What is A Lip Tattoo?

Lip tattooing, also known as lip blushing, deposits coloured ink into your lips, using a quick hand motion and dotting technique. Lip tattooing can last up to 2 years. Cosmetic tattooing is generally softer and less solid than a body tattoo, as we are trying to keep it lighter and more natural. Specially formulated cosmetic inks that can break down over time are used, as over the years this ages better and allows for changes. This, combined with the fact that faces are generally oilier than other parts of the body, and that faces are usually more exposed to UV rays, environmental pollutants, products such as make up, cleansers & exfoliants, is why top-ups are required over the years.

Lip Liner – This would be a lining of the lips in a natural tone. This treatment would be perfect for someone whose lips are not symmetrical and just need a little balancing. I would also recommend this treatment to someone that likes to wear lipstick on a daily basis and likes their lips to be more defined.
Lip Blush – This is a lip liner, but with the colour blended into the lip. You don’t really see a defined line. This is great for someone that needs their lips balanced, and is most recommended for someone that doesn’t wear lipstick on a daily basis because when you’re not wearing lipstick, there is no noticeable line. You can put on a gloss, chapstick, or lip conditioner, and you’ll have a beautiful natural tone that will never smudge, smear, or wash off.
Full Lip Colour – This is all over lip colour. There is no defined line and the colour is blended around the whole lip. I would recommend this treatment for someone who has little to no natural lip pigment, or someone that would like to change their natural lip colour tone. As with all the different styles of semi-permanent lips, you can wear lipstick if you choose.

What Are The Top Benefits Of Getting A Lip Tattoo:

The history of tattoos is a long one. While the process of lip tattooing has changed over the centuries, it is currently a fashion trend. It helps bring colour and fullness to your lips, both of which can fade due to ageing and genetics. Overall, it brings a fresh, vibrant look to your face and can help improve self-confidence.

It can help you look younger. : As we age, we lose the radiance and plumpness that our younger skin gives, and sometimes that means we lose the natural pink tones in our lips. They just tend to look more ‘dull’ the older we get.
It stays on all day and night! : It won’t smudge off, smear, or give those little kiss prints on our loved one’s faces.
It saves you bucket loads of time when getting ready and less to remove at night!
It can last between 1–5 years (results vary). This really depends on how your body heals, everyone is different, but it’s super low maintenance.
Saves you money on makeup purchases.
Your lips will look fuller, more defined, and balanced. This is also a huge benefit for those that have difficulties with eyesight or medical conditions that prevent them from being able to apply their makeup.
Perfect for those that are allergic to conventional makeup.

THE LIP TATTOO HEALING PROCESS

✅ THE FIRST 24 HOURS

Right after your lip blushing treatment, expect some swelling. Your lip colour will be super vibrant at first (so don’t stress if it’s too dark or intense) but will fade to your chosen hue as your lips heal. You will be given aftercare instructions – so make sure you follow them for the best result!

✅ THE DAY AFTER YOUR LIP TATTOO

After 48 hours, your swelling should subside. By day three, your lip colour might look a bit darker. Keep up with your aftercare!

✅ THE FLAKY STAGE DAYS 3 -4

Around days 3-4, your lips will start to flake and peel as scabs form. Resist the urge to pick at them – we know it’s tempting! Picking can cause patchiness and fade the pigment. Let those flakes fall off naturally and keep your lips clean and hydrated. The peeling stage can last up to a week, and it may take the ink up to four weeks to fully settle into the skin.

✅ FINAL HEALING DAYS 5–6

By days 5-6, the flakiness will start to subside. Your lip colour may look about 30-50% lighter. The skin is thickening and will reveal the colour again once fully healed, around 4–6 weeks later. After about 6 weeks, book a follow-up appointment for any touch-ups needed.

Weeks 6-8: As your healing skin settles down, you should notice the colour blooming and some definition around the edges returning. The colour will probably still feel a little light as you were used to having such dark lips for the first few days, but this is what the top-up is for. If you liked your lips when you left the first appointment (shape, colour, style etc.), we will do the exact same thing again at your touch up. It’s always easier to add more ink and go darker at the top-up, than it is to reverse, going too dark at your first session.

After your touch up: The ink usually holds better as we are building on top of that first layer. Your lips won’t fade as much and will feel and look healed quicker than the first time.

LIP TATTOO AFTERCARE

✔ Do

Use an ice pack (wrapped in something clean) or take ibuprofen if your lips feel swollen and there is bruising present.
Use a straw whist drinking and avoid salty or spicy food if your lips feel tender for the first few days.
Keep your lips clean and dry, but lightly moisturised, for the first 7–10 days.
Avoid shower water running directly over your face for the first 7–10 days.
Avoid steamy baths & showers, saunas, steam rooms & swimming pools for the first 7–10 days.
Avoid intense sweaty exercise for 7–10 days. Light, gentle exercising is okay after 3–4 days.
Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 weeks.

✘ Don’t

Touch, bite, peel or scratch your lips.
Put lip liner, lipstick, lip gloss, cleansers, lotions (other than provided) on or close to your brows for 1–2 weeks to avoid irritation & cross contamination.
Have facials or other face beauty treatments done for 1 week to avoid irritation & cross contamination.
Have lip fillers or use sunbeds, chemical peels or any strong face treatment (near your lips) for 4 weeks as your skin will not be healed enough.

FAQ's

Does Lip tattooing Hurt?

The lips are a naturally sensitive area, so worrying about the pain is an understandable concern. Fortunately, experts frequently apply a topical numbing cream to reduce the pain level significantly. The numbing cream is left on for approximately 20 minutes before the procedure begins. I think you’d be surprised to know that there really isn’t any pain during the procedure. It varies from person to person, but I haven’t had any complaints yet! Some people find it a little uncomfortable, but that’s only because the cupids bow is the most sensitive part. Most people don’t feel anything and find the procedure quite relaxing. After the treatment, your lips might feel a little tight and swollen, but you won’t need to take any time off work.

📍 If you are prone to cold sores, what you should do? Everyone carries the gene, but not everyone has a breakout. Your lips will be going through trauma and if you’re prone to cold sores, you will want to either get anti-viral medication from your GP, or get some over the counter viral medication such as Zovirax and use that a week before your procedure.

Who Doesn’t Qualify For Lip tattooing?

Those currently on blood-thinning medications or suffering from chronic cold sores or lip dryness typically do not qualify for lip tattooing treatments. These conditions often indicate a weaker immune system and can make you more vulnerable to getting an infection from the procedure. Chapped lips can also be caused by seasonal factors, such as harsh winter temperatures or prolonged sun exposure during the warmer months. In this case, it is best to wait out the weather and allow your lips to rehydrate before booking an appointment. Women who are pregnant or nursing must avoid lip blushing and any other permanent makeup treatments. The risk for infections is even greater during these times, and hormone changes could affect how the pigment shows up on your skin.

How long does it take?

The entire session should take approximately 60–90 minutes, between the initial consultation (to discuss desired results and shade selection) and the procedure. The follow-up appointment should be significantly shorter. Lip blushing tattoos last on average between two and three years without touch ups.