Ever thought about getting eyeliner tattoo, but a little nervous to make the booking? Getting the right treatment from the right artist is key to a fabulous look, and our reviewer, Bianka, found just that with the Signature Eyeliner tattoo technique at Aesthetic by Reese in Pymble. It looks better than makeup and lasts years, providing an effortless natural look. Plus, you look fabulous first thing in the morning or after a swim!
I’ve always always wanted to try an eyeliner tattoo, but was hesitant due to two factors: the pain and the fear of bad work lasting forever. I finally plucked up the courage to give it a go, and I wish I’d done it sooner! Here’s everything you need to know for all those sitting on the fence like I was.
Visiting Aesthetics by Reese…
The first step was the hardest…and that was getting to courage to book in an appointment and make it happen!
After my appointment with Reese
After arriving at Aesthetics by Reese’s Pymble clinic, I was warmly greeted by an effervescent Reese and was taken to the treatment area where she drew a line to show what would be tattooed. Once we agreed on the shape, I lay down and let the magic happen! First there was a topical anaesthetic to numb the area, then the tattooing began. I’m told that clients can drift off to sleep for the hour and a half procedure, but for nervous patients like me, Reese’s sparkling conversation helped the time fly.
Once it was finished and you can open your eyes, Reese’s careful inspection ensures that the lines look symmetrical and perfect from any angle, so there are a few touch ups at the end.
The cosmetic tattoo treatment is repeated four weeks after your initial appointment. Your skin will shed a fair bit of the pigment, so this “tops up” the line and also gives you the chance to add more if you opted to start small.
Now, to address the first thing I was worried about…
It doesn’t hurt!
Yes, you read that right, it doesn’t hurt! I wouldn’t describe the experience as pleasant, but considering it is a cosmetic tattoo, I’m amazed that the discomfort factor was so low.
The secret is Reese’s special technique, which includes using two different types of needles. The procedure takes around an hour and a half, which would be awful if I wasn’t under Reese’s skilled hands and some help from topical anaesthetic. Toward the end of the session when my tolerance was thinning, I did find it uncomfortable, but Reese dutifully layered on some more anaesthetic and talked me through it – I was even laughing with her which is incredible considering I have zero pain tolerance!
What happens if it goes wrong?
Of course, this was the second thing I was worried about. As we are talking about permanent makeup on your face, it is important to get it right and to have it done by a trusted, skilled professional.
Reese not only has over a decade’s worth of experience with cosmetic tattooing, but she is also a Nationally Accredited Trainer and Assessor who teaches other artists her special technique. I think it speaks volumes that she is so confident in her work that she is happy to share her secrets with other artists.
Reese is also incredibly conservative in her approach. As the process is completed over two sessions, the first appointment has you walking away with a minimal line, then four weeks later she will go over it and make changes according to your taste. According to Reese, over 60% of her clients come back wanting more applied with thicker lines and all walk away very happy with their beauty treatment.
As you can imagine, everything is sterile and clean. Every piece of equipment is either disposable or surgically sterilised, and all workspaces are hospital-level clean.
After the eyeliner treatment
I was surprised at how unaffected the area looked – not only could I drive home straight afterwards, but sunglasses weren’t required as there was nothing unsightly to hide. In saying this, sunglasses are recommended to protect the treatment area from sun, wind or dust.
Instant results!
The next day there was a little bit of redness, but certainly no bruising or scabbing – it looked great straight away! It is possible to experience some redness, itching, scabbing or flaking in the week after your procedure, though none of these happened to me. Blinking is your best friend, as the more you blink, the better you recover. I must have blinked a lot as I could barely see any trace of the procedure!
The pigment fades post treatment, which is why a second application is required four weeks later. The recovery is exactly the same as the first time, but the line will be richer and allow you to tailor the look once you are used to the process.
Although the result will continue to be visible for up to 5 years, it is recommended that you book in a colour refresh in 18 – 24 months.
Key information
- Not recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18 years old.
- Avoid skincare with active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, glycolic for 1 week before the treatment.
- Avoid blood thinners such as aspirin or fish oil for 1 week before the treatment.
- Avoid injectables such as Botox and fillers for 2 weeks before treatment.
- Post treatment you will need to avoid skincare, makeup, swimming and excessive sweating for 1 week to allow for dry healing.
My Results: Eyeliner Tattoo
It looks better than make-up! The incredible technique that Reese uses doesn’t stop with just a line above your lashes. Signature Eyeliner gets pigment in between your lashes and into the waterline ensuring that your eyes are stunningly lined with rich block colour, and you never have to fight with your lashes to get a perfect line again!
The shape can be tailored to your taste. Reese initially drew a beautifully flicked winged liner, but I prefer a shaded line that she enthusiastically accommodated.
I‘m thrilled with the result of my eye liner tattoo! I love how natural it looks and that leaving the house becomes a little more effortless. The Signature Eyeliner treatment gives my eyes and lashes more definition which looks natural on its own or can be built on for a glam look. I’m really glad that I did this, and have already recommended Reese to friends and family!
Knowing how skilled and precise Reese is, it’s also worth looking into her other cosmetic tattoo and permanent makeup services such as eyebrow or lip tattooing.
Essential Details: Aesthetic by Reese
- Address: 963 Pacific Highway, Pymble NSW 2073
- Phone: 0421 816 816
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: aestheticbyreese.com.au
- Follow: Facebook | Instagram
