How Much Does an Eyeliner Tattoo Cost?
If you’re wondering how much does a PMU eyeliner tattoo cost, keep reading to find out the results of PMUHub’s research into the average eyeliner tattoo price.
Image source: Pexels
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2019. Updated in August 2021.
Getting your favorite makeup look recreated with permanent makeup is definitely an option that saves a lot of time. So it’s no wonder that getting permanent eyeliner is becoming more and more popular. This also means that the eyeliner tattoo price is somewhat higher than it was a few years ago.
If you’re interested in this procedure and you think it can be beneficial for you, take a look at everything you need to know about how much does permanent eyeliner cost.
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How Much Does a Cosmetic Eyeliner Tattoo Cost on Average?
The average permanent eyeliner cost is around $550, according to PMUHub’s thorough market research.
The price can vary a lot from one individual salon to another. Some salons even have different prices for different eyeliner tattoo styles. A common practice is to charge slightly less for eyelash enhancement than full-on eyeliner – around $420.
What Is Permanent Eyeliner?
A cosmetic eyeliner tattoo is a permanent makeup treatment that recreates the look of wearing eyeliner, but it’s permanent, meaning it cannot be washed off. It involves pigments of natural origin being injected into the skin of the eyelid – the lash line, or just above it. The result is the look of a fuller lash line or eyeliner which lasts a year, or longer.
The color will start to fade after some time, at which point you can get a touch-up and refresh the color. The semi permanent eyeliner tattoo lasts somewhere from 1 to 5 years – 3 for most people.
Want to find out more about permanent eyeliner? Follow the links:
Permanent Eyeliner – The Ultimate Guide
What Factors Determine the Eyeliner Tattoo Cost?
Just like it’s the case with any other permanent makeup procedure, there are several factors that affect the cost of permanent eyeliner.
1. Style
A common practice among PMU artists is to form the eyeliner tattoo price depending on whether you’re getting your eyeliner tattoo on the upper lid, the lower lid, or both. Upper lid eyeliner tattoos are more expensive than bottom lid tattoos, since there’s more work to be done. The lower lid is usually somewhat cheaper, and if you’re getting both done, they’re charged together.
Eyelash enhancement, which does not give the look of eyeliner but rather fuller lashes, is cheaper than the full eyeliner look in most salons, since less pigments are injected.
Image source: Instagram @perfectdefinition_
2. Exclusivity of the Salon
Another important factor in determining the eyeliner tattoo cost is the exclusivity of your artist and the salon. Well-known, experienced artists charge more than beginners and less famous artists. Remember that certified artists always charge more than uncertified ones who usually perform the treatment illegally.
3. Location
The demand for the treatment also affects the price. In areas where the demand for permanent eyeliner is huge, you can expect higher prices, but there are no rules. To get a better sense of how much does permanent eyeliner cost, check out the results of PMUHub’s research into the lash enhancement and eyeliner tattoo cost across the US below.
4. Competition in the Area
If there are many salons in your city or town, you can expect a wider price range. If there are only a few artists doing quality work, they’ll probably charge more. So it’s not uncommon for smaller towns to have a higher average eyeliner tattoo cost, although there are no rules.
Image source: Instagram @bladedbeautybar_
How Much Does an Eyeliner Tattoo Cost in the USA?
According to PMUHub’s research across numerous cities and towns across the USA, the average eyeliner tattoo cost is $560 for a full eyeliner look, and $425 for eyelash enhancement.
The prices in different locations vary. However, it’s very important to know that artists setting a higher permanent eyeliner price is often very justified. Quality is important since you’ll be wearing the look for years, so it’s crucial to choose an artist who is experienced and knows what they’re doing.
Check out the charts below for average eyelash enhancement and eyeliner tattoo prices in various locations. In some cities, the price is the same for both versions of the treatment.
The prices in the eyeliner tattoo chart refer to dual eyeliner, i.e. for both upper and lower lid cosmetic tattoos.
In both charts, the price of the 1st touch up was included whenever possible. However, since pricing practices differ from salon to salon, it is advised to always check what is included in the price, and ideally, to book a consultation appointment beforehand.
