What is SPMU Eyeliner?

First of all, it’s not actually permanent – it’s just a term that the industry likes to use, but the longevity of the color and the visibility will eventually fade to a certain extent. This is why this is also known as semi-permanent eyeliner, as a more modern technique, pigment technology, and more advanced tools are used nowadays.

The pigments used for semi-permanent makeup are formulated in such a way that the body can break them down gradually. Over a period of 1-5 years, the color fades and the eyeliner tattoo disappears.

The process is similar to getting a regular body tattoo, though – an electric device with a very fine needle is used in order to deposit pigment into your skin. However, the process differs in the way that the pigment is deposited relatively shallowly into the skin, not as deep as with regular tattoos. It’s deposited into the basal epidermis layer, so just below the skin surface.

SPMU Eyeliner eliminates the need to apply eyeliner with makeup and can be done on the upper and lower lash line. SPMU Eyeliner can also frame the eyes and can make eyelashes appear thicker, darker, and fuller.

All semi-permanent cosmetic treatments are a multi-session process. You are required to come back for at least one follow-up visit before it can be determined that your work is complete. Be prepared for the initial color intensity of your treatment to be significantly sharper, brighter, or darker than what is expected for the final outcome. It will take time for this transition based upon how quickly the outer layer of your skin exfoliates.

While these SPMU treatment colors may initially simulate the exact color and tone desired, they will not always remain a perfect match. Tattooed colors are constant, while your own skin color will vary depending on exposure to cold, heat, sun, and circulatory changes.

What are the benefits of SPMU eyeliner?

• Define your eyes
• No more smudges, smears, or worn-off eyeliner
• Great for people with allergies to cosmetic products
• Enhances the lash line
• Saves time and money
• Great for people with unsteady hands or vision problems
• Swim, shower, or excessive without the eyeliners running
• Fills in thin or light-colored eyelashes
• Ideal for total eyelash loss due to trichotillomania or Alopecia

What if I'm not sure how much eyeliner I'd like to have applied?

The treatment is done in two appointment sessions. During the first session, it is always best to be modest with thickness, line length, and color as we can always add more at the second session. The artist will work with you to determine the perfect shape and placement for your specific features.

How long does the treatment take?

The first treatment takes approximately 2-3 hours, the 6-8 week follow-up is about 1.5-2 hours.

Does it hurt?

The eyeliner or lash line treatment is more psychologically scary to most clients than anything else. The discomfort is relative as everyone has a different level of sensitivity. Topical lidocaine is applied to the eyelids for numbing prior, and an anesthetic is applied during the treatment. Every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the duration of the treatment.

If you are allergic to any anesthetic product, be sure to speak directly to your aesthetician prior to your SPMU treatment.

After the treatment, redness and slight swelling in the area is normal. Clients describe the area as feeling similar to a light sunburn. Clients can take Tylenol but not aspirin or ibuprofen.

What will I look like immediately after?

There will be swelling typically for the first 24-48 hours. The swelling starts going down right away and most people are back to normal by the following morning, plan on 48 hours of staying low key to be safe! The color will appear darker the first week, but will gradually lighten and may possibly scab.

Is there anyone who is not a candidate?

With any SPMU treatment, most people are good candidates. However, there are certain conditions that are contraindicated:

• Pregnant or nursing
• Under the age of 18
• Diabetic

• Serious diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, or autoimmune disorders
• Viral infections/diseases

• On-going chemotherapy

• Bleeding disorders

• Blood-thinning medication
• Have a pacemaker or major heart problems
• Have had an organ transplant
• Tendency towards keloids or scarring
• Skin conditions like Psoriasis or Rosacea in the area

• Skin irritations near the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne, etc.)
• Sick (cold, flu, etc.)
• Have used Accutane or Doxycycline in the past year

• Recent Botox injections or dermal fillers (you need to wait at least 2 weeks)

• Allergic to anesthetic (Lidocaine)

SPMU: Eyeliner PreCare

It is highly recommended that you follow Pre & Post Care instructions to ensure the best possible results and longevity of your treatment. This information acts as a guideline only. We cannot guarantee results. Each client’s skin responds differently both in how long it takes to heal and the number of sessions needed for color retention and desired results. It is important that you take good care of your eyes while healing and beyond.

