Lip Blush
WHAT IS IT?
Lip blush is a permanent makeup technique designed to enhance the natural shape, colour, and fullness of the lips. Using a specialised tattoo machine, a skilled practitioner applies a semi-sheer layer of pigment to the lips, creating a soft, tinted effect. The result is a naturally defined, subtly flushed look that resembles the appearance of a tinted lip balm.
Unlike traditional lip tattooing, lip blush aims for a more natural, sheer finish rather than a solid block of colour. The pigment can be customised to match the client's desired shade, from a barely-there tint to a more noticeable blush, and generally lasts between one to three years depending on lifestyle, skin type, and aftercare.
Lip blush can give the illusion of fuller lips without fillers and enhances the lip’s natural contours, making it a popular choice for those who want a low-maintenance, polished look.
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Enhance Natural Lip Colour: Lip blush enhances your natural lip shade, creating a subtle, flushed effect that resembles the look of tinted balm.
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Define Lip Shape: The treatment subtly contours the lips, enhancing the natural shape for a more defined, balanced appearance.
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Create the Illusion of Fullness: Without the need for fillers, lip blush gives the appearance of fuller, more youthful lips.
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Low-Maintenance Beauty: Provides a lasting tint that reduces the need for daily lip makeup, making it ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance, polished look.
Unsuitable Candidates
To ensure optimal results and safety, lip blush may not be suitable for everyone. If you fall into any of these categories, alternative approaches or pre-treatment options may be explored.
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Active Skin Conditions:
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Cold sores (herpes simplex) or active cold sore outbreaks
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Skin infections, open wounds, or active acne on the lips
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Eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis flare-ups affecting the lip area
Severe Skin Issues:
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Severe rosacea or chronic dermatitis in the lip area
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History of strong allergic reactions to pigments or topical anaesthetics
Medical Conditions:
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Bloodborne pathogens (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B)
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Autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus)
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Uncontrolled diabetes
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Cancer or fewer than twelve months post-chemotherapy/radiation therapy
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
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Due to potential risks to the baby and lack of substantial research, lip blush is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Tendency to Form Keloids:
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Individuals prone to keloid scarring should avoid these treatments to prevent complications.
Photosensitivity:
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Those with photosensitive conditions or taking photosensitising medications should proceed with caution.
Clients Under 18 Years Old:
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Only clients over 18 years old are permitted to undergo lip blush procedures.
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Conditional Candidates
Certain conditions may allow for lip blush with additional preparation or precautions. Consulting with your practitioner is crucial to creating a safe, effective plan.
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Use of Blood Thinners:
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Blood thinners may need to be temporarily discontinued under medical guidance to minimise bleeding and bruising during the procedure.
History of Cold Sores:
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If you are prone to cold sores, an antiviral medication is highly recommended pre-procedure to reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Previous Lip Tattoo:
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Clients with previous lip tattoos may require assessment. You can send a photo or schedule a consultation to discuss whether lip blush is suitable over existing pigmentation.
Recent Facial Procedures:
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Recent facial surgery, cosmetic treatments, or laser procedures within the last six months may impact eligibility.
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If you’re unsure about your suitability for lip blush, please consult with your practitioner to assess your unique needs and determine a safe, effective treatment plan.
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Potential Side Effects
While lip blush can enhance your appearance by adding natural-looking colour and definition to your lips, it’s essential to understand the associated risks and possible outcomes before undergoing the procedure.
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Infection: As with any cosmetic procedure that involves skin penetration, there’s a risk of infection if proper hygiene practices aren’t followed during and after the treatment.
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Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Virus): The procedure can trigger cold sore outbreaks in individuals who carry the herpes simplex virus, even if they have never had an active outbreak before. It is often recommended to take antiviral medication before and after the procedure to minimise this risk.
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Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the pigments or topical anaesthetics used during the procedure. A patch test can help identify potential sensitivities.
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Scarring: Although uncommon, there’s a possibility of scarring, especially for individuals prone to keloid formation or those with sensitive skin.
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Uneven Results: If not performed by a skilled practitioner, results may vary in colour or symmetry, leading to unevenness that may require correction.
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Fading or Discolouration: Over time, the pigment may fade, change colour, or appear patchy due to factors such as sun exposure, skincare products, or the body’s natural response to the pigment.
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Pain and Discomfort: While a topical anaesthetic can minimise discomfort, some clients may still experience pain, swelling, tenderness, or peeling during and after the procedure.
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Healing Complications: The healing process may include scabbing, dryness, or irritation, and improper aftercare can affect the final results.
Precare
To minimise bleeding and skin sensitivities during your procedure, follow these pre-care instructions. Excessive bleeding may dilute the pigment and affect results. A topical anaesthetic can be applied 30 minutes before your appointment.
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Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the procedure.
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Do not consume alcohol or caffeine for 24 hours prior (including decaf coffee and tea).
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Avoid sun exposure and tanning on your face for one week before the procedure.
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Avoid taking Aspirin, Vitamin E, or Ibuprofen 24 hours prior.
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Refrain from taking fish oil, prenatal vitamins, nutritional shakes, and "Hair, Skin, Nail" supplements for two weeks before the procedure.
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Discontinue Retin-A, chemical and laser peels, microdermabrasions, AHA, and other chemical exfoliants at least six weeks prior.
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If you have a history of cold sores, start an antiviral medication 3 days before the procedure and continue for 3 days after.
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Ensure lips are well-hydrated and not chapped.
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Please note: Increased sensitivity may occur during your menstrual cycle.
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Post-Care Instructions
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Proper post-care is crucial for the best results. Please follow these guidelines carefully:
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Regularly apply clean lip balm during the healing process.
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Avoid rubbing, picking, or scratching the treated area; allow any scabbing or dry skin to exfoliate naturally.
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Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning beds for at least four weeks.
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Avoid pools, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, and hot baths for five days.
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Refrain from facial sweating for five days.
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Do not sleep on your face for the first 10 days.
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Avoid spicy and acidic foods for five days.
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Keep hair away from the face for five days.
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No makeup, fake tan, or skincare products on the treated area for seven days.
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Avoid lip tinting or other lip treatments for four weeks post-procedure.
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Refrain from using Retin-A, chemical peels, laser treatments, microdermabrasion, and any treatments for hyperpigmentation around the lip area.
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Notify your MRI technician of your PMU.
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Aftercare and Maintenance
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PMU usually lasts 1-3 years, depending on lifestyle, skin type, and aftercare.
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Sun exposure and tanning beds can cause pigment fading and discolouration.
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Apply SPF lip balm on the area once healed.
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Avoid laser treatments (e.g., IPL) around the tattooed area, as some lasers can alter pigment colour.
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Use hats and sunglasses for added sun protection.
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Yearly touch-ups are recommended to maintain results.
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Avoid chemical exfoliants on the lip area to prevent premature fading and discolouration.
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Refrain from using treatments or products for hyperpigmentation around the lips.
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Additional Information
Book your PMU appointments at least 2-3 months in advance of major events (e.g., holidays, weddings) to allow time for initial healing and the 6-week touch-up enhancement. Achieving ideal results is a multi-step process, and some clients may need more than two sessions.
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Please note: Failure to adhere to these pre- and post-care instructions may result in your artist refusing future services or touch-ups. No guarantees are implied or provided if these instructions are not followed.
Can I Get Lip Blush if I Have Lip Fillers?
Yes, you can get lip blush if you have lip fillers. However, it’s best to wait at least four weeks after getting fillers before undergoing lip blush to allow any swelling to subside and the shape of your lips to settle.
How Many Sessions are Needed for Optimal Results?
