If you’ve just had that permanent eyeliner done – or you’re thinking about getting it done – you must be wondering what products to avoid getting anywhere near your newly tattooed eyes. I’m Olha Po, and I’ve worked with hundreds of clients at my Melbourne studio, Face Figurati, for cosmetic tattoos and eyelash enhancements. Let me tell you, proper aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself.
Why Some Products Affect Fresh Treatments
Your new eyeliner behaves just like a tiny wound that’s trying to heal. Anything too harsh, too greasy, or too heavy can disrupt the healing process and affect pigment bonding. It’s basically a semi-permanent makeup treatment that just needs some peace and quiet – like a nice, soothing bandage effect that’ll let the skin do its thing.
And it’s not just about the product itself – Melbourne’s climate‘s got a lot to answer for. Windy days send skin cells shedding faster than you can say “sunscreen“, while UV rays in the summer can make already sensitive eyelids go haywire. That’s why following some basic aftercare advice is crucial.
Avoid Oily Skincare And Makeup Removers
Products that are too oily are the primary culprit of fading or patchy results. Oils basically mess with the pigment settling into the lash line, especially in those first 14 days of healing.
Common Offenders:
- That micellar water you use to remove waterproof makeup
- Oil cleansers – yeah, they’re probably a no-go
- Balm cleansers – forget about it
- Coconut oil or fish oil – you get the idea
- Makeup-removing oils that are basically just trying to break down your tattoo ink like they’re a bit of eye makeup
The reason oils are problematic is that they can cause pigment loss by loosening the tattoo ink before the skin has a chance to close and repair.
At Face Figurati, I always tell my clients: if it can melt makeup off in a second, it can just as easily melt your new permanent cosmetics.
Steer Clear Of Retinol, Vitamin A And All Retinol Acids
Now, I know retinol and vitamin A products are great for getting rid of fine lines, but trust me, they are not what you want when you’re healing from a permanent eyeliner tattoo.
For the first 4–6 weeks, these products can:
- Thin your skin out even more
- Make your skin peel excessively
- Sting and increase discomfort
- Blur the pigment applied with that digital tattoo machine
A client presented with a “brightening eye cream” containing retinol, and we quickly determined it was the cause of the irritation. Moral of the story: active ingredients and fresh permanent cosmetics do not play well together.
Skip Acids (AHA, BHA, PHA)
Chemical exfoliants are effective when applied near the lash line, even if not directly on it. So be aware of:
- Glycolic acid
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids
- Salicylic acid
- Brightening pads
- Chemical peels and exfoliating toners
They can disrupt the healing process, cause allergic reactions, or increase skin sensitivity. Even people who can usually handle these ingredients find them too harsh when their skin is healing.
No Waterproof Mascara Or Lash Extensions
This is a big one. And yes, I know — the temptation to pop on mascara is real when your lash line is swollen, and you’re heading to work. The same goes for my clients who’ve had tattooed winged eyeliner — those crisp wings look amazing straight away, but the area still needs time to settle before you start loading up on products.
Why Waterproof Mascara Is A Problem:
- You’ll have to use eye makeup removers
- They trap bacteria, which can cause infection
- They can cause irritated skin to flake
- They can even cause bald patches of pigment
Why Lash Extensions Don’t Mix With Eyeliner Aftercare:
- The fumes from the glue can really irritate the area
- They can collect debris
- They’re difficult to clean properly and often harbour bacteria
- And of course, there’s the added bonus of swollen lids
What About Contact Lenses?
Try to avoid them for at least a couple of days – especially if you had any medical-grade anaesthetic used. If you need to wear them, switch to UV-filtering lenses or magnifying eyeglasses for now to avoid further irritation.
Avoid Heavy Primers And Setting Sprays
Any products that cling to or seal the skin can cause irritation around your fresh cosmetic tattoo.
Ingredients That Stir Up Trouble:
- Alcohol denat
- Dimethicone-based primers
- Fragrance
- Talc
Use the aftercare cream or healing balm provided by your tattoo artist. Ideally, something that follows the principles of hydrocolloidal moist wound healing, or at least a gentle vitamin ointment if your artist lets you wet heal.
Avoid Fragrances And Essential Oils
Essential oils and ‘natural blends‘ can be sneaky irritants in cosmetic tattoo aftercare. These are among the biggest culprits.