Antihistamines like Benadryl taken before the treatment may reduce swelling and help you relax. Benadryl also helps eyes not be so watery during eyeliner treatments.

Do not wear any eye makeup especially mascara to your appointment.

Have the eyes free of makeup and moisturizer.

Do bring sunglasses to wear home. Eyes may be light sensitive.

If you wear eyeglasses, please bring those to your appointment

Contacts should be removed prior to treatment and refrain from wearing them for a minimum of 48 hours after treatment is finished. It is preferred that you go without wearing contacts until you have healed to avoid getting your eyeliner treatment wet.

It is not a bad idea to have a ride home after an eyeliner treatment if you are sensitive to light. Have sunglasses available. Eyes may be dilated afterward.

Avoid any lash treatments for 2 weeks prior and until after healed.

If you have had Lasik or Cataract Surgery you must get medical clearance from your physician.

Eyelash extensions must be removed 1 week prior to your eyeliner treatment.

Must stop using eyelash growth serums 4 weeks prior to the treatment.

If you are using Latisse or any other eyelash serums you will need to discontinue use 3 months prior to the treatment. The reason is that those types of serums are very harsh on the eyelids and make your lids quite fragile for cosmetic tattooing. As a result, your eyelids will bleed and bruise. You may resume using lash serum 2-4 weeks after the follow-up session.

No botox injections 2 weeks prior to treatment in eye area only.

The skin must be free of all irritations including blemishes, eczema, and psoriasis.

Must not be on Accutane medication for 1-year prior to getting a Cosmetic SPMU Treatment.

Stop taking Fish Oil, Vitamin C, Glucosamine, Evening Primrose Oil, Ginger, Ginko one week prior to your treatment as they thin the blood and prevent the pigment from implanting correctly. If you continue to use these the healed result may be patchy.

Discontinue the use of any anti-aging, skin brightening, or anti-acne skincare products. Particularly those that contain Alpha Hydroxy (AHA), Vitamin A, Retinol. Ideally, do not use these products for 30 days prior to your treatment, and yes, even if you do not use it near the area to be treated it does spread under your skin and your cosmetic SPMU treatment will heal patchy. Once your SPMU treatment has healed under the skin surface (approximately 6 weeks following your final session) you may resume your usual skincare routine.

Do not schedule any facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels, or laser treatments for at least 4 weeks prior to your treatment.

Please avoid any type of blood-thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to your treatment unless is unsafe to do so for your health. Please ask your doctor before stopping these types of medications. Medications such as: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Advil, Niacin, Voltaren, Indocid. As well as Prenatal Vitamins, Vitamin E or Nutritional Shakes. Tylenol is recommended if you have a low pain tolerance.

Do not work out or exercise on the day of the treatment.

Avoid sun tanning or tanning beds for 2 weeks prior to treatment. If you show up to your scheduled treatment with a sunburn you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn it will take the pigment.

Scars from surgery or injury must be healed for at least one year prior to service.

Do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your treatment.

Do not consume coffee or other caffeine products 24 hours prior.

Please note that you will be more sensitive during your menstrual cycle.

** NOT FOLLOWING PRE-CARE WILL RESULT IN FORFEITING YOUR APPOINTMENT AND DEPOSIT **

SPMU Eyeliner - Post-Care

WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TREATMENT?

Swelling and redness are to be expected immediately after the treatment as the skin is very thin in this area (it will give off the appearance of as you have been crying). Itching is also normal. The length of time it takes to heal varies from person to person. The swelling shall subside in a few hours, placing spoons in your fridge then placing them on the eyelid will help speed up the process. It takes an average of about 4-5 days for the scabs to naturally fall off. Your true color will not be apparent until the 4-6 week mark.

Appointment (Day 1)

After the treatment, with freshly washed hands, gently blot the area with clean tissue or paper towel to absorb excess lymph fluid. Do this every hour for the full day until the lymph fluid has stopped. Removing this fluid prevents hardening of any blood/lymphatic fluids and lessens the chance of scabbing. DO NOT APPLY OINTMENT!

