Mastering the Art of Permanent Eyeliner: Winged & High-Saturation Techniques

In the world of permanent makeup, eyeliner tattooing, particularly winged and high-saturation styles, presents both incredible creative opportunities and technical challenges. In our first Tatter-Tip Tuesday blog, drawing from our Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast episode, I’m excited to delve into the nuances of these styles and share insights from years of practice, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques, skin considerations, and pigment choices.

The Beauty and Complexity of Winged Eyeliner

Winged eyeliner tattooing is a standout technique for artists who excel at precision. Yet, the challenge of achieving symmetry on both eyes, accounting for individual skin elasticity, and managing eyelid movements makes it a skill that truly separates experienced artists from newcomers. On the podcast, Amber noted that the best winged eyeliner applications are tailored to each client’s unique eye shape and skin characteristics, allowing for a natural aging process that maintains the design’s integrity.

However, winged eyeliner isn’t suitable for everyone. Key factors that disqualify candidates include excessive eyelid creases, highly veined eyelids, or vastly asymmetrical eye shapes. To those who don’t meet these criteria, offering alternatives like a “wedge” eyeliner or lash enhancement ensures they still get a beautiful, lifted look while respecting their skin's limits.

Techniques for High-Saturation Eyeliner: Bold, Black, and Lasting

Our conversation also touched on high-saturation eyeliner—what we call "black, packed, and stacked." This style is a favorite among clients seeking a solid, defined eyeliner look. But creating a long-lasting, rich black eyeliner is not about just packing pigment; it requires strategic needle movements, pigment depth control, and often a specialized five-shader needle for consistent results.

An important reminder for artists is that depth, combined with the right movements, plays a significant role in retention and color longevity. Unlike softer, pixelated eyeliners, high-saturation techniques are designed to implant pigment at a depth that endures, requiring less frequent touch-ups.

Pigment Choices: Iron Oxide vs. Carbon Black

Pigment selection can make or break an eyeliner tattoo's longevity. For example, a carbon black pigment offers deep, lasting color but can be challenging for fading if a client changes their mind in the future. In contrast, iron oxide-based pigments are easier to remove or fade over time but require a more experienced hand to achieve the same rich color as carbon black.

Watch the Full Tatter-a-Fact Episode

For a deeper dive into these techniques and more personal insights, check out the full Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast episode included below. In this episode, we explore everything from winged eyeliner design to pigment selection, tips for smoother client experiences, and strategies to achieve outstanding, long-lasting results.

Train with Us: Winged & High Saturation Eyeliner Courses

If you’re looking to refine your skills or explore the creative possibilities of eyeliner tattooing, Girlz Ink offers two specialized courses:

• Winged Eyeliner Course: Learn everything you need to achieve perfectly symmetrical, beautifully designed wings for every eye shape that allows for a winged eyeliner. This course covers mapping techniques, design considerations, and strategies for achieving lasting, crisp lines.
• High Saturation Eyeliner Course: Dive into the art of high-saturation eyeliner, mastering the right movements, depth, and pigment choices for achieving the most bold, black, and lasting eyeliners.

Both courses are designed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience and offer a blend of theory and practical advice, with ongoing support from instructors.