NOTE: The lash enhancement price and eyeliner tattoo cost in the charts refers to 2 sessions of PMU eyeliner – the initial session and the touch-up. Some artists charge additionally for the 6-week touch-up. Some of them also charge for consultations. Taxes and additional fees may apply.
| City/State | Average Permanent Eyeliner Cost (both lids) | Eyeliner Tattoo Price Range |
| Chicago, IL | $775 | $400 – $1500 |
| Aurora Area, IL | $570 | $300 – $850 |
| NYC, NY | $577 | $295 – $850 |
| Albany, NY | $533 | $450 – $600 |
| Portland, OR | $556 | $160 – $785 |
| Salem, OR | $614 | $495 – $800 |
| Houston, TX | $630 | $350 – $1800 |
| San Antonio, TX | $415 | $200 – $575 |
| Dallas, TX | $585 | $400 – $950 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $400 | $330 – $500 |
| Cleveland, OH | $517 | $350 – $790 |
| Columbus, OH | $460 | $350 – $600 |
| Miami, FL | $592 | $350 – $1350 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $400 | $300 – $500 |
| Palm Beach, FL | $557 | $435 – $800 |
| Seattle, WA | $515 | $350 – $750 |
| Olympia, WA | $576 | $325 – $750 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $868 | $500 – $2100 |
| San Diego, CA | $518 | $300 – $775 |
| San Francisco, CA | $725 | $400 – $1225 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $465 | $150 – $700 |
| Tucson, AZ | $485 | $430 – $550 |
Image source: Instagram @amybissett_pmu
| City/State | Average Eyelash Enhancement Cost | Eyelash Enhancement Price Range |
| Chicago, IL | $516 | $300 – $800 |
| Aurora Area, IL | $525 | $450 – $600 |
| NYC, NY | $505 | $400 – $650 |
| Albany, NY | $390 | $325 – $450 |
| Portland, OR | $435 | $300 – $700 |
| Salem, OR | $614 | $495 – $800 |
| Houston, TX | $430 | $225 – $650 |
| San Antonio, TX | $333 | $300 – $400 |
| Dallas, TX | $585 | $400 – $950 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $400 | $330 – $500 |
| Cleveland, OH | $390 | $300 – $460 |
| Columbus, OH | $325 | $300 – $350 |
| Miami, FL | $340 | $250 – $420 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $400 | $300 – $500 |
| Palm Beach, FL | $557 | $435 – $800 |
| Seattle, WA | $383 | $300 – $500 |
| Olympia, WA | $425 | $400 – $450 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $530 | $395 – $750 |
| San Diego, CA | $440 | $300 – $600 |
| San Francisco, CA | $725 | $400 – $1225 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $400 | $300 – $500 |
| Tucson, AZ | $485 | $430 – $550 |
Tables content source: PMUHub’s research
Image source: Instagram @ladybrowsmia
What’s Included in the Permanent Eyeliner Price?
Apart from the actual PMU application procedure, the initial consultation with the artist is most often included in the price, and so is the 1st, mandatory touch up session. Additional touch up sessions are charged separately.
It’s always wise to ask the artist about all the information that you need beforehand, so there are no surprises when you show up for your appointment.
How Do I Choose the Best Artist Based on Eyeliner Tattoo Cost?
The eyeliner tattoo cost is not insignificant, so you want to do your research and find quality work that’s not overpriced. The best practice is to find someone who charges about the average price and whose work suits your style. Bear in mind that prices much lower than the average usually mean low quality, so it’s crucial not to try and save money on this.
But eyeliner tattoo price alone shouldn’t decide on which artist you’ll book. You should also take a look at their before and after pics, read their online reviews, and only contact them once you feel like you can trust them.
Choosing the right PMU artist is crucial, as this choice can either make or break your final look. Never go to uncertified, self-taught artists – they can put your health and safety at risk, not to mention give you unsatisfactory results.
Image source: Instagram @masiii.s1988
How Much Do Additional Touch Ups Cost?
The price of additional eyeliner tattoo touch ups can be anywhere between $150 to the full treatment price. Most artists don’t have a fixed touch up price, but rather charge based on the amount of work that needs to be done.
The longer you wait to get a color boost touch up, the higher the price.
How Much Does an Eyeliner Cost – Main Takeaways
The procedure of getting permanent eyeliner is definitely a time-saving decision, and it can be a great idea. However, you need to be careful about who you’re trusting to do the procedure.
The average eyeliner tattoo cost is around $560. The lash enhancement version, which is more subtle, is usually charged a bit less, around $425.
Price can be a good indicator of the artists’ experience. Never go to an untrained, uncertified artist no matter how low their permanent eyeliner price is. They could put your health in danger and give you unsatisfactory results.
Take the time to consider all of your options and decide on what’s best for you. Remember not to be cheap here, but invest your money wisely!
Go for an artist whose work you like and who charges about the average eyeliner tattoo cost. Our research can be a starting point on your journey towards choosing an artist.
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