Winged Eyeliner Tattoo

This is semi-permanent makeup for your lash line, using a cosmetic tattoo machine and natural pigment that’s dermatologically tested for the delicate eye area. The result? A clean line with a satin finish or matte look — your choice — plus the lift and definition of a wing.

Because pigments sit more superficially in the skin than traditional tattoos, the effect will fade over time. That means you can adjust over time with a colour boost.

We’re not talking about thick, blocky lines from the 90s. Modern winged eyeliner tattoo is soft, flattering and tailored to your eye shape.

The benefits are more than just cosmetic:

• Smudge-proof and water-proof — perfect for swimming, sweaty workouts or QLD’s humidity.
• Time saver — no need to reapply liner every morning.
• Eye lift effect — the wing elongates and lifts.
• Custom finish — choose a satin finish or bold matte look.

One of our Brisbane clients summed it up: “It’s like waking up ready for work — no liquid liner battle at 6 am.”

Here’s the lowdown from our chair:

Pros

• Smudge proof, water proof definition
• Enhances eye shape
• Saves time and effort daily
• Safer than struggling with liquid liners if you have poor eyesight or shaky hands

Cons

• Not 100% permanent (requires touch-ups)
• Some swelling and healing downtime
• Risks if done by unqualified technicians
• Limited colour range compared to traditional makeup
• Some skin types (like oily) may fade faster
• Not suitable if you’ve recently had laser treatments or a chemical peel near the eyes

The ideal candidate is anyone who wants long-lasting eyeliner that won’t budge. We often see clients who:

• Have shaky hands or poor eyesight and struggle to apply eyeliner evenly
• Have allergies or sensitivities to conventional makeup
• Lead active lifestyles and want makeup that’s water-proof and sweat-proof
• Simply want to save time in their daily routine

Age isn’t really a barrier. We’ve tattooed clients as young as 20 and as experienced as 70. As long as your skin is healthy and you understand the healing process, you’re likely a good fit.

While eyeliner tattoo is safe when performed by trained professionals, there are situations where it’s not recommended for safety reasons. These include:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, as hormones can affect healing.
• Autoimmune disorders, which may slow or complicate the healing process.
• Keloid scarring, since the skin may overreact to trauma.
• Recent cosmetic muscle relaxers or dermal fillers around the eye — we recommend waiting at least 2 weeks.
• Recent laser treatments or chemical peels, which can make the skin too fragile for tattooing.
• Active eye conditions like conjunctivitis or blepharitis.

It’s always best to be honest in your consultation. If any of these apply, we may recommend postponing or skipping the treatment altogether.

Preparation is key. We often say half of your results come down to how well you prepare. Here’s what we advise our Brisbane clients:

• Remove eyelash extensions at least two weeks beforehand. Adhesive residue can interfere with pigment placement.
• Stop lash serums four weeks prior. These serums often contain active ingredients that can make your lash line more sensitive.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment, as both thin the blood and can increase bleeding.
• Come in with clean skin, no makeup. Think of it as preparing a blank canvas.

Pro tip from the studio: Clients who arrive well-rested, hydrated and without a last-minute spray tan always report a smoother healing process. A calm body heals better.

This prep routine might seem simple, but it really sets you up for the best possible result. If you cut corners, it often shows later in retention.

So what actually happens once you’re in the chair? A typical session with us is 2–3 hours, depending on your eye shape, skin type and chosen style. Here’s the flow:

• Consultation & Mapping — We start by analysing your eye shape, crease depth and lash line. Not every eye can carry a dramatic wing, so we customise the angle and flick. Some clients need a soft baby wing; others can rock a bold cat eye. We draw it up, and you approve before we touch the machine.
• Topical Numbing Cream — Comfort is key. We apply medical-grade numbing cream for 20–30 minutes. Most clients describe the sensation during tattooing as a light scratching or vibration, not pain.
• Pigment Implantation — Using a precision cosmetic tattoo machine we layer natural pigment directly into the lash line and extend into the wing. Layering creates depth — whether you want a subtle satin finish or a stronger matte look.
• Refinement & Balance — Symmetry is everything. We step back often to check angles, thickness and flick length. Our goal is balance  enhancing your eye without overpowering it. This final refinement ensures crispness at the lash line and a polished overall look.

Pro tip: One of our Brisbane clients has hooded eyes and wanted a long wing, but we advised a shorter, upwards flick. She trusted the process and two weeks later messaged us saying she’d never had so many compliments on her eyes. That’s why mapping and refinement are key.

Aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself. The healing process happens in stages, so be patient.

