Everything you need to know about lip blush

Lip blush is a semi-permanent makeup procedure that injects the lip area with a coloured pigment to enhance the natural colour and create the appearance of fuller, more defined lips.

Lip blush mimics the look achieved by everyday lip makeup. However, unlike lipliners and lipsticks, the results achieved through a lip blush procedure never smudge and can last for years.

How to prepare for a lip blush procedure

To ensure the best possible results from a lip blush treatment, clients should prepare the lip area before their session. Lips should be exfoliated and moisturised for 3-4 days pre-procedure. This can be achieved using a sugar scrub and lip moisturiser. Clients should contact their technicians for product recommendations.

Lip blush clients should be drinking at least eight glasses of water a day leading up to their treatment to ensure the area is well hydrated. Lipsticks should not be applied for three days pre-procedure as this can dry out the lips. A hydrating lip balm should be applied instead.

How is lip blush achieved?

Like other forms of semi-permanent makeup such as microblading or micropigmentation, lip blush involves breaking the top layer of skin and injecting a coloured ink pigment into the treated area. Whilst every lip blush artist will have their own way of performing the procedure, there are a few key steps most will take to ensure the best possible results.

Step one: the consultation.

The first step of any lip blush procedure is an in-depth discussion between the client and practitioner. This conversation allows the client to tell their technician what they are hoping to achieve by the end of the session. However, it also gives the practitioner the opportunity to explain any potential risks and side effects of the procedure.

Step two: colour-mixing.

Once the artist and client have determined what colour they are looking to replicate, the pigment can then be mixed to recreate the perfect shade. During this step, the practitioner will usually apply a topical numbing gel to the area to reduce any pain or discomfort.

Step three: the pre-draw.

Once the client’s lips are nice and numb, the practitioner can begin the pre-draw process. This process involves using lip liner to establish the desired shape and colour of the area and to create a clear template for the artist to follow throughout.

Step four: the tattoo.

Once the client is happy with the pre-draw results, the procedure itself can begin. The practitioner will work on the outline first and then fill in the body of the lip area.

The tattoo process can take anywhere from one and half to three hours.

When both the client and the tattooist are happy with the results, a moisturiser can be applied to the lips to lock in the pigment and kick-start the healing process.

How many lip blush sessions do I need?

 The amount of sessions a client should book in for depends on the look they are trying to achieve. For those looking to recreate a very subtle, sheer look, one or two sessions should be enough. However, for clients wanting to build up a block colour similar to the results achieved by traditional lip makeup, they may require more sessions over a longer period of time.

How long can lip blush last?

Lip blush can last anywhere from eighteen months to five years, dependant on a variety of factors including lifestyle and skin type. For example, excessive sun and water exposure, as well as the use of certain skincare products, can cause premature fading of pigment.

Clients can attend regular top-up procedures to ensure the longevity of lip blush results. Most clients will book in for a top up once a year, though this varies case to case.

Does lip blush hurt?

Most semi-permanent makeup artists will add a topical numbing cream to the area to reduce the amount of pain experienced during the lip blush procedure. However, clients should expect to experience some discomfort throughout the treatment as the lip area can be sensitive.

How long does lip blush take to heal?

As lip blush involves continually breaking the skin, the tattoo process may cause swelling. The level of swelling experienced will vary from client to client. If swelling persists and causes prolonged discomfort, an ice pack can be applied to the area.

Straight after the procedure, the lip area will look much darker than the desired shade. However, over the next few days, the results will start to fade.

The lip blush healing process can take anywhere from ten to fourteen days in total. We’ve broken down what a client can expect to experience during the initial healing stage below.

Day two: The day after the procedure, the swelling should start to subside, and clients should expect their lips to return to their normal size by the evening. The area will start to feel dry and tight, and scabs may begin to appear. A prescribed moisturiser can be applied to the lips.

Day three: The lips will continue to scab and start to feel very dry. It is very important the client doesn’t pick at their lips during this stage as this could impact results and risk infection.

Day four: The scabs will start to fall off the lip area at this stage. However, it is important the client refrains from touching them and let’s the lips exfoliate naturally.

Days five-ten: For the next five days, clients will experience some more light peeling. The pigment colour should now be much closer to the original mix.

Day ten-fourteen: Around the ten-day mark, the lips should have stopped peeling and will heal to reveal natural-looking results. Clients can start to apply additional lip products on the area again.

It will take about six to eight weeks post-procedure for the client to see exactly what their lip blush results will look like going forward. After this time, they can return for a top-up should they want to adjust the colour of the tattoo.

Lip blush aftercare

During the healing stage, clients should ensure they follow a good aftercare routine. This involves applying a healing balm, cream, or ointment (recommended by the artist) a few times a day.

For the two weeks following the treatment, clients must avoid any activities that may irritate or infect the tattoo. These include sweating, swimming, eating spicy food, applying makeup to the area, and sunbathing.

How much does lip blush cost?

Lip blush can cost anywhere from £50-£500 depending on the artist and their level of experience.

So there it is! Everything you need to know about Lip Blush. At Cosmedic Supplies, we sell a large range of high-quality semi-permanent makeup supplies. Head over to our shop to learn more.