Should you do permanent eyeliner on top or bottom?

Author: Dr. Jasper Jacobs DDS  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

I would say about 95% of my clients end up doing both upper and lower eyes. However, if you choose only one, just do the uppers. Otherwise, the eye is drawn downward and none of us want that aging effect. I personally prefer a less “intense” lower for permanent makeup otherwise the eye can get closed in.

Is eyeliner better on the top or bottom?

It is generally not recommended to wear eyeliner under the eyes. Unless you are wearing a smoky eye look, it is better to just stick to the top eyelid. This is because eyeliner on the bottom can draw attention to any dark circles or wrinkles around the eyes, which can make you look tired or older.

Should I line the top or bottom of my eyes?

Avoid Bottom-Heavy Liner

Too much eyeliner on the lower lid can close your eyes and make them appear smaller.

What are the downsides of permanent eyeliner?

Some potential pitfalls of permanent makeup include the risk of infection, allergic reactions, and dissatisfaction with the results. The pigments may also fade or change color over time, requiring touch-ups or correction.

Do eyes look bigger with eyeliner on top or bottom?

Eyeliner on the bottom lid can make your eyes look bigger, depending on the type of liner and how it is applied. Generally, a thin line of black eyeliner on the bottom lash line will help to open up the eye and create the illusion of bigger eyes.

How to Choose The Right Cosmetic Tattoo Eyeliner Colour For You

Should I do top or bottom permanent eyeliner?

I would say about 95% of my clients end up doing both upper and lower eyes. However, if you choose only one, just do the uppers. Otherwise, the eye is drawn downward and none of us want that aging effect. I personally prefer a less “intense” lower for permanent makeup otherwise the eye can get closed in.

Does eyeliner on lower lid make your eyes look smaller?

If you line your eyes with a dark, inky liner, your eyes will appear smaller than they actually are. Instead, give the impression that your eyes are bright and alert by lining them with a liner in a white or beige colour, such as the IT Cosmetics No-Tug Waterproof Anti-Aging Gel Eyeliner in Highlight.

Who shouldn't get permanent eyeliner?

Permanent makeup may not be safe for people who are pregnant or nursing, or have compromised immune systems due to diabetes or other serious illnesses. If this applies to you, be sure to talk with your doctor before getting this procedure.

Does permanent eyeliner age well?

Does permanent makeup age well? Permanent makeup typically lasts from one to five years, however it may require touch-ups for upkeep. Though there is no guarantee that it will ever completely disappear, PMU does provide a long-lasting solution for a breezy daily beauty routine.

What is the best color for permanent eyeliner?

The best color to bring the eyes forward and enhance their appearance are deep, dark colors such as black, black/brown, purple or navy. Dark and deep colors CONTRAST against the color of the eyes and pupils, making them “pop” and look bigger.

Does bottom eyeliner age you?

Does Bottom Eyeliner Age You? In certain circumstances wearing eyeliner on the bottom lid can make someone appear older or hardened as it can make the eye seem more sunken.

What is the most attractive eyelid crease?

Both Chinese and non-Chinese observers considered the presence of a medium upper eyelid crease to be the most significantly attractive eyelid shape, regardless of exposure to Western cultures. Absence of an upper eyelid crease was considered the least attractive.

Where should you not put eyeliner?

Don't Line Your Waterline with Black Eyeliner

Dark brown or nude eyeliners look much better on the waterline and will create the effect of larger eyes. It's also not a good idea to use liquid eyeliner on your waterline. Instead, use the liquid liner on your top lid, and a pencil liner on your waterline.

What is the best waterproof eyeliner for waterline?

Our Top Waterline Eyeliners
  • Best Overall: Kulfi Beauty Underlined Kajal Eyeliner, $20.
  • Most Glidable Formula: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner, $34.
  • Most Versatile: Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil, $29.
  • Best Waterproof: Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Waterline Eyeliner Pencil, $23.

What is the best eyeliner for seniors?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Clinique Liquid Eyeliner at Amazon $28. ...
  • Best Budget: Maybelline Gel Pencil Eyeliner at Amazon $9. ...
  • Best for Thick Lines: SALE. ...
  • Easiest to Remove: Estēe Lauder Double Wear 24H Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil at Amazon $32. ...
  • Best Longwear: ...
  • Best Satin Finish: ...
  • Easiest to Use:

Why put eyeliner on top waterline?

Putting eyeliner on your waterline will: Nude/ white, make eyes appear bigger, more awake and reduce the appearance of redness. Black/ brown, make eyes appear smaller but will draw attention to the eyes and outline their shape.

Is it worth getting permanent eyeliner?

“It is perfect for those who have an active lifestyle, such as working out, swimming or surfing. It is also ideal for those with poor eyesight, contact lens wearers, individuals who have allergy or sensitivity to conventional makeup, and those who work in environments where makeup is not permitted.”

What should you not do after permanent eyeliner?

You may carefully cleanse around the brows or eyelids in the morning by splashing warm water on the eyes. Do not rub skin vigorously when washing your face for at least 10 days. 4. Do not apply makeup to the tattooed area for at least 3-5 days.

What is the average cost of permanent eyeliner?

The price of getting permanent eyeliner can vary. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1000, depending on the style, color, and thickness of the eyeliner.

What is the danger of permanent eyeliner?

As with other types of tattoos, a variety of adverse effects have been observed with permanent makeup, such as fanning, fading, and scarring;3 granulomatous inflammatory reactions;4 allergic contact dermatitis;5 phototoxicity;6 hypomelanosis;7 and infections.

How many years does permanent eyeliner last?

Eyeliner tattoos will look their boldest for 2-3 years, then fading can occur. You can refresh your eyeliner tattoo every 2-3 years. You can also build on lash line enhancement with classic liner, winged liner, or dusty shadow liner as soon as the lash line enhancement is fully healed.

Why not to get eyeliner tattooed?

If these glands are harmed during the procedure, individuals may experience discomfort, itching, burning, occasional blurred vision, and a persistent foreign body sensation in the eye. Waterline tattooing also poses the risk of obstructing the tear ducts, especially those of the Lacrimal glands.

Does eyeliner go on top or bottom to make eyes look bigger?

If you really want to make your eyes look bigger, try lining only the outer three-fourths of your upper lash line.

Does permanent eyeliner make your eyes look bigger?

Define and Enhance: Permanent eyeliner can make your eyes appear larger, brighter, and more expressive. It can even create the illusion of fuller lashes, adding subtle or dramatic flair depending on your style.

What color eyeliner makes eyes look bigger?

White eyeliner (or nude eyeliner) has long been used by professionals to make eyes look bigger, more awake, and even curtail the shadowy effects of tiredness.

Previous article
Can you reverse hair shedding?
Next article
How do you know if your hair is unwashed?