What Is Lip Blush?

Cosmetic tattooing has improved drastically over the last few years. Properly trained artists have learned how to make cosmetic tattoos look beautiful and natural, nothing compared to the harsh lines and bold colours used in the day. Many of us have seen or heard of eyebrow and eyeliner tattoos, and you may already know the procedure, but what is lip blush?

Many different names for a lip tattoo include lip contour, permanent lip color, tattooed lip liner, permanent lipstick, etc. We are going to use Lip blush; this is a cosmetic tattoo procedure that enhances our natural lips. There are many reasons people want to enhance their lips, aside from having a lip colour that does not fade or smudge no matter how many coffees or cocktails you down. Lip blush also defines the shape of the lips, especially if your lips are asymmetrical and, depending on the technique, lip blush can make them look slightly more prominent.

The process

The lip blush process takes an average of 2 and a half hours to complete from start to finish. The client and the artist will first decide the colour for the lip blush. The client can have whatever they choose, whether that is just a subtle enhancement, a full bright coloured lip, or a simple lip liner. After selecting your lip colour, your artist will most likely map out your lip tattoo with lip liner or lipstick, ensuring they nail your desired shape. Once the colour and shape are decided, numbing cream is applied to ensure the client experiences as little discomfort as possible. After the numbing cream takes effect, your artist will begin tattooin+9g the pigment on your lips using a particular handheld machine explicitly designed for permanent makeup. You will feel a light stippling sensation on your lips as she works.

Possible Side Effects

With any permanent makeup, there are risks of infection, allergic reactions, and botched results. It is essential to choose an artist with ample training and expertise who works in a sterile environment. Most side effects of lip blushing are mild, but there will be some swelling immediately after the procedure; some clients swell more than others. Most will look like they recently had lip filler injections. Redness is also expected, and although rarer, bruising can occur. Like a regular tattoo, there will be some flaking and peeling as the tattoo heals along with oozing of lymph fluids; this is entirely normal and part of the skin’s regenerative process.

Some other rare side effects are:

• Fever and chills (happen in severe cases)
• Fever blisters (cold sores) – If you are prone to fever blisters, it is imperative that you consult with a medical physician for a prescription to prevent flare-ups. It is recommended two weeks before and two weeks after the lip blushing procedure.
• Scars
• Rash
• Itchiness
• Bumps
• Uneven tone

Healing Dos and Don’ts

The healing process is so important when it comes to achieving the best

✔ Do

• Follow the aftercare correctly to allow your lips to heal and ensure the best results.
• Keep your lips clean and dry; too much lymph fluid, water, sweat, and oil will result in scabs instead of a film. Scabs will result in patchy brows. It is also important to moisturise for the first 5-10 days. 
• Keep your lips moisturised with ointment provided or other lip balms for the whole healing process.
• Use a cold compress or take pain killers if your lips are swollen and you have bruising present in the lip area.
•  When drinking use a straw to avoid the fluid having direct contact with the freshly tattooed lips. Also avoid salty or spicy food if your lips feel tender for the first few days.

✘ Do not

• Do not touch, bite or scratch your lips – touching or picking the scabs could cause irritation, infection, and cause excess shedding of pigment.
• Do not exercise for at least 2-5 days after your treatment due to sweating. Gentle exercise is okay after the first few days; try to avoid excessive sweating.
• Do not put lip liner, lipstick, lip gloss, cleansers, lotions, etc., on or close to your lips for 1-2 weeks to avoid irritation and cross-contamination.
• Do not use saunas, steam rooms, or swimming pools for one week due to sweating, the risk of getting your lips wet, and hygiene.
• Do not have facials or other facial beauty treatments done for one week to avoid irritation and cross-contamination.
• Do not use sunbeds or spend too long in the sun as the ultraviolet rays cause premature pigment fading. 
• Do not have lip fillers, chemical peels, or any intense face treatment for four weeks, as your skin will not have healed enough.
• Do not use anti-aging creams, acids, or retinol on or close to your lips ever! These products strip the skin, change your skin, and the chemicals in them will react and affect the pigment/retention.

To receive lip blush treatment feel free to contact us here at Donna Dorothy in Belfast Nothern Ireland or if you are in the United States then contact Natalia Verk in New York.