Upper Eyeliner

It appeals most to people who draw the same line every morning: contact lens wearers, anyone whose liner smudges by lunchtime, and people who find the movement fiddly. Thickness, how far the line extends and whether it lifts at the outer corner are all decided in consultation, and a technician will usually draw the design on with pencil so you can see it with your eyes open first.

As with all pigment work, this is semi-permanent: colour typically settles softer than it looks on the day, and a perfecting visit six to eight weeks later is part of the standard package. How long a line stays crisp varies by salon, pigment line, skin type and sun exposure. Because the shape frames the eye, going conservative on the first visit is common advice.

You lie with your eyes closed for the whole session. A topical numbing product is applied and left to take effect, then the technician holds the lid taut and works along the lash line in short, repeated passes, building the line to the agreed thickness. Most people report vibration and pressure rather than sharp pain. Expect the line to look thicker and darker for the first couple of days, with mild puffiness that settles quickly.