Eyes may vary from slightly puffy to swollen, heavy lids; light-sensitive and possibly bloodshot eyes. Sleeping in a slightly elevated position can also reduce any residual swelling of the eyes.

After you leave, ice packs can be applied for 10 to 15 minutes each hour for the first 4-8 hours following the treatment. The ice is used to reduce swelling and provide comfort. If you experience any residual swelling the following day, you may ice them again. After the first 24 hours, the use of ice is no longer beneficial.

(Days 1 - 7)

The treated area may experience the following symptoms for 1 to 10 days after the treatment, which are all common and will dissipate in a short period of time.

Redness
Minimal Swelling
Tenderness
Flaking
Dryness and Itching

(Day 2-3)

Clean: Clean your eyes every morning and evening. All cleansing should be done by compresses with the aftercare recommended for the first 72 hours to clean the eye area in a patting motion.

Dry the area: Allow to air dry before applying ointment.

Apply Ointment: Be sure that you gently blot dry the treated area before applying any ointment. To avoid infections, there must be no water, tears, or any moisture on the area before applying ointment or aftercare! Apply ointment or vaseline sparingly 2 to 3 times a day. Use a clean cotton swab in a gentle dabbing or rolling motion so as not to disrupt the pigmentation bonding process. This will keep the area conditioned and will help accelerate healing. If scabs form, keep ointment on them at all times. Do not rub, scrub, scratch, or pick at the scabs in any way. Let the scabs fall off on their own!

(Day 4-13)

Keep your eyes dry. Do not get them wet. You will be dry healing the area. This means no water on the treated area for a minimum of 10 days. This includes sweating. When showering or washing your face, please make sure water is not running into the eyes. You can use oil-free wipes to clean your face, just make sure you are avoiding the eye area.

What to Expect:

Day 1-2: Eyes will be swollen and perhaps a bit ‘crusty’ upon waking. The swelling will reduce after being in an upright position and from blinking and increased circulation to the area. Avoid heavy lifting, physical exertion, and crying.

Day 2: Eyes will be less swollen, but will feel tight. The lash area will feel sore if touched.

Day 3-4: The top layer of skin will begin to flake off in little stitch-looking lines, although some people do not notice the exfoliation. DO NOT RUB, SCRUB, SCRATCH, PEEL OR PICK AT THE SCABS OR YOUR EYES – you will pull pigment out and end up with uneven color. You may even pull out and damage your lashes as well as damage the delicate skin on your eyelids. Blinking helps eliminate the small pieces of pigment that have detached. It is VERY IMPORTANT not to rub, scratch, peel, or pick at the scabs or your eyes!

Day 7-9: All shedding should be complete. You are safe to shower facing the showerhead. During this time, the pigment may appear to have vanished, this is a normal part of the healing process, the pigment will re-emerge.

Day 10: The pigment should have returned by now. What you see now is very close to the healed result. If it is not as you like, please wait the final 4 weeks and this will be addressed when you return for your follow-up treatment.

NOTE:

Usually takes 5 to 7 days to heal.

When showering, make sure you wash your hair with your head tilted back to avoid shampoo and conditioner from getting into the treated areas. You may apply the ointment, vaseline, or Aquaphor to cover your eyeliner. Do not face the shower head because of the water pressure. You will be dry healing the area. This means no water on the area for a minimum of 10 days. This includes sweating. When showering or washing your face, please make sure water is not running into the eyes. You can use oil-free wipes to clean your face, just make sure you are avoiding the eye area.

Pre-care instructions MUST BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED to limit bleeding and skin sensitivities during the service. Excessive bleeding and sensitivity during the treatment will dilute and expel the pigment color and lead to poor results.

The following must be AVOIDED:

Direct water on the eyeliner and the use of cleaners, soaps, and heavy creams. (makeup wipes will be your go-to this week.)

Do not use contact lenses for a minimum of 48 hours, but prefer you wait until after you have healed.

