Okay let’s get to it. If you’ve just had your eyeliner tattooed (or are about to), the big question is: What should you not do after an eyeliner tattoo? That’s what we’re talking about today in this full-face, no bull guide. It’s one of the most asked questions I get at Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati and for good reason. Your results depend just as much on how you heal as they do on how your tattooist puts the pigment in your lash line.
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Skip These Things If You Want Flawless Liner Results
Your new eyeliner tattoo isn’t just makeup — it’s a healing wound. Like any permanent cosmetic procedure, it needs proper aftercare and time to settle. At Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati, we remind all clients that permanent lash enhancement only works if you protect the pigment in the first week.
Here are the big things to avoid in those crucial early hours after treatment:
Don’t Touch, Scratch or Rub
When scabbing starts, hands off. Picking at flakes can cause pigment loss, patchy colour saturation and increase infection risk. Dab with blotting pads, don’t rub and let the healing process do its thing.
No Eye Makeup for 7 Days
Yes, even mascara. Applying products (or trying to remove them with micellar water) can irritate the tattooed area and introduce bacteria. Wait until your cosmetic technician gives the all-clear. That’s one of the key rules we emphasise after every permanent eyeliner tattoo appointment.
Don’t Get Your Eyes Wet
That means no direct water spray, tears running unchecked or wet wipes right across the lash line. Use cotton pads dampened with clean water around the area if needed.
No Gym for a Bit
Heavy sweating and steam rooms are off-limits for at least 7 days. Sweat carries bacteria and excess moisture can disrupt pigment retention. If you want crisp results from your eyeliner tattoo Melbourne clients, it pays to pause the workouts.
No Facials or Eye Treatments
Avoid lash lifts, eyelash tints, facials and eyelash serums for 2 weeks. Your eyes need calm. Adding more beauty treatments too soon increases risk and slows healing time.
Stay Out of the Sun
Sun exposure fades pigment fast. Avoid direct UV for the first month and always wear sunnies. This also helps prevent pigment colour changes from oxidation.
Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Results
It’s not just about what you do — it’s also about what you don’t realise you’re doing. These sneaky mistakes can sabotage the colour retention of your permanent eyeliner:
- Using oil-based products too soon (including omega oils and fish oil supplements)
- Sleeping on your side or stomach
- Wearing contact lenses in the first 3 days
- Skipping hygiene protocols when applying healing gel or ointment
- Ignoring aftercare instructions from your tattoo specialist
At Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati, I go through every detail of cosmetic eyeliner tattooing and provide aftercare instructions. Whether you’re healing with the dry healing method or prefer wet healing with ointment, we tailor it to your skin type and lifestyle.
How Your Eyeliner Tattoo Will Heal
- Day 1–2: Slight swelling and tightness. Your permanent eyeliner may look darker and thicker than expected. This is due to initial colour saturation and is totally normal.
- Day 3–5: Some flaking and mild itchiness. Dry healing folks must stay strong — no scratching! Wet healing? Just keep applying your eyeliner healing gel as directed.
- Day 6–10: Scabs fall off naturally. Pigment might look lighter now — this is part of pigment settling and skin regeneration.
- Week 3–4: Eyeliner colour begins to stabilise. A follow-up appointment may be needed to tweak shape, adjust eyeliner colour or top up pigment.
Healing & Aftercare Do’s
- Use sterile cotton pads and clean water to gently blot the area morning and night.
- Apply aftercare cream or healing gel (as prescribed) with clean hands or disposable cotton tips.
- Sleep on your back to protect the eyelid tattoo and prevent rubbing.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors, even in Melbourne winter.
- Avoid smoky or dusty environments that can irritate eyelashes during healing.
- Skip blood thinners or medical treatments unless cleared by your GP.
Real Client Story: When I Rushed It
One of my clients came back for a colour boost and told me she went to a pool party 3 days after her eyeliner micropigmentation. Let’s just say it didn’t go well — faded pigment, patchy lines and an extra session. Aftercare is short term for long term results.
Post-Tattoo No-Go List: Quick Table
| What to Avoid | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Picking or scratching | Causes pigment loss and increases scarring risk |
| Eye makeup (7+ days) | Irritates tattooed area and risks infection |
| Excess moisture | Interferes with colour saturation and retention |
| Sun exposure (1 month) | Causes fading and discolouration of pigment colour |
| Heavy exercise/steam | Triggers sweating and delays the healing process |
| Lash/facial treatments | Irritates the healing lash line and increases allergic reactions |
| Contact lenses (first 3 days) | Friction can disrupt pigment and increase infection risk |
Pricing Melbourne
At Face Figurati in Melbourne our eyeliner tattooing services range from $400 to $650 depending on style (classic, shadow tattooing, arrow eyeliner tattoo). We use hypoallergenic pigments, ultra-thin sterile needles, local anesthetic, and sterilised tools to ensure safe, hygienic procedures. It’s not just eyeliner — it’s permanent makeup done with medical-grade precision.
Olha’s Final Thoughts
Your eyelid tattoo isn’t just a line — it’s a collaboration between your cosmetic tattoo artist and your skin’s ability to heal. I’ve worked with all skin types, from oily to mature, and no two healing journeys are the same. With proper aftercare, clean tools and trust in the process you’ll be rocking flawless eyeliner that fits your eye shape and lifestyle.
New to cosmetic tattoos or looking to enhance your permanent lashes? You deserve honest advice and high standards. At Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati that’s what we do.
Still got questions? Contact Face Figurati — I’m always here to chat about healing, pigment options or correcting past cosmetic tattoos.
FAQ
Can I wash my face after an eyeliner tattoo?
Yes, but use cotton pads and don’t splash directly on the tattooed area. Dry the area.
When can I wear mascara again?
7–10 days and no waterproof mascara or lash serums for 3 weeks.
Is it normal for my liner to look uneven while healing?
Yes. Healing is different and pigment settles unevenly. Your touch up will fix any imperfections.
Can I wear contact lenses after my tattoo?
3 days minimum. The lash line is sensitive and needs to be friction free.
What if I cry or get it wet?
No big deal. Blot with blotting pads or tissue and don’t get it wet again. Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions.