading. Imagine painting a wall but skipping the second coat — it won’t wear as well over time.

When performed by a qualified cosmetic tattooist using sterile instruments and certified pigments, shaded eyeliner tattooing is very safe. But your eyes are sensitive, so mild side effects are possible:

• Redness or swelling — usually resolves within 24–48 hours. Apply a cool, sterile compress if needed.
• Itching during healing — this is part of your skin’s natural repair process. Don’t scratch; use the aftercare ointment I provide if needed.
• Uneven fading — this can happen if aftercare isn’t followed, but is easily corrected at your touch-up appointment.
• Rare allergic reaction — some people may be sensitive to tattoo ink. At Face Figurati, I offer a patch test before the procedure to check for any pigment sensitivities.

Melbourne note: Our city’s weather is unpredictable, so wind, pollen and heat can affect your healing. Wearing sunglasses outdoors not only protects your eyes from UV but also from environmental irritants.

A shaded eyeliner tattoo typically lasts 2–5 years before you’ll need a refresh. But just like hair colour or skin treatments, longevity varies from person to person.

Factors that affect pigment retention:

• Pigment colour — lighter, softer shades fade faster than deep blacks or rich browns.
• Skin type — oily skin sheds pigment faster due to higher cell turnover.
• UV exposure — Melbourne’s summer sun is intense, so a good pair of SPF-rated sunglasses can slow down fading.
• Skincare habits — chemical peels, retinol and exfoliating cleansers near the eye area will break down pigment faster.

Pro Tip: I recommend booking a colour-boost appointment around the 2-year mark to keep your liner looking crisp and defined rather than waiting for it to fade completely. This way, your touch-up session will be shorter and more comfortable.

When clients come in for a consultation (yes, we charge a small consultation fee to secure your spot) they often ask what’s the difference between the three.

Our climate can make makeup a challenge:

• Summer: humidity and heat that melt makeup.
• Winter: winds that cause watery eyes.
• Event season: weddings, races, and festivals where you want your look to last.

Permanent makeup, especially shaded eyeliner, eliminates the need for constant touch-ups in all these situations.