In this article we are going to talk about the Advantages and Disadvantages of using Eyeliner. The use of eyeliner has been widely popularized over the years. Several changes and patterns have emerged in the makeup industry over the years. Younger and younger individuals are experimenting with the trends evolving in fashion and makeup.  The use of eyeliner has journeyed from merely a makeup item to an everyday product that is considered absolutely necessary by most individuals.

This factor could be attributed to the advertising or marketing of  the products to begin with. People, mostly girls are made to believe that they need to have certain attributes and features that need to be accentuated and it must be done through certain methods. Therefore, the use of eyeliner has been popularized by media and numerous marketing and advertising agencies. Eyeliner is mostly used to darken or sharpen the eye and in certain cases, even change the shape of the eye. It makes the eyes look bold and sharp. These attributes are portrayed as beautiful and the absence of the same unfavorable. Therefore, eyeliner is one of the most popular products used in today’s day and age. Though the use of eyeliner has a number of advantages, there are several disadvantages and hazardous dangers that are involved in the use of eyeliner that need to be considered.

Advantages of Using Eyeliner

The advantages of using Eyeliner are discussed below in detail:

1. Wider eyes

Using eyeliner makes the eyes look bigger and wider which is considered a mark of beauty among most individuals. The bold line across the eyes widens and sharpens the structure of the eye causing it to look wider and bolder. The eyes hold a lot of value when talking about societal standards of beauty. It is portrayed as the carrier of beauty and emotions. Therefore, by accentuating the eyes and making it look wider and bigger, most individuals are in awe of the value of eyeliner. Thus because eyeliners widen the eyes causing it to look bigger, it is often seen as a major advantage.

The application of eyeliner draws attention to the eyes. It clearly outlines the eyes and makes it pop and it draws attention to the eye thus making it look more attractive. Thus, by drawing attention to the eyes, the objectives of being beautiful as per the standards of society are fulfilled.

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2. Don’t look tired

The use of eyeliner makes the eyes look wider and thus those wearing it look fresh and even if they have had a long day, the bold, dark line across their eyes causes them to not look tired and thus look better and fresher. Therefore, to avoid looking sick or tire, several people use eyeliner.

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3. Creativity

In today’s world there are several fashion trends that come and go everyday with the changing seasons. The changing trends allow a lot of creativity even in makeup trends and cosmetology. With the onset of changing fashion and makeup trends, different styles and artistic methods are incorporated in makeup. There are different colors of eyeliner available today that are used to create different patterns on the eye to create a bold new fashion statement. Thus it allows the freedom to create more and undertake greater artistic endeavors.

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4. Eye Protection

Several herbal and organic eyeliners have been developed that contain natural and organic ingredients that not only serve the purpose of making the eye look sharper, but the natural oils  that are used in them make the skin around the eye smooth and moisturized, ridding it of the dry skin around the eye. Thus these herbal or organic moisturizes and soothes the eyes and at the same time makes the eyes look wider and sharper.

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5. Fashion statement

Using colors and patterns to make the eye look attractive Is a bold fashion trend. People use several colors and show their creativity and individuality through their makeup and the different ways and fashions they can use their eyeliner. Thus many individuals strive to make a bold fashion statement through their eyeliner and eye makeup which portrays their individuality and subjectivity.

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Disadvantages of Using Eyeliner

The disadvantages of using Eyeliner are discussed below in detail:

1. Discomfort

Several eyeliners are made of substances and chemicals that are not particularly safe for the skin. The eye is a very delicate and fragile organ and the Chemicals used in most of these products only damage the skin surrounding the eye and is even dangerous for the eye itself. Even though it may not have any immediate effects, continuous usage can severely damage the eye. After application of eyeliner, one must be very careful so as to avoid any contact with the eye so as to avoid the smudging or any other damage to the eyeliner.

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2. Eye infections

The continuous usage of eyeliners can be dangerous and in certain cases may even prove to be fatal. On removing the eyeliner, most of it is removed using makeup wipes and different solutions that are made to break down makeup and clean it as most makeup is designed to be waterproof and to stay intact for long hours and a large amount of time. Thus although most of the makeup is easily removed, there are few tiny particles that get collected in the crevices and corners of the eye. These minuscule particles deposited in the eyes can collect over time and cause sever irritation in the eye and quite often, it causes eye infections, redness and in some cases, it can also cause blindness.

