How to prepare for a Lip Blushing session
If you want the perfect pout, you no longer need to rely on applying your favorite lipstick. Lip-blushing, a semi-permanent makeup application that injects pigment into the top layer of the skin (epidermis) with a micro-needle, offers a more natural-looking alternative to filler injections and other cosmetic treatments. It also offers a more subtle color compared to traditional tattoo methods that tend to saturate the lips.
What is great about lip blushing is that is offers both enhancement and corrective benefits. You can even out the symmetry and color of your lips and create a more fuller appearance. The results of lip blushing can also reduce the signs of scars or aging too. This is all in addition to the convenience of not worrying about lip stick. (You can though wear lipstick or gloss still if you would like).
Preparing for your first Lip Blushing session
For your first lip blushing session, it is highly recommended that you meet with your permanent makeup artist for a consultation and a patch test. Not only will you learn what exactly the procedure entails, the test can help to prevent any side effects.
To prime the lips for treatment, include a lip scrub and moisturizing balm into your daily skincare routine. Pigment applied to smoother, soft lips will maintain a more vibrant and even appearance. Plus you will heal better and faster.
Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Things to consider before the consultation
If you are currently on any blood-thinning medication, or you are suffering from cold sores or lip dryness and cracking, you should avoid lip blushing. Conditions like these could be an indication of a weaker immune system and this can make you more susceptible to infections from the procedure.
If you are used to temporary chapped lips caused by prolonged sun exposure or by a harsh winter, it is best to allow your lips to rehydrate before booking an appointment.
If you are pregnant or nursing you should avoid lip blushing and any other permanent makeup applications. Hormone changes may affect how the pigment shows in the skin and your body is at more risk of infection as it is recovering from the birth of a child.
What can I expect at my appointment?
Appointment length
Plan for the session to take 90-120 mins. Your artist will require time for a health assessment and consultation as well as enough time to apply the blush. Never rush your artist! They are a crafts person! Give them the time they need to do their best work.
Color choice
Based on your natural pigment and desired look, your artist will blend a custom shade for you. It is always best to choose a color that is similar to your natural color so it mimics your favorite makeup shade. Lip blushing enhances your lips and should only adjust your lip color by a couple of shades. You can still wear lipstick and gloss when you want to be bolder but generally lip blushing can replace the general daily use of lipstick while the pigment is still vibrant.
Shape
Your artist will outline your desired lip shape with a lip liner or lipstick and show you before they start the application of blush. Do not be afraid to make any suggestions or recommendations. You have to wear these lips for up to 3 years so you want to get the look you want. If you want a safe bet, keep it simple, stay more natural. Remember, once applied you can always augment on your first touchup if you want to go bolder but it’s better to be conservative first time around.
Expect some pain
Your artist will apply a numbing cream like the Zensa Numbing Cream as your lips are a highly sensitive area. Zensa is a fully natural product that features 5% lidocaine and has a natural pH formulation tailored for sensitive areas. It also does not contain any vasoconstrictors that prevent the ink from properly setting. Expect your artist to leave you for around 20 minutes with the cream on before they start their work.
The application itself should be on the low to moderate pain scale with the numbing cream applied. It will feel like small pin pricks on the skin. It will not feel as painful as a traditional tattoo for most as only the top level of skin is penetrated.
Results and Aftercare
Immediately after your session your lips will look the most vibrant. As your lips heal, this will reduce by 30%-50% but your lips will still look brighter and fuller that before.
The healing process for Lip Blushing should take 5-10 days. You should expect some swelling initially for the first 24 hours. Icing can reduce this swelling and general tenderness.
It is essential to keep the lips well-cleaned and moisturized to allow them to fully recover and importantly to prevent infection and irritation. Wash the lips with a fragrance-free cleanser or water on a cotton pad. Makeup wipes with a similar formula can also be used.
To maintain moisture levels and encourage faster healing, apply an ointment or balm that can cover the wound from the air temporarily while also keeping the area moisturized. We recommend the Dynarex Vitamins A&D Ointment Without Lanolin 5g packets or the Zensa Healing Cream. The small packets of Dynarex are ideal as each can be used for 1-day’s use and there is enough in each packet to apply the ointment 2-3 times a day. For the Zensa Healing Cream, this includes soothing ingredients like cucumber and contains oils that can brighten and preserve the ink’s color.
Expect your lips to flake and peel. This is normal after lip blushing and should last about a week. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO NOT PICK AT YOUR SCABS. The last thing you want is any scarring and pigment loss. Let your scabs fall off naturally. Use the ointment to reduce the itching and dryness.
We recommend not sleeping on your face during the healing process too. This can lead to premature peeling.
We also recommend avoiding any activities or lifestyle choices that can cause excessive sweating or skin irritation. Steer clear of that HIIT class, hot sauna, and swimming pool and even spicy foods and kissing. I know that may be tough but it will be worth it in the end!
Avoid direct sun light and wearing beauty products on the lips too during the healing process.
Everyone’s healing process is different for myriad reasons so expect the healing process to take up to 4 weeks. At that point the ink would have settled into the top later of skin and the micro-wounds would have completely healed.
Final Results
After about 8 weeks you will be ready for your follow-up consultation and touch-up. As you heal, do not worry that the color seems to have faded. This is expected. During the healing process the skin is thicker and will conceal the ink. Once your lips have fully recovered, the color will become fully visible again. During your first touch-up, your artist can address any concerns and augment the lips further as required. Remember though, should any additional tattooing be required, you will need to follow the same aftercare procedures to ensure the longevity of the blush.
For a more detailed explanation of the lip blushing healing process, we recommend reading our article “What you really need to know about the lip blushing healing process”.
Quick Facts about Lip Blushing
Pricing
Expect to pay $400-$700 for your first session and $150-$300 for your second. Additional touchups over the years can cost $200-$700.
Experience
Ensure your salon and artist have the necessary licenses and certifications. Common licenses include esthetician’s license, a blood-borne pathogen certificate and a Tattoo License for the salon.
Ask to see a portfolio of prior work. Reputable salons like will often showcase their work on a webpage.
We recommend that you thoroughly research your permanent makeup salon. Excellent Google Reviews are particularly important.
Longevity
Lip blushing can last between two and three years if cared properly, longer if touch-ups are applied every 6-12 months. Note, if you have oily skin, an iron deficiency, or you exfoliate your face frequently, your pigment is likely to fade more quickly. Sun exposure and smoking will accelerate the fading process.
Learn More
What you really need to know about the lip blushing healing process