How do you wash your face after permanent eyeliner? At Face Figurati here in Melbourne, I get asked this question by almost every client who books in for eyeliner tattoo in Melbourne. Makes sense — you’ve just invested in a cosmetic procedure, and now the healing process depends on how well you look after the tattooed area in those first few days.
Proper aftercare, including how you wash your face, plays a big role in whether your eyeliner tattoo heals sharp and even or ends up patchy. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the do’s and don’ts of face washing after an eyeliner cosmetic tattoo, plus I’ll share the aftercare advice I give my own clients.
Contents
The First 24 Hours: Your Treatment Area Is Vulnerable
Those first 24 hours after treatment are when your eyeliner tattoo is most delicate. Your skin is working hard — producing lymphatic fluid to protect itself, and starting the healing process.
- No face washing just yet. Only pat the skin around the tattooed area with a cool, damp cotton pad.
- No contact lenses for at least the first day if possible; they can irritate the eyes.
- No skincare products like serums or creams — especially those with Glycolic acid, salicylic acid or Vitamin E, as they can disrupt pigment retention.
Fun fact: When I was doing my eyeliner tattoo course, one of the most emphasised lessons was how important aftercare is to pigment retention — something I now teach all my clients.
Days 2–5: Gentle Face Washing
By day two, you’ll probably notice some normal healing symptoms like mild swelling, redness or even tiny crusts forming along the lash line. This is all part of the healing process.
- Dry healing vs wet healing: I usually recommend a combination healing method. That means keeping the area mostly dry, but allowing very controlled cleaning with cooled, boiled water.
- Pat, don’t rub. Use a lint-free cotton pad instead of splashing your face.
- Aftercare cream or medicated ointment: If your artist provides one (like a thin layer of Bepanthen cream), apply exactly as instructed.
At Face Figurati Cosmetic Tattoo Studio in Melbourne, I tell my clients that looking after the tattooed area at this stage will make all the difference to how their permanent eyeliner looks in the months to come.
Healing Time By Skin Type
Every client heals differently depending on their skin type, age and even lifestyle factors like sun exposure or blood sugar levels. Here’s a general guide I share with my Face Figurati clients:
| Skin Type / Factor | Typical Healing Time | Face Washing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Normal skin | 7–8 days | Resume gentle full‑face washing by day 7 |
| Dry skin | 8–10 days | Extend the patting only method; dryness is common |
| Oily skin | 5–7 days | Can resume earlier, but still avoid scrubbing |
| Sensitive skin | 10+ days | Stick to boiled water longer; avoid harsh products |
| Using eyelash serums | May extend healing | Avoid serums until full healing |
| On blood-thinning medications | Healing may slow | Monitor closely; check with a medical professional |
Products to Avoid During Healing
During your eyeliner tattoo healing journey, less is more. Many over-the-counter skincare products can disrupt the pigment settling process.
- No Glycolic Acids or salicylic acid for at least 2 weeks.
- Avoid chemical peels, microneedling pen treatments or other cosmetic treatments around the eye area.
- Don’t use broad-spectrum sunscreens near the lash line for the first 10 days — apply around but not on the treated area.
I remind clients considering eyeliner tattoos in Melbourne that our crazy weather means you need to be extra careful with sun exposure and seasonal changes.
My Aftercare Advice For Washing
To make it easy, here’s a step-by-step guide for washing your face after eyeliner tattoo:
- First 24 hours: no direct washing; blot only.
- Days 2–5: gently clean around the eyeliner with damp cotton tips; apply aftercare cream if provided.
- Day 6–10: introduce mild cleansers (no active acids or harsh exfoliants); pat dry with a clean towel.
- After Day 10: go back to normal face washing, but keep products with active ingredients away from the eyeliner area for at least 3 weeks.
- Long term: Use gentle products; avoid harsh scrubs or chemical peels near the lash line.
Final Thoughts
Washing your face after permanent eyeliner isn’t about never washing your face again — it’s about balance. With proper aftercare, including dry healing where needed and gentle face washing, your eyeliner tattoo will heal beautifully.
At Face Figurati, I always say: don’t rush the process. Whether you’re doing combination healing or waiting to get back to your favourite lash treatments, trust the healing journey. If you’re ever curious about training, my eyeliner tattoo course taught me just how much precision and aftercare impact long-term results.
FAQ
Can I use my regular skincare products during healing?
Not right away. Avoid Glycolic Acids, salicylic acid, Vitamin E and strong serums until the tattooed area has healed.
Is it safe to take fish oil tablets while healing?
Fish oils and other blood thinning medications may slow healing. Always check with your GP if unsure.
What if my eyes feel itchy during the healing process?
Itching is a normal healing symptom. Don’t scratch — use a clean tissue to gently blot instead.
Can I book lash extensions or lash treatments after eyeliner tattoos?
Not until after the full healing time (usually 3–4 weeks). Early lash treatments risk pigment migration.
How long until I can wear contact lenses again?
Most clients can wear contact lenses 24–48 hours after treatment, but check with your makeup artist for your specific healing journey.