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3. Unrealistic beauty standards

The changing fashion trends make the general population believe that they must conform to certain standards of beauty that has been framed by society. Eyeliner, like most cosmetics or makeup equipment is advertised and marketed in such a manner, that the people, especially those falling under the younger demographic of the population feel like if they do not purchase this item, they will not meet the standards of beauty and thus they will not be accepted. They are made to feel that was is given to them naturally is not enough and they must purchase that product to look beautiful. Therefore most people feel the need or rather, they feel it necessary to use eyeliner in order to look beautiful. Children often take major interest in the application of eyeliner at a very young age which often causes problems.

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4. Expensive and Time consuming

Eyeliner, like most makeup products and Cosmetics are expensive. There might be some products that might be cheaper but they might lack quality and can further damage the skin. Therefore, to ensure quality, a greater price must be paid. Because people feel that they ‘NEED’ to apply eyeliner, they purchase it because in order to look beautiful, they overlook the prices and the need to look attractive overpowers everything else. Most people are often told that they look tired and worn out or sick when they do not apply eyeliner. This causes most people to have the immense need to look refreshed and attractive at all times. The usage of eye liner is also incredibly time consuming.

Most people spend hours trying to perfect and even out their eyeliner and this causes a great amount of time to get wasted. More and more complications in the application are involved and that results in more hours being used in practicing and perfecting the same. Thus the use of eyeliner is not only an expensive endeavour but it is also extremely time consuming.

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5. Dangerous applicators

The equipment used to apply eyeliner is often very difficult to use and quite sharp and dangerous. It must be applied with absolute caution. Something as small as the slip of a hand can be highly dangerous and can pose a great threat. It is a major risk because it can cause even blindness. Because these applicators are so risky and dangerous, it is important to keep in mind the extreme caution that needs to be taken while using eyeliner.

Therefore, as this article points out both the advantages and the disadvantages of eyeliner, it is also important to keep in mind that it is one’s own choice whether to wear eyeliner or any makeup product at all. There are benefits and risks involved in using eyeliner as mentioned in this article, but it is important to weigh out both the pros and cons and make a decision for oneself. One must not feel compelled to wear eyeliner just to fit in or because societal standards require and demand for the same. The application of eyeliner in itself is a form of art. Thus, it is upon oneself whether she/ he chooses to wear eyeliner or not. One should not be compelled or restricted by society.

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Quite often, boys who wear eyeliner are often frowned upon as it is considered as a product that must only be used by women. Therefore, as mentioned earlier, the application of eyeliner allows the portrayal of individuality and creativity and if one chooses to wear eyeliner, to look bold, to look confident, for fashion, simply for fun, or whatever reason, it is their own choice. It is however important and crucial to keep in mind that it entails both advantages and disadvantages and they must be thought of and pondered upon.

Permanent eyeliner: Pros and cons of cosmetic tattoos

By Meredith Marmurek

What are permanent and semi-permanent eyeliner tattoos?

Permanent and semi-permanent eyeliner tattoos are applied using a needle to deposit ink along the lash line, similar to getting a body tattoo. This technique gives the appearance of wearing eyeliner. It’s especially beneficial for people who like eyeliner but don’t want to put it on daily. 

It’s important to understand that eyeliner tattoos are different than eye tattoos. Eye tattoos are permanent dyes injected onto the white part of the eye and can be very risky.

What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent eyeliner tattoos?

All permanent eyeliner is actually semi-permanent for these reasons:

• The particle size of the ink used in permanent makeup is bigger than what’s used in tattoo ink. The body breaks down and absorbs this ink. Thus, eyeliner tattoos need to be touched up.

• The ink of permanent makeup tattoos is not deposited as deep in the skin as the ink used in body tattoos.

• Body tattoo ink is permanent because it can’t be broken down. 

How does the tattoo process work?

You can expect the following at your appointment: 

• A topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the skin so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

• You and the person applying the cosmetic tattoos will decide the way you want the eyeliner tattoo to look, such as traditional eyeliner or a wing or cat eye.

• The permanent makeup will be applied to your eyelid with a pen-like instrument or a standard tattoo gun. The needle penetrates a few millimeters into your skin, and the ink is injected. 

The length of the procedure depends on what style you’ve chosen. Traditional eyeliner that is a thin line along your lash line can often be done in about one hour. This includes 30 minutes for the numbing process and deciding on your look. Thicker lines and designs can take up to three hours. 

