Lip Blush 101: Pucker Up That Pout

LIP BLUSHING IN SHORT

What is lip blushing?

Lip blushing is a form of semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo that enhances the lips' natural tint and shape, giving them a boost and a glossy touch. It's designed to define and outline your lips, not to actually make them fuller. It gives the illusion that they're fuller, but in a very natural way. It's more or less like microblading for your lips!

How much does lip blush tattooing cost?

Lip blushing usually costs between 700$ and 1500$ depending on where you live. Some cosmetic tattoo artists include a touch up and maintenance sessions in their price. Make sure to ask them. It might be tempting to go for cheaper options, but remember that lip blushing is a cosmetic service requiring technical skills and you should only rely on fully trained professionals for such procedures. This comes with a cost, but you should put your body within the hands of someone you trust.

How long does lip blushing last?

Between 2 and 5 years, depending on how carefully you follow aftercare instructions and how many touch up sessions you have.

Do lip blush tattoos hurt?

Yes, they do hurt. However, most permanent makeup studios use numbing cream and some even offer anesthetic at an extra cost. make sure to ask your cosmetic tattoo artist!

How long does lip blushing take?

A lip tattoo session takes about 2 hours.

How long does it take for lip tint tattooing to heal?

It takes around 5 to 10 days for the lips heal after a lip blushing procedure. Be aware that the color will vary quite a lot during the healing process before reaching the final color that you agreed upon with your permanent makeup artist.

DO'S AND DON'TS BEFORE A LIP BLUSHING APPOINTMENT

DO: Bring pictures/lipsticks in order to show to your cosmetic tattoo artist the color that you want. Take a preventive tablet on the day of the appointment if you are prone to coldsores.
DON'T: Consume alcohol, caffeine, fish oil, Vitamin E, aspirin and ibuprofen as they cause the blood to thin and will result of more bleeding during the procedure.

DO'S AND DON'TS AFTER A LIP BLUSH TATTOO SESSION

DO: Use a lot of lip balm to keep your lips moisturized. Plan a follow up appointment with your permanent makeup artist.
DON'T: Pick your scabs. Never! Also, avoid sun exposure and workouts for around 2 weeks. Do not eat spicy food in the 48 hours following the session.

INTERVIEW WITH COSMETIC TATTOO ARTIST MELISSA BROCKFIELD

For that "just bitten" look

Ever since Kylie Jenner told the lie heard round the world about whether or not her perfectly plump pout was real, people have been doing unspeakable things in the name of beauty. Need we remind you of the Kylie Jenner lip challenge that plagued 2015? Once the blood in everyone’s horrendously large lips began circulating again and returned to their brains, cosmetic companies and beauty aficionados alike decided that perhaps lip contouring was the more prudent option. Since then, we’ve been #blessed with many a kit to make our pouts look a bit more like Angelina and less like Janice.

The trend has since moved on to the cosmetic tattoo industry, where in addition to permanent lipstick, artists are beginning to tinker with “lip blush” for more natural look. If you’ve ever wished you could wake up with that no makeup-makeup look or like you’ve been constantly sucking on a cherry popsicle, this might just be the thing for you. A slight flush of color, a constant pout, and minimal healing time — this might just be the best cosmetic tattoo yet. We recently sat down with artist Melissa Brockfield to find out a little more about this cosmetic tattoo procedure.

Tattoodo: What is the difference between permanent cosmetic lipstick and lip blushing?

Brockfield: There are so many names for cosmetic tattooing treatments — and lip tattooing is now widely known under both the two names mentioned, and also known as "candy lips," "contoured lips," and "kissable lips," among many other variations. Cosmetic lip tattooing really comes down to the technician's technique, and the colors and brand of pigment used to achieve different results.

The technique and color choices I make create a natural, blush, candy or "just bitten" look to the lips. The technique uses a small needle and works softly on the lips to very gently implant the color without creating too heavy of a lip-liner/border appearance. Colors are chosen for the client's desired results and skin tones, but my overall aim is to give lips life and a natural tint without being too dramatic. I love to use pigments with a slight opacity and sheerness. They allow me to create a soft blush appearance.