Do not use mascara until completely healed. Do not use old tubes of mascara. Replace old with new.
Do not apply any makeup for at least 10 days.
Do not use an eyelash curler.

Do not use saline eye drops/wash or mascara until healed or unless instructed to do so.

Do not rub, pick or scratch, as the color may heal unevenly and you could risk infection, which in turn could lead to scarring. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate and fall away on it's own.

Avoid direct sun exposure/tanning or tanning beds for 4 weeks after treatment. Wear a hat when outdoors and/or big sunglasses.

Eyes are sensitive to pet dander, gardening, dust, and dirty hands. Sunglasses add wonderful protection to sun.

Avoid heavy sweating, exercise, sports, sauna, swimming, steam rooms, jacuzzi, and long hot showers for 10 days. Eyes heal very well. However, they are exposed to the possibility of a secondary infection like conjunctivitis. Seek medical attention if needed.

Avoid use of skincare or cosmetics on the treated area.

Avoid using exfoliants, acids such as glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids lactic acid, salicylic acid, and Vitamin A on or around the SPMU treatment area for 30 days. (Causes premature fading)

Use a fresh pillowcase. Avoid sleeping on your face or disturbing your SPMU treatment area for the first 10 days.

Do not schedule any facials, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels, or laser treatments for at least 4 weeks. They can darken/lighten or distort the pigment.

Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, as it may lead to slow healing of wounds.

Avoid driving in open-air vehicles such as convertibles, boats, bicycles, or motorcycles.

Do not perform tasks related to heavy household cleaning such as garage or storage cleaning where there is a lot of airborne debris–now is not the time!. Care must be taken to keep the eyes clean and free of bacteria.
You must not donate blood for 1 year following your SPMU treatment (per Red Cross.)

Please Note:

If needed, over-the-counter Tylenol is recommended for temporary relief of pain.

After the healing process, your eyeliner will appear lighter in color because of natural skin regeneration. Often, even with proper care, some areas may look uneven or patchy. It is normal because your natural skin regeneration is not a process that your artist can control. Schedule your follow-up (second session) at 6-8 weeks from the initial session -- to assure that the desired effect was achieved.

Healed results vary per individual client. We have no control over what occurs during the healing process. After the second session (follow-up) additional sessions may be required to obtain optimal results. If further follow-up sessions are needed, additional charges will apply.

Following the proper post-care is necessary to achieve the best results. When scheduling an appointment for a cosmetic SPMU treatment keep in mind the healing time of the treatment will depend on your body’s regeneration, age, immune system, lifestyle, and how well you adhere to your homecare routine.

Long Term Care

You’ll find that your cosmetic SPMU treatment will last between 12-36 months after your follow-up session.

Future Touch-up Application appointments are required to maintain their shape and depth of color. If you do not maintain, the color will lighten over time. Fading greatly depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment color used, broken capillaries, and iron deficiency. We suggest that if you want to maintain your SPMU treatment, plan on scheduling a touch-up application once a year for best results.
The regular use of eye drops or other preparations instilled in the eyes will cause premature fading of SPMU eyeliner.
Exposure to the sun and tanning beds can cause fading and discoloration of the pigment.

Avoid using chemical exfoliants or heavy creams on the eyes, as it will cause fading.

Do not laser near your eye are (IPL). Some lasers distort the color causing it to darken or lighten.

Additional eye makeup application may still be required post SPMU treatment to achieve your desired look.

If you are planning a laser treatment or MRI scan, inform the technician of your cosmetic SPMU treatment.

The use of Retin-A/Tretinoin, hydroquinone or any other rapid skin exfoliation used regularly will cause your cosmetic SPMU treatments to fade prematurely.

The use of chemical peels, acid peels, lightening, or any brightening product that targets hyper-pigmentation used regularly near the eye area can cause SPMU treatments to fade prematurely.

The use of exfoliating cleansers, scrubs, cleansers with acne-fighting ingredients, or “acid” in the name will cause rapid exfoliation of the skin containing the pigment and will increase odds of premature fading.

If during the healing process you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact OOLAN Studio.