Permanent Makeup · West 3rd Street, LA

Permanent Eyeliner in Los Angeles

Permanent eyeliner at MUA Salon is a hand-mapped, skin-shallow pigment service that defines the lash line for years at a time. Choose from lash-line enhancement, tightline, soft liner, or classic liner — each calibrated to your eye shape, lash density, and the level of definition you want. $750 for a 2.5-hour appointment at our Beverly Grove studio at 8336 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles.

Address
8336 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone
(323) 775-3637
hello@muasalon.com
Hours
Mon–Sat 9–7
Sun 10–7
A close-up of a defined permanent eyeliner result by MUA Salon's permanent makeup masters in Los Angeles
Overview

What permanent eyeliner is

Permanent eyeliner is a permanent makeup procedure that places iron-oxide-based pigment into a precise, controlled depth at the upper lash line. The result is a defined, fuller-looking lash line that does not smudge, run, or wash off. It is the answer for clients who wear liner every day and want to wake up with the look already on, for clients with sparse or pale lashes who want more definition, and for anyone whose vision or steady-hand makes daily liner difficult.

At MUA Salon, the studio's masters perform Hollywood-grade work for camera-ready eyes — the kind of refined, narrow line that photographs cleanly and reads natural at conversational distance. Every procedure begins with mapping under studio lights, a pigment match to your hair and lash color, and a careful conversation about the style of liner that fits your eye shape.

Technique

Four styles

Not every eye wants a thick wing. We offer four distinct styles, from the most subtle to the most defined.

Most subtle

Lash-line enhancement

A fine, hyper-pigmented line placed exactly at the base of the upper lashes. Reads as fuller, darker lashes — not as visible liner. The most invisible option and the most flattering for clients who want definition without the look of makeup.

Tightline

Pigment placed between the lashes from underneath the lash band, so the lash root reads naturally darker. Even more invisible than lash-line enhancement — the eye looks brighter and the lashes look denser, but no line is visible above the lashes.

Soft liner

A slightly thicker, softly diffused line above the lash line. Imitates a smudged pencil look. The right pick for clients who want everyday eye definition without a sharp graphic edge.

Most defined

Classic liner

A defined, sharper line with the option of a modest outer wing. For clients who already wear liner daily and want the same look permanently. The most photographic-friendly option.

Lower-lash detail

Optional. A subtle inner pigment along the lower lash line for symmetry. Almost always lighter than the upper line, and only recommended for select eye shapes.

Who it's for

The right candidate

  • You wear eyeliner every day and want to skip the morning routine.
  • Your lashes are sparse, pale, or thinning and you want a denser-looking lash line.
  • Your hands shake or your vision makes daily liner difficult.
  • You sweat, swim, or cry through your liner regularly.
  • You want camera-ready eye definition without redoing makeup mid-day.
  • You are over the constant smudging at the inner corner.

Clients with active eye infections, recent eye surgery, certain autoimmune conditions, those on blood thinners or Accutane, those who are pregnant or nursing, and those with a keloid history should not have permanent eyeliner. Disclose any medication or condition at consultation.

Healing

Day-by-day healing timeline

  1. Days 1-2: Dark phase. The line looks darker and more pronounced than it will be — sometimes by a wide margin. Mild swelling is normal. Eyes may water.
  2. Days 3-7: Flaking phase. Light, dust-like flaking begins along the lash line. Pigment can look uneven, patchy, or "lighter than expected" as flakes lift — this is normal. Do not rub or pick.
  3. Days 7-14: Settling phase. The line softens, evens out, and the swelling completely resolves. The pigment may look much lighter than at day one — sometimes alarming, almost always normal.
  4. Days 14-28: Re-emergence. Pigment that was hidden under the healing skin re-emerges. Color builds back up.
  5. Weeks 4-6: Final color. The pigment has fully settled. What you see now is what you live with for the next few years.
  6. Weeks 6-8: Perfecting touch-up. Included in the $750 fee. We address any uneven settling, fill in spots that did not retain pigment, and finalize symmetry.
Longevity

How long it lasts

Permanent eyeliner lasts 3 to 7 years. The pigment fades gradually as skin cells turn over and as sun exposure breaks down the iron oxide. The variables that shorten or extend the life of the result include skin type (oilier skin fades faster), sun exposure, retinoid and acid use near the eye, and the specific style chosen — finer lines fade sooner than thicker classic liner.

