What is Lip Blush?

Lip blush is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the lip colour by depositing a coloured pigment onto the area using a tattoo needle. It is a form of semi-permanent makeup that enhances the shape and colour of the entire area to create fuller, brighter, and more defined lips.

The treatment creates a subtle, rather than saturated, effect to ensure natural-looking results. Whilst lip fillers can be great for adding volume to the area, lip blush is perfect for adding definition and fullness.

Lip blush can last for up to two years, helping to minimise the amount of time spent lining, colouring, and filling in the lip area.

Credit: @ggbrowsuk, Instagram

What are the benefits of lip blush?

Lip Blush has many benefits for those who decide to take the plunge. Most obviously, it adds long-lasting colour to the area, meaning the amount of time spent applying lipstick, lipliner and lip-gloss is significantly reduced.

The treatment can also boost pigmentation in pale or ageing lips, enhance lip symmetry and colour-correct scarring. It is also a brilliant technique for creating fuller-looking lips without the use of injectables or surgery.

How to prepare for a lip blush procedure.

Though lip-blush procedures are fairly low-risk, there are some circumstances in which the treatment should be avoided. These include:

• If you are pregnant or nursing.
• If you are taking blood-thinning medication.
• If you suffer from cold sores.

Before booking in for any semi-permanent makeup procedure, it is always a good idea to check in with your practitioner to assess any potential risks.

Once you have been given the green-light to book in for a procedure, make sure your lips are as healthy and hydrated as possible. For at least a week leading up to the treatment, exfoliate and moisturize your lips daily with lip scrub and balm. This will help to make sure the skin is smooth and soft, perfect for boosting pigment saturation and kick-starting the healing process.

Credit: @ggbrowsuk, Instagram

What to expect from a lip blush procedure: step by step.

Step One: Consultation.

The first stage of any lip blush treatment should be an in-depth verbal consultation. During this initial conversation, you should explain exactly what you are hoping to achieve by the end of the procedure. It will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the treatment.

Step Two: Pigment Mix.

The artist will then create a bespoke colour mix to suit your preferences. Whilst the blend is being mixed, the practitioner should apply a topical numbing cream to the area to reduce any pain.

Step Three: The Pre-Draw.

Once the mix has been created, and your lips are feeling nice and numb, it’s time to start the pre-draw. The technician will map out the tattoo outline with lip liner or lipstick to establish the desired shape. They will then shade the entire area so that you can see exactly how your lips will look post-procedure.  

Step Four: Time to Tattoo.

When both you and your artist are happy with the pre-draw, the procedure itself can begin. The whole lip blush treatment will take approximately 2-3 hours from start to finish. Remember, immediately after the treatment, your lip colour will be at 100% saturation. However, as they heal, the colour will fade by about 30-50%.

Potential side effects of lip blush.

As with any permanent or semi-permanent procedure, a lip blush treatment may cause infection or trigger an allergic reaction. Poor technique can also result in uneven application and unsatisfactory results. That is why it is so important to choose a licenced technician that only works with sterile equipment and has a great portfolio.

Side effects associated with lip bush are mild. Most clients will experience some degree of swelling and increased redness. Some clients may suffer bruising around the area, although this is less common.

Just like the healing process of a traditional tattoo, there will be some skin peeling as the tattoo heals, as well as the excretion of some lymph fluids. However, these processes are common side effects of the skin’s healing/regenerative phase and will only last for a short duration.

Credit: @hushhbyharley

Lip blush aftercare.

The entire healing process following a lip tattoo will last approximately 5-10 days. During the initial healing process (the day of the procedure), redness and swelling can be reduced by applying a cold compress to the area. You can also apply a healing balm, cream, or ointment to the area to alleviate any discomfort.

During the two weeks following the treatment, you 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.

Healing lips will most likely peel, however you must resist the urge to pick or scratch flaky skin as this can cause early pigment loss and/patchy results.

Looking to book in for a lip blush procedure? 

At GgBrows, we offer high quality lip blush procedures to suit every skin type and tone. Get in contact today to find out more.