Lip Blushing: Your Guide to Permanent Lip Tattoos and Their Side Effects

What is the flushing of the lips?

Using water-based inks and a cosmetic tattoo gun on a low setting, lip blushing is a semi-permanent tattooed cosmetics technique that hues your lips. While the outcome is somewhat akin to lip fillers—your lips will appear somewhat bigger only by virtue of being defined and accentuated with color—lip blushing won’t genuinely alter the texture or form of your lips. Rather, it will only leave you with a subtle, shaded-in color that can draw attention to the symmetry of your lips, hide scars or uneven pigmentation, and create the appearance of larger, fuller lips.

Can lip flushing cause harm to your lips?

No, lip blushing won’t “damage” your natural lips if done appropriately and safely. The word “correctly” is stressed here, which is why it’s critical to be aware of what to look for before to your consultation (more on that below). However, according to Koberling, “it’s unlikely you will have any long-term damage to your lips from lip blushing.”

Although lip blushing often doesn’t leave scars, the first week may see your lips puffy, itchy, and covered with scabs. However, there are always dangers associated with cosmetic procedures, particularly if you are prone to inflammation around your lips. For this reason, be sure to address any allergies or skin sensitivities with your artist prior to scheduling an appointment, as well as any concerns you may have.

Is blushing your lips safe?

When done by a trained and experienced practitioner, lip blushing is a rather safe procedure, according to Koberling. However, in order to ensure the best and safest outcome, it is imperative that you speak with your artist beforehand about any skin conditions you may have, such as eczema, acne, cold sores, or rashes around your mouth. This will allow them to assess whether you are a good candidate for the procedure or whether they need to take extra care (such as going slower or using lighter strokes) to prevent irritation.

Once more, though, the safety of a semi-permanent tattoo depends on the artist. According to Koberling, “complications can arise with any procedure, so make sure the professional you choose is well-equipped to handle any that may arise” (see below for additional information on how to ascertain this).

What drawbacks might lip blushing have?

The worst drawback of lip blushing is that it’s a semi-permanent operation, so if you don’t like the results, it may be difficult or impossible to get the pigments out of your skin. Cons: The color won’t last forever due to regular exfoliation (see: eating, drinking, licking your lips, cleaning your teeth, washing your face, etc.); thus, you might need to pay for a touch-up every year. On the other hand, this could be a benefit, depending on how afraid of commitment you are.

Do lip injections work better than lip blushing?

Lip blushing is purely a matter of preference; it is neither “better” nor “worse” than lip injections. While lip fillers provide volume and shape, lip blushing adds color and dimension to your lips. They both heal in about a week, have roughly the same amount of discomfort, and last for about a year before needing touch-ups. Again, it really just comes down to what kind of results you are looking for, but keep in mind that you don’t have to pick between lip injections and lip blushing; you may have both as long as you start with the filler and wait six weeks between each.

Does flushing the lips make them appear fuller?

Yes, using lip blush can give the appearance of somewhat larger lips. Lip blushing won’t actually increase volume, but it can define your natural lips, especially around the Cupid’s bow, giving the appearance of greater depth and fullness. To further enhance the volumizing look, you may also have a conversation with your artist to see if they can apply a color gradient to the borders of your lips. Again, though, if you want actual volume, use lip filler (or both).

What takes place during a lip-blushing consultation?

The precise routine and style of your artist will determine what happens during a lip-blushing visit, but in general, the entire process will take around one and a half hours. Before they begin tattooing, they will first apply numbing cream to your lips, which they will remove after letting it set for 20 to 30 minutes. They will then use a gel pen and a white pencil to draw out your lip line so you can approve of the design.

The majority of semi-permanent makeup artists will tattoo your lips’ outline before filling them in, pausing sometimes to dab on extra numbing cream to reduce pain. Following tattooing, they will apply a calming moisturizer to your lips to assist reduce irritation before talking with you about any particular aftercare recommendations.

What is the duration of lip blushing?

Lip flushing usually lasts two to three years, lightening and fading over time until your lips gradually revert to their original color. Therefore, after two years, your lips will appear much lighter than they will after six months. For this reason, a lot of tattoo artists advise getting touch-ups every year to maintain the color of your lips for as long as possible.

What is the price of lip blushing?

The price may vary greatly depending on your location (prices in larger cities will be more than in rural regions) and the level of ability (see reviews! Look them up on Instagram! Examine their tagged pictures! DM random people to get their candid feedback on their encounters!, however you should budget between $450 and $1500 for lip blushing and $400 to $400 for touch-ups. Additionally, remember that this is a facial tattoo that will remain for years, so don’t choose the cheapest option merely to save money. It is probably too good to be true if it doesn’t feel a little costly.

How painful is lip blushing?

Your tattoo artist should apply a topical numbing lotion that will greatly lessen your pain, even if it is a tattoo on your mouth. According to Christopher Drummond, a cosmetic tattoo specialist, you should only experience a few strong pinches, Cosmo previously reported. Actually, intense pain is a huge warning sign that anything is amiss, as our tester found out during her own lip-blushing procedure (more on that below).

How painful is lip blushing?

The healing process of lip-blushing:

Like every tattoo, this one takes time to heal. Your lips will seem extremely bright and stained shortly after your session, but don’t worry. According to Koberling, “you’ll be a little sore and swollen and scabs may develop.” For the first few weeks, use a skin-repairing lip balm on your lips three or four times a day, or really anytime you think of it. The color will then fade up to 50% and mix in naturally with your lips until your lips have healed fully, which normally takes four weeks.