Most clients book a color-refresh touch-up every 2 to 4 years to maintain saturation. Refreshes are faster, less expensive than the original procedure, and quoted at consultation based on how much fading has occurred.

Pain & numbing

What the procedure feels like

Discomfort is mild for most clients. We apply a topical anesthetic before the procedure begins. Once the skin is opened, a stronger secondary anesthetic activates and continues to numb the area as we work. Most clients describe the sensation as a vibration, a warm scratching, or a tickle — not pain.

The lash-line area is more sensitive than the brow, so we work in short, controlled passes with regular breaks. If at any point you need additional numbing or a longer break, tell us — the goal is for you to be comfortable through the full appointment.

Contraindications

When permanent eyeliner is not appropriate

  • Pregnant or nursing.
  • Active eye infection (conjunctivitis, stye, etc.) — wait until fully healed.
  • Recent eye surgery (LASIK, PRK, cataract) within 6 months — get sign-off from your ophthalmologist.
  • Currently on Accutane (isotretinoin) or finished within the last 6 months.
  • Currently on blood thinners — discuss with your prescriber.
  • History of keloid scarring or active autoimmune skin conditions.
  • History of allergic reaction to iron-oxide pigments.
  • Lash extensions present — must be removed before the appointment, re-applied at least 2 weeks after.

Disclose all medications and conditions at consultation. We will either schedule the procedure or recommend an alternative timeline.

Comparison

Permanent eyeliner vs lash-line tattoo

Both put pigment in skin. They are not the same procedure.

A traditional lash-line tattoo uses standard tattoo ink, deposits pigment into the deeper dermal layer, and produces a permanent, often very dark line. Tattoo ink is also more prone to migration over time and to color shift — turning blue, gray, or green as years pass.

Permanent eyeliner uses iron-oxide-based cosmetic pigment placed at a controlled, shallower depth. The result fades softly and predictably over years, does not migrate the way deeper tattoo ink can, and corrects more easily. It is also kinder to the delicate skin around the eye. For these reasons, we exclusively offer permanent makeup — not lash-line tattoos.

Touch-ups

Touch-up policy

A 6-to-8-week perfecting touch-up is included in the $750 initial fee. The touch-up is when we address any uneven settling, fill in spots that did not retain pigment, and finalize symmetry. We strongly do not recommend coming in earlier than 6 weeks — the line needs time to settle before we can accurately assess what needs adjustment.

Annual or biennial color-refresh touch-ups are quoted separately, based on how much fading has occurred. Most clients book a refresh every 2 to 4 years.

Pricing

Permanent eyeliner pricing

  • Permanent Eyeliner — $750, ~2.5 hours, includes 6-to-8-week perfecting touch-up. Book Permanent Eyeliner.
  • Color-refresh touch-up — quoted at consultation, typically every 2 to 4 years.
  • Aftercare — gentle cleanser and saline rinses provided in studio.

A non-refundable deposit is required at booking for all permanent makeup. See the policies page for full rules and the FAQ for general booking questions.

FAQ

Permanent eyeliner, asked & answered

How much does permanent eyeliner cost?

$750 for a 2.5-hour appointment, including a 6-to-8-week perfecting touch-up.

What styles do you offer?

Lash-line enhancement, tightline, soft liner, and classic liner. Some clients add lower-lash detail.

How long does it last?

3 to 7 years. Most clients refresh every 2 to 4 years.

Does it hurt?

Most clients describe it as a vibration or light scratching, not pain. We use a topical anesthetic and a stronger secondary numbing solution.

What is the day-by-day healing?

Days 1-2 dark and slightly swollen, days 3-7 flaking, day 14 settled, weeks 4-6 final color visible.

What are the contraindications?

Pregnancy, nursing, active eye infection, recent eye surgery, blood thinners, Accutane, keloid history, autoimmune skin conditions. Disclose at consultation.

How does it compare to a lash-line tattoo?

PMU uses iron-oxide pigment at a controlled shallow depth that fades softly over years. Tattoo ink goes deeper, often migrates, and can color-shift to blue or green over time.

Can I wear contacts and makeup after?

Skip contacts for 24 hours. Skip eye makeup for 7 to 10 days. Lash extensions must be removed before and re-applied at least two weeks after.

