Close-up permanent eyeliner result at The Brow Babes

Eyeliner Aftercare

Caring for your
new liner.

Your step-by-step healing guide — please read it all the way through before your appointment.

Emergency Contact

If you experience severe swelling, signs of infection, or anything that concerns you — text or call us immediately.

Text or Call (502) 906-6088

Eyeliner Aftercare

Step-by-step instructions.

I know it's hard to remember everything, so I'm going to break this down the exact same way I do in the studio 👇

01

Blot & Ice

If your eyes are leaking, gently blot them. If they feel swollen or uncomfortable, you can use an ice pack as long as it's wrapped in a paper towel.

02

Apply Ointment

Apply a very thin layer of ointment 2x per day for 5–7 days (longer if they still feel tight or dry).

03

Keep Eyes Dry

  • Do not get your eyes wet for the first 24 hours.
  • Do not use soap or cleansing products around your eyes for the first 48 hours.
04

Gentle Cleanse

After 48 hours, you may gently wash your eyes using the soap we provided.

05

Avoid Irritants

  • Do not wear contact lenses for at least 48 hours.
  • Avoid pools, sauna, sweating, and tanning during healing.

Watch First

Aftercare walkthrough.

Reassurance First

This is all normal.

Clients often panic over perfectly normal healing responses. If you're experiencing any of the following — you're exactly on track.

Swelling

Especially Day 1–2 — completely expected.

Tenderness

The area is healing. Mild discomfort is normal.

Liner Appearing Darker

It will soften and lighten during healing.

Uneven Healing

One side may heal faster — this is typical.

Temporary Patchiness

Pigment settles over 4–6 weeks. Be patient.

Day-by-Day

Your healing timeline.

Day 1–3

The First Days

  • Eyes will look bold and dark — this is expected and will soften
  • Swelling and tenderness is completely normal
  • Keep the area dry for the first 24 hours
  • Blot gently if needed — do not rub or wipe
  • Apply a very thin layer of provided ointment 2x per day
Day 4–7

Flaking Begins

  • Tiny flaking or peeling may appear — do not pick or peel
  • After 48 hours, gently wash with the soap we provided
  • Rinse well and pat dry with a clean paper towel
  • No eye makeup, no retinol, no acids near the liner area
  • No contact lenses for at least 48 hours after your appointment
Week 2

Color Softens

  • The liner will appear significantly lighter — this is normal
  • You may feel like the color has faded too much — trust the process
  • Continue avoiding pools, saunas, and excessive sweating
  • No eye makeup on the tattooed area for 10 days
Week 4–6

True Color Reveals

  • Pigment continues settling — the true healed color appears now
  • Any patchiness from earlier should be resolving
  • You can resume normal skincare near the eye area
  • Avoid retinol and strong actives on the liner area long-term — they accelerate fading
Perfecting Session

6–8 Weeks After

  • Scheduled by our team — we'll reach out to book it with you
  • This session refines color, fills any gaps, and finalizes your result
  • This is a required part of the service — not an optional add-on

Long-Term Care

Keep it looking great.

  • Avoid retinol, glycolic acid, and strong exfoliants near the liner area — they accelerate fading over time
  • Always wear sunscreen near the eye area — UV exposure fades pigment faster than anything else
  • Be gentle when removing eye makeup — no rubbing or scrubbing over the liner area
  • Schedule a Color Boost every 1–2 years to keep the liner looking fresh and defined

Good to Know

Eyeliner aftercare FAQs.

When can I wear mascara?

Wait at least 10 days before applying mascara on or near the liner area. Your healing skin needs that time to close fully before any product is applied on top.

When can I wear eyeliner again?

No eye makeup on the tattooed area for 10 days. After that, you're free to wear liner if you choose — though you may not need it anymore!

Can I get eyelash extensions?

Wait until your liner is fully healed — at least 6 weeks after your appointment. The adhesive and removal process near a healing tattoo can affect pigment retention. Check with your lash artist as well.

How long does swelling last?

Most swelling resolves within 24–72 hours. Some clients experience light puffiness for a few days depending on their sensitivity. Ice wrapped in a paper towel can help if needed.

What if my liner looks uneven?

Uneven healing is completely normal and very common with eyeliner. One side often heals differently or faster than the other. Your Perfecting Session at 6–8 weeks is specifically designed to correct any unevenness in the healed result.

When do I schedule my touch-up?

You don't need to self-schedule — we'll reach out to book your Perfecting Session after your healing is complete (approximately 6–8 weeks). If you haven't heard from us by then, text us at (502) 906-6088.

Cancellation & Rescheduling

Know the fees before you reschedule or cancel.

Permanent makeup appointments are long, time-intensive services. When you book, that block of time is reserved exclusively for you — which is why last-minute changes carry fees.

Rescheduling Policy

First Reschedule (72+ Hours)

Complimentary

One free reschedule with 72+ hours notice, provided the new appointment is scheduled within 8 weeks.

72+ Hours Notice

$50

Rescheduling fee applies. Fees are separate from the service balance.

48 Hours Notice

$75

Rescheduling fee applies. Fees are separate from the service balance.

24 Hours Notice

$100

Rescheduling fee applies. Fees are separate from the service balance.

Same-Day (Initial Appt)

50% + $100

50% of remaining balance due, plus a $100 rebooking fee.

Same-Day (Perfecting / Boost)

50% + $50

50% of remaining balance due, plus a $50 rebooking fee.

Rescheduling fees are separate from the service balance and are not applied toward the amount owed for the appointment. They are transferable.

Cancellation Policy

Booking fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

More Than 72 Hours

Booking Fee Lost

Booking fee is forfeited. If booking fee was waived during a promotion, the standard booking fee becomes due.

72–24 Hours Notice

Booking Fee Lost

Booking fee is forfeited. If booking fee was waived, it becomes due upon cancellation.

Same-Day / No-Show

Full Amount Due

Full service amount is due. This time cannot be filled on short notice.

A waived booking fee is a courtesy extended to clients who complete their appointment. If the appointment is canceled, the waived booking fee becomes due just as it would have been at the time of booking.

Need Help?

We're here throughout your healing.

Text us any time — we'd rather answer a question than have you guess.

Flexible Financing

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Pay Your Way.

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