You may experience a little bleeding, swelling and some crusting afterward. All are normal reactions to the procedure.

How to prepare to get eyeliner tattoos

There are a number of things you need to do in preparation for getting a permanent eyeliner tattoo.

You may need to stop taking some medications. If you take any prescription medication, you should talk with your doctor before getting permanent eyeliner tattoos. Accutane and other retinoids (vitamin A-based products used on skin) could interfere with healing. So you may need to stop using those for up to six months before you get permanent makeup. 

Although bleeding rarely happens, you may need to stop taking blood thinners for three days before your appointment. These include some prescriptions, aspirin, fish oil, certain vitamins and Advil. 

Remove lash extensions. You’ll need to take off lash extensions about a week before your appointment. If you wait to do it until the day of, there may be glue left behind on the lash line that could interfere with the tattoo ink. You can reapply lash extensions when the tattoo eyeliner has healed.

Don’t wear contact lenses. Take your contact lenses out before the procedure. You may not be able to wear them for a few days since your eyes could be a little swollen or tender after the permanent eyeliner application.

Time other cosmetic procedures appropriately. If you’re planning to have Botox or other injections in your eye area, do it before having the permanent eyeliner applied. You should be fully healed for at least two weeks before you get eyeliner tattoos.

Stop using some skincare products. If you use skin care products such as retinol or glycolic acid that can make skin sensitive around the eye area, you should consider not using them one week before your appointment to avoid irritation.  

Hold the coffee. You may want to avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks on the day of your appointment to help you relax and avoid twitching.

Make sure it’s safe for you to get permanent eyelid tattoos. 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. 

How long does it last?

Most permanent eyeliner tattoos last about a year and could last as long as three years. The color does fade over time because skin cells are constantly replaced, and the body breaks down the ink used in cosmetic tattoos. 

Age, body chemistry, individual skin type (thicker skin fades faster) and lifestyle (sun exposure) also affect how long the color lasts.

Pros and cons of permanent eyeliner 

There are several pros to getting permanent eyeliner tattoos, including:

• People with physical limitations may not be able to apply makeup themselves. Limitations include medical conditions such as cataracts, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or having suffered from a stroke. Permanent eyeliner tattoos provide the benefit of wearing makeup without the challenge of putting it on.

• Permanent eyeliner can be a good alternative for people who are allergic to traditional makeup.

• Poor eyesight or unsteady hands can make it hard to put on eyeliner. Eyeliner tattoos can solve this problem.

• People who like to wear makeup but don’t always have time to apply it may appreciate permanent eyeliner tattoos.

The cons and risks of permanent makeup include: 

• Infection. Since the procedure uses needles, you could get an infection such as hepatitis, HIV or staph if the needles are not sterilized. Contaminated ink can also cause an infection.

• Allergic reaction. You may be allergic to the pigments used in the ink color or the type of tattoo ink. You can ask for a scratch test to see if you will have a reaction before the procedure. 

• Eye complications. Procedures around the eye can result in the loss of eyelashes, severe eyelid injury, crusting and ectropion (when the eyelid turns away from the eyeball).

• Nodules and scar tissue. Your body may form nodules around the tattoo ink if it thinks it is a foreign substance. You may also get keloids, which are scars that form when your skin is injured or traumatized. 

What follow-up care is needed?

You can go home the same day you get permanent eyeliner tattoos. Since there’s not a lot of downtime, you can go back to work or do other activities immediately after your procedure (assuming there were no complications).

There are a few things to keep in mind after the procedure:

• Don’t rub your eyes.

• You’ll probably have some swelling and redness in the treated area. Your cosmetic specialist will tell you how often to put ice on your eyelids and what type of ointment you can use.

• If your skin feels sensitive along the lashes, you can use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) one or two times a day for a week. This will keep the area hydrated and help you avoid more irritation. 

• You can wear eye makeup as soon as you feel comfortable.

Don’t be alarmed if the color seems to fade after two or three weeks. This is normal after getting tattooed eyeliner. 

How much does it cost?

The cost of permanent eyeliner tattoos can range from $475 to $1,000+, depending on what you want. A thin line is generally less expensive than thicker, winged or cat eye-style eyeliner. Touch-ups can cost $200 up to $700.

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