When I was in college, mornings were always a race. If I had time, I’d position myself carefully in front of my mirror and draw on a perfect line of black eyeliner, making my hazel eyes pop and my whole face feel more awake. But if I overslept, it was a different story. I’d grab my things and sprint to catch the bus, leaving me with no time to do my makeup.

On those no-eyeliner days, not only did my normal look feel lackluster, but I found that my eyes were more sensitive to sunlight. I’d sometimes get little headaches, and even indoor lighting felt harsh. It wasn’t until years later, during my permanent makeup training, that I learned why: eyeliner can actually help diffuse the light hitting your eyes, just like the black strips athletes wear under their eyes to reduce glare!

That realization made me look at eyeliner—and permanent eyeliner tattoos—in a whole new way. And it turns out, there’s a lot more to this little makeup essential than meets the eye. Here are 9 more fun facts about eyeliner and permanent eyeliner that you might not know.

2. Eyeliner Is Thousands of Years Old

The earliest eyeliner was worn thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Both men and women used kohl made from galena (a natural mineral) to protect their eyes from the sun, add to their beauty, and even potentially ward off infections. It was beauty and practical eye care rolled into one.

3. You Can Get Eyeliner That Lasts for Years

At Tashi Brow & Skin Studio in Plano, Texas, we offer a form of cosmetic tattooing that gives you perfectly applied liner 24/7, without pencils, smudges, or morning rushes. It can be subtle or dramatic, tailored to your eye shape, and customized in color.

4. Eyeliner Can Make Your Eyes Look Bigger (or Smaller)

Applied to the waterline, dark eyeliner can make eyes appear smaller and more defined. On the lash line, especially with a wing, it creates the illusion of bigger, more open eyes. It’s all about catering the liner to your own wants and goals!

5. Permanent Eyeliner Saves You Serious Time

If you spend 5–10 minutes a day drawing eyeliner, that’s over 60 hours a year. And let’s be honest: if you make even the smallest mistake, it often takes more time than that! With permanent eyeliner, you get all that time back: perfect for busy mornings, travel days, and life on the go.

6. There Was Once a Radioactive Eyeliner

In the early 20th century, before cosmetic safety regulations existed, some eyeliners contained radium for its “glowing” effect—yes, the radioactive kind. Thankfully, this dangerous beauty trend disappeared quickly once scientists realized the risks.

7. Permanent Eyeliner Can Be Gentle on Sensitive Eyes

If you have allergies or sensitivity to traditional makeup, permanent eyeliner eliminates the need for daily products and removers—no more watery eyes or irritation from makeup chemicals. Clients who struggle with mascara or pencil eyeliner often find tattooed eyeliner is the perfect low-maintenance solution.

8. Permanent Eyeliner Can Be Customized for Your Eye Shape

From subtle lash-line enhancements to bold wings or soft smoky effects, permanent makeup eyeliner can be tailored to flatter your unique eye shape, skin tone, and lifestyle. At Tashi Brow & Skin Studio, we design a look that feels like you—only more effortless.

9. Permanent Eyeliner Is Smudge-Proof and Waterproof

Whether you’re swimming, working out, or caught in a downpour, permanent eyeliner stays put. No raccoon eyes, no mid-day touch-ups—just perfect definition all the time.

10. Eyeliner Shapes Can Change Your Whole Look

Tightlining adds subtle definition. A bold, thick wing feels dramatic and retro. Smudged pencil gives a smoky, rock-and-roll edge. Your eyeliner shape can completely shift your vibe. At Tashi Brow & Skin Studio, we offer everything from smoky wings to super simple and clean lines. It’s all about your wants and needs!

Eyeliner has always been more than just makeup—it’s a little line of confidence you carry on your face. The right eyeliner can make you feel polished, expressive, and ready to take on the day. With permanent eyeliner, that confidence becomes effortless. You wake up with your look already perfected—no smudges, no hurried mirror time, just beautifully defined eyes that feel like you. At Tashi Brow & Skin Studio in Plano, TX, we combine artistry, precision, and care so your eyeliner isn’t just makeup—it’s a daily confidence boost you never have to think twice about.