How you care for your permanent makeup is just as important as the treatment itself when it comes to achieving the best healed results.

 

You will receive detailed aftercare instructions by email before your appointment, and your PMU artist will also talk you through everything you need to know during your treatment. Your aftercare may be adjusted slightly depending on your skin type and how your eyes respond, but the following is a general guide.

 

Immediately After Your Treatment

Immediately after your treatment, your eyeliner will appear stronger, bolder and darker than your desired healed result. The colour may also initially appear more vibrant and warmer in tone. This is completely normal and will soften as your skin heals.

Your eyes may experience some swelling immediately after treatment or the following day. This generally settles within around 24 hours.

If you experience swelling or discomfort, you can use a clean, cool compress over the area. You may also be able to take an antihistamine if this is medically suitable for you - please follow the advice of your healthcare professional or pharmacist. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated on the first night may also help to minimise swelling.

Do not get your eyes or eyeliner wet until all flaking has completely finished, except for the specific cleansing routine outlined below for Days 1–2.

Treat your eyeliner with care and follow these instructions.

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Days 1–2: Cleansing

For the first 2 days, you will need to gently cleanse your eyeliner and lash line using the saline provided. (or cooled boiled, purified, distilled or bottled water - please do not use tap water.)

• Using clean hands, take two clean cotton buds and saturate one end of the first cotton bud with saline.

• Gently but thoroughly cleanse along the lash line and over the treated area of the eyelid using small circular movements. We need to ensure the skin is completely clean of any lymph fluid or excess pigment.

• Turn the cotton bud around and use the clean, dry end to gently pat the area completely dry - the drying stage is just as important as the cleansing, the area should be completely dry after each cleanse.

• Repeat the process on the other eye using a fresh cotton bud.

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Repeat this cleansing routine approximately every 2 hours, or at least 3 times throughout each day. You do not need to wake during the night to cleanse your eyes. Other than this cleansing routine, please leave the area completely alone while it begins to heal.

 

Days 3–10: The Flaking Stage

Your lash liner may begin to lightly flake or scab as it heals. This is a normal part of the healing process. For some people, the flaking may be barely noticeable and disappear quickly. For others, there may be more noticeable scabbing that lasts for a week or more.

 

Do not pick, scratch or pull at any flaking skin. Allow it to come away naturally.

 

Until all flaking has completely finished, please avoid:

• Getting the area wet unnecessarily - baths may be preferable to showers.

• Excessive exercise and sweating.

• Hot steam, saunas and swimming.

• Rubbing or using abrasive products such as towels, flannels or exfoliants.

• Touching, picking or peeling the area.

• Soaps, skincare or other products around the treated area.

• All makeup, including mascara.

• Facial treatments such as laser, facials or waxing where the area may be affected.

• Lash treatments or having your lashes done.

• Direct sun exposure and sunbeds. If sun exposure is unavoidable, protect the area with suitable sunglasses or a hat where appropriate.

• Lash tinting.

• Chemical lash curling treatments such as LVL.

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The Ghosting Phase

Once all the flaking has finished, it is completely normal for your lash liner to appear pale, patchy or even almost colourless. This is known as the ‘ghosting phase’ and is a completely normal part of the healing process. The colour will gradually begin to return as your skin continues to heal over the following weeks.

Once the flaking has completely finished, you can return to your normal routine, including getting the area wet and using makeup and mascara as usual.

Please wait at least 2 weeks after your appointment before having your lashes tinted or having any chemical lash curling treatments, such as LVL.

 

Your true healed result will not be visible for approximately 4 weeks after your treatment.

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Your Perfecting Session

If, after 4 weeks, you feel that not enough pigment has returned following the ghosting phase, or your skin has not responded as expected, please don’t worry. Everyone’s skin heals differently, and your PMU artist can assess your healed results and make any necessary adjustments during your perfecting session. Your artist may adjust the technique, colour or aftercare recommendations based on how your skin has healed and how your pigment has settled.

 

Long-Term Lash Liner Care

Once your lash liner has fully healed, protecting it from the sun is one of the best ways to help maintain your results.

 

Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure wherever possible, and use suitable SPF around the area when appropriate. Sunglasses can also help protect the delicate skin around your eyes from UV exposure.

 

We recommend being mindful of skincare products used around your PMU. Some exfoliating acids, retinoids and anti-ageing products can contribute to premature fading if used directly over or too close to your permanent makeup. When applying makeup once your eyeliner is fully healed, try to apply foundation and concealer around your PMU rather than directly over it. If makeup settles over the lid, gently wipe the area clean so that the pigment remains visible.

 

Remember, PMU is low-maintenance - not no-maintenance! With the right aftercare and ongoing care, you can help your lash liner stay looking its best for longer.

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Colour Refreshes

Permanent makeup is designed to fade gradually over time, and how long your lash liner lasts will vary depending on your skin, lifestyle, skincare routine, sun exposure and natural pigment retention.

When your lash liner has faded sufficiently, a colour refresh appointment can restore lost definition and intensity. To be suitable for a colour refresh, your existing liner should be at least 50% faded or desaturated. A simple change in tone or a slightly softer appearance does not necessarily mean your liner is ready to be refreshed - there needs to be enough pigment loss for us to safely add more. Your artist will assess your existing eyeliner and advise whether you are ready for a colour refresh or whether further fading or removal would be recommended first. This allows us to maintain a soft, flattering result while protecting the long-term appearance of your PMU.