What is the touch-up policy?

One 6-to-8-week perfecting touch-up is included. Color-refresh touch-ups every 2 to 4 years are quoted separately.

How do I book?

Book through Square or call (323) 775-3637 to schedule a consultation first.

Related

Pair eyeliner with

Microblading

Hand-tooled hair-stroke brows for natural definition.

Microblading →

Lip blush

Soft, kissed-from-within tint for natural lip definition.

Lip blush →

Lash extensions

Classic, hybrid, and volume — the perfect everyday lash to layer over PMU eyeliner.

Lash extensions →

Ready to wake up with eyeliner?

Book online, call, or email. Open seven days a week.

Book this service (323) 775-3637
Real questions, honest answers

Permanent Makeup — questions before you book

Real answers to the questions our Los Angeles PMU artists get every week. If yours isn\

Can I get microblading or PMU during my period?

We recommend rescheduling if your appointment falls on the first two days of your menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone levels affect skin sensitivity and clotting — you'll feel more pain, bleed more, and pigment retention drops. Days 5–14 of your cycle are ideal for PMU. This applies to microblading, nano brows, lip blush, and permanent eyeliner.

Can I get permanent makeup while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. We do not perform microblading, nano brows, lip blush, or any PMU procedure on pregnant or actively breastfeeding clients. The concerns are stress on the immune system, hormone-driven pigment shifts (your color heals unpredictably), and the very small risk of blood-borne pathogens crossing to baby. We book you a consultation for after weaning.

Do I need to stop blood thinners before PMU?

Yes. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, ginseng, and alcohol for 48–72 hours before your appointment. These thin the blood, cause excess bleeding during application, and dilute the pigment — resulting in patchy healing. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is fine if you need pain relief. Never stop a prescribed blood thinner (warfarin, Eliquis, Plavix) without your doctor's approval.

I'm on Accutane / isotretinoin. Can I get microblading?

No. Accutane makes skin extremely fragile and delays healing. You must be off Accutane for a minimum of 12 months before any PMU procedure. This is non-negotiable — attempting PMU on Accutane skin can cause scarring.

How does Botox timing affect microblading?

If you get Botox in the forehead or between the brows, get it either 2 weeks before microblading (so we can see the settled brow position) or 4 weeks after. Getting Botox right after PMU changes brow position and can distort the new shape while healing.

Can I microblade over old / faded microblading from another artist?

Often yes, but not always. Bring photos of the original work and current state to a free consultation. If pigment is heavily saturated or an unwanted color (blue-gray, orange), you may need a saline lightening session or laser removal before we can layer new work. Nano brows sometimes cover old microblading better than fresh microblading does.

Does microblading hurt?

Most clients describe it as a light scratching. We use topical lidocaine cream before and during the procedure, so pain typically stays at 2–3/10. Pain tolerance is higher on days 5–14 of your menstrual cycle and lower right before/during your period.

How long is the healing process, and what will I look like day-by-day?

Days 1–3: color looks 30–40% darker and brows feel tight. Days 4–7: light flaking or scabbing lifts naturally. Days 8–14: color appears very light ('ghost stage') as new skin covers the pigment. Weeks 3–6: color re-emerges to its true tone. Week 6–8: perfecting touch-up session (included). Full heal at 4–6 weeks.

Am I a candidate if I have oily skin?

Oily skin holds microblading less well — hair strokes can blur into a solid look within 6–12 months. For oily skin we recommend nano brows (machine method with single-needle strokes) or powder brows — both hold sharper detail and last longer on oily skin types.

Do you do lip blush on darker lips, or clients with lip filler?

Yes to both. On darker lips we use neutralizing pigments to lift the natural color 1–2 shades and even out tone. If you have lip filler, get filler either 4 weeks before lip blush or 4 weeks after — never on the same week. We do not perform lip blush during an active cold-sore outbreak; if you have a history of cold sores, take valacyclovir per your doctor 3 days before and 3 days after.

What if I don't like the healed result?

That's exactly why we design carefully before the tool touches your skin — every session starts with a 20–30 minute brow-mapping process where we draw the shape and get your approval. The 6–8 week perfecting session lets us adjust density, shape, or color once you've lived with the result. If a full remove/redo is needed, we offer saline lightening at a discounted rate.