If you're well-versed in the microblading trend, chances are you've heard of The Eyebrow Doctor, Piret Aava. A cosmetic tattoo artist, eyebrow expert, and makeup artist, she's the woman behind many a semi-permanent facial transformation. And while artfully-inked brows aren't going anywhere, there's another way you can amp up your eye area: Lash enhancement tattoos AKA invisible eyeliner.
"You fill in between the lashes to create the illusion of thicker, darker, and completely full lashes without looking lined or like obvious makeup," explains Aava.
But considering that the precious eyelid area is the canvas at hand, we knew better than to think that the perma-liner is inked with just any old tattoo gun. Aava uses a cutting-edge tool called the Nouveau Contour for the treatment.
"It's the world's first computerized pigmentation device and used for both cosmetic and medical micropigmentation procedures," she says. "The area is numbed first, and then thin liner is tattooed right in the lash line." The needle speed and needle pressure are automatic, continuously measuring the resistance of the skin, increasing and decreasing, for balanced pigmentation.
The lash-enhancement procedure can be done on just the top or bottom lashline, or each of them. "No one will know you've had anything done, but your eyes will be more permanently defined," says Aava. The procedure is a two-step process, requiring a touch-up 4-6 weeks after the initial application. Then, it can last anywhere from 3-5 years.
"Lash enhancement is great for everyone, especially those with really gappy and sparse lashes as thicker lashes accentuate the beauty of the eyes and make them look more youthful," she explains.
Whether you want to fake fuller lashes, are going for a no-makeup makeup vibe, or want a picture-perfect base for your cat eyes every morning, the invisible eyeliner treatment has a lot of appeal. And while it's a pricier treatment, costing $800 for the top lashline and $400 for the bottom, it's a multi-year investment. And the before and afters are incredibly impressive. See more for yourself:
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.