Here’s our aftercare checklist:

• Keep the area dry for at least 7 days. No swimming, no saunas, no heavy sweating.
• Don’t apply mascara or eyelash extensions until you’re fully healed.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect the healing pigment.
• Use only the healing balm we provide — no other creams, oils or ointments.

Most clients are fully healed in 3–4 weeks. And once healed, your eyeliner will look softer and more natural than it does in the first few days.

At Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Brisbane Face Figurati, we know no two faces — or eyes — are alike.

We stock professional-grade pigments designed specifically for the eye area — tested for stability, so they won’t turn blue or green over time (a problem we’ve seen with older-generation inks).

Here’s how we guide clients:

• Classic Black — The go-to. Best for those who wear black mascara daily or love definition. Works well on medium to deep skin tones and those with naturally dark lashes.
• Soft Black / Charcoal — A slightly muted version of black. Ideal for fair skin or clients who want definition without stark contrast. This is one of our most popular choices in Brisbane.
• Brown / Espresso — Perfect for blondes, redheads or mature clients who prefer subtlety. Heals to a gentle lash-line tint that looks like softly smudged pencil.
• Custom Blends — Sometimes we mix to match undertones. For example, a warm brown base with a drop of black can balance fair skin and dark lashes.

We never stencil and send you on your way. Every wing is customised to your eye shape and lifestyle. Here are the most common styles:

• Natural Lash Line Shading — A soft haze of pigment nestled into the lash line. Perfect for people who don’t normally wear makeup but want their eyes to look more awake.
• Baby Wing — A tiny flick that subtly lifts the outer corner. Great for hooded eyes, or clients who want that “something extra” without going bold.
• Bold Statement Wing — A thicker, more defined line with a matte finish. For clients who love full glam. Evening-ready without having to wrestle with liquid liner every day.

Pro tip: If unsure, start subtle. You can always thicken or extend at touch-up — but once pigment is in, it’s much harder to make a bold wing smaller.

The touch-up is where the magic happens. Your first appointment is the foundation, but because skin heals differently across areas, some spots will naturally fade more than others. Without a touch-up, eyeliner can look uneven, lighter than expected or fade faster.

The touch-up, usually booked 6–8 weeks later, evens out the colour, sharpens the edges and makes sure the eyeliner looks consistent.

Think of it as sealing the deal. Without it, your eyeliner won’t last as long or look as polished.

On average, tattoos last 2–5 years. Several factors affect this:

• Skin type — oily skin breaks down pigment faster than dry skin.
• Pigment colour — black tends to last longer than brown or charcoal.
• Sun exposure — frequent sun exposure fades pigments.
• Skincare routines — products with retinol or chemical exfoliants speed up fading.

Many clients find they’re ready for a colour boost around the 3 year mark to keep their eyeliner looking sharp.

While serious risks are rare, it’s important to be transparent. Common side effects include swelling, redness or tenderness in the first few days. Some clients experience uneven fading if aftercare isn’t followed. Allergic reactions are very rare but possible, which is why patch testing pigments can be useful.

We minimise risks by using sterile equipment, medical-grade natural pigment and strict hygiene protocols. If you’ve ever seen horror stories online, they usually come from untrained or unlicensed practitioners. This is why choosing an experienced artist matters.

• “It’s super painful.” False — numbing cream keeps it tolerable.
• “It looks harsh.” Not with modern techniques — results are soft and age gracefully.
• “It’s permanent forever.” No — pigment fades gradually and can be refreshed.
• “It damages lashes.” Incorrect — we work only on the skin, not the lash follicles.

Here’s a typical Brisbane price guide:

The shaded eyeliner tattoo, often referred to as a designer tattoo, blends colour softly into the eyelid for a diffused gradient effect. Compared to a winged finish, it offers a gentler transition of pigment — ideal for those who prefer a more subtle enhancement rather than a sharp flick.

The lash line enhancement tattoo or eyelash tattooing focuses pigment directly between the lashes for a fuller, natural lash look. It’s perfect for clients who want subtle definition without a visible eyeliner style, providing a delicate enhancement that makes the eyes appear brighter and more awake.

The bottom eyeliner tattoo complements the upper liner or winged style by softly outlining the lower lash line. This balanced approach gives a more open, defined appearance while maintaining harmony between the top and bottom lash lines.

The eyeliner tattoo follow-up session is performed 4–8 weeks after your initial appointment to refine shape and pigment intensity. This process ensures your winged design heals evenly, maintaining crisp edges and smooth colour flow for long-lasting perfection.

During your consultation in Melbourne, your artist will help determine whether a dramatic winged eyeliner tattoo, shaded gradient finish, or lash enhancement best suits your eye shape, style, and confidence level.