Similar to normal makeup techniques, is there a method to contour lips permanently to make them appear fuller?

Some technicians might use different shades of pigments to achieve a contoured look to the lips, but I choose technique. I find the key to subtlety is to apply color more densely in certain areas of the lips to create a naturally contoured look, blending in with the entire lip. As the skin on the lips holds pigment in a different way to the skin on your face it is important not to work too far outside of the lip border, but work with it to enhance the natural border and add fullness.

How long does permanent cosmetic lipstick or lip blushing last? Does a person's natural lip pigmentation have any effect on this?

The results last between two to five years (or more) before requiring a color refresh. Color choice is as important, and if not more important for a lip tattoo than a brow tattoo. Underlying blue, purple, or brown tones must be balanced , and in certain cases corrected, with the use of colors such as orange modifying pigments . The natural lip tone and skin tone must always be considered to achieve a color appropriate for that client.

What does the healing process look like for permanent cosmetic lip pigmentation? Are there any specific guidelines or products you would recommend?

Clients can expect to look like they're wearing lipstick combined with a mild lip-filler pout when they leave their appointment! The color looks really vibrant the day of and after the appointment. Around day two-three, the lips will softly flake away, and the following day they appear almost entirely healed. This soft technique I use ensures the lips will heal quickly and with minimal discomfort.

Aftercare is important for lip tattooing, and I cannot stress this enough! They will heal quickly and with ease by using an aftercare cream provided - I use an all natural, vegan product. Apply this like lip balm with a cotton tip hourly and they will stay nourished and look glossy too! Please don't eat a burrito laced with jalapeños immediately after like one of my lovely clients did (after telling her not to, but she couldn't resist!) - this will burn and I tell everyone to avoid spicy food for 48 hours.

"But what if I want to wear a different colored lipstick?"

Go for it! This does not replace your lipstick, but gives your lips a natural, blushy tint. If you are a person that loves the appearance of "no-makeup makeup" and wants to look like your lips have a little life during the work week, at the gym, picking up a coffee and running errands, and like to feel "effortlessly put-together" - this is it! On the weekends when you go out for an event and wear heavier makeup, put on some heels and a bright and bold, or dark and grungy lipstick, then have fun with it!

Is lip blushing safe for people with particularly sensitive skin or allergies?

Skin sensitivities and allergies are always taken into consideration on an individual assessment. The majority of clients with skin sensitivities or allergies are minor and eligible for tattooing, only resulting in a mild redness of the skin that subsides within an hour or two post-treatment. Any serious allergies to numbing agents such as Lidocaine, Tetracaine, latex, or cosmetics should always be disclosed to your technician prior to your appointment. I recommend all clients that have a history of coldsores take an over the counter preventative tablet the same day as their appointment to avoid a breakout. This lip tattoo does not give you coldsores if you do not have the virus, but any treatments to lips if a person has the virus can increase the risk of an outbreak.

You've said that you believe permanent cosmetic lip blush tattooing is "the next eyebrow," how so?

Eyebrows are always the most popular treatment - they make a person's face! The reaction from individuals that have had not a lot of brow hair or are obsessed with drawing their brows on, or don't know how to apply brow makeup - it's priceless. They see a whole new person in the mirror!

Candy Lips and Lip Blush Tattooing is now the eyebrow's best friend. There is an entire demographic of women that have had lip fillers to create a beautiful pout and fullness in their lips. After lip fillers the lip line can become blurred and faint from this slight stretch and increased volume. This treatment will compliment lip fillers by giving additional colour back to the border of the lips, and the overall lip tone. It's also very popular for women that have naturally faint lips, or would like to balance an asymmetric lip line.

Is there anything else you think people should absolutely know before booking an appointment for a lip blush tattoo?

I'm obsessed with lips! Also that clients fall asleep during their lip appointment all the time! A follow up appointment is always recommended, and included in my pricing, to ensure the desired result is achieved around four to eight weeks after the initial appointment. The initial appointment will take between two and three hours, including numbing time and consultation.

Check out the rest of Melissa Brockfield's work via Instagram.