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Rosehip oil
- Fragranced mists
And just because something comes from a plant doesn’t mean it’s harmless. We’ve seen clients respond more strongly to organic products than to any other product category.
Avoid Sunscreens That Migrate Into The Eye
You need to protect your skin from the sun every day, but keep sunscreen away from your lash line until your skin has fully healed.
Avoid For Now:
- Chemical sunscreens
- Spray sunscreens
- Waterproof sunscreens
For now, stick with zinc-based mineral sunscreens and apply them well beneath your orbital bone.
Table: Products To Avoid Vs. Safer Alternatives
| Products to Avoid | Why They’re Risky | Safer Options |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-based removers, micellar water for waterproof makeup | Causes pigment loss | Gentle gel cleansers |
| Retinol/Vitamin A | This healing area | Peptide serums applied away from the eyes |
| AHAs/BHAs/PHAs | Trigger irritation | Pure hydration toners |
| Waterproof mascara | Requires oils to remove | No mascara for 10 days |
| Lash extensions | Irritates fresh tattoo | Natural lashes only |
| Essential oils | High irritation risk | Fragrance-free products |
| Chemical sunscreen | Migrates into the eyes | Zinc mineral SPF |
| Hot tubs & swimming pools | Bacteria + heat = swelling | Clean, cool environments |
How Long Should You Avoid These Products?
Here’s a simple, client-friendly version of the eyelid healing timeline based on 500+ Aftercare Eyeliner Tattoo cases at Face Figurati:
Days 1–3
You’re likely to see some swelling, tightness, and the dreaded lymph fluid. Stick to your aftercare instructions to the letter.
Skincare is generally not recommended, except for your approved healing balm or vitamin ointment.
Days 4–7
Now your skin will start flaking, and it’s a real temptation to give it a rub – but don’t. That will just lead to pigment loss and other issues.
If your eyes are feeling dry or irritated, it’s a good idea to lay off the contact lenses.
Days 7–14
At this point, your semi-permanent cosmetic procedure will appear light or patchy.
You might want to steer clear of fish oils, krill oils, natural blood thinners and any blood-thinning medications for a bit – they can cause bruising.
Weeks 3–6
It’s time for the skin regeneration phase, and you can gently introduce new skincare products.
Just be sure to keep acids, vitamin A and retinoids far, far away from the lash line.
Weeks 8–12
This is when you get your touch-up session booked – your tattoo artist can sort out any patchy results or colour inconsistencies.
Studies show that avoiding oil-based products and acids for two weeks can increase colour retention by up to 40%, especially for people who are prone to skin sensitivities or dryness.
Common Mistakes I See In The Studio
Clients often mean well, but when it comes to healing tattoos, people can be overly enthusiastic. Here are some bad habits I wish people wouldn’t get into:
Mistake 1: Using Micellar Water That’s Not Oil-Free
If it can melt waterproof makeup in seconds, it will have the same effect on your eyelid pigment.
Mistake 2: Wearing Lash Extensions
Lash extensions are lovely normally, but when you’re healing from an eyeliner tattoo – forget about it.
Mistake 3: Putting Contact Lenses In Too Early
If your eyes start to feel irritated, remove the lenses and switch to glasses.
Mistake 4: Using Chemical Peels or Glycolic Acids Near The Area
Trust me, this accelerates exfoliation and fades your colour in about two seconds.
Mistake 5: Taking Fish Oils or Natural Blood Thinners
These things will just increase swelling during the healing process.
FAQ
Can I use antiviral medication or L-Lysine tablets?
If you’re prone to cold sores or have a history of them, you may be advised to take these before a lip treatment or, in some cases, before an eye procedure. Just always check with your health professional.
Can I use contact lenses during healing?
Not really – 24–48 hours is a good rule of thumb.
Is micellar water OK after eyeliner tattooing?
If it’s oil-free, then yes; if it contains oils and is marketed for waterproof makeup removal, steer clear.
Can I swim in a pool or the ocean?
Wait a good 7–10 days before getting back in the pool or ocean. Pools, hot tubs, and saunas are essentially petri dishes for bacteria and excess heat, which can irritate the healing area.
Do fish oils affect healing?
They can act as natural blood thinners and increase swelling, so it’s best to avoid them for a bit before and after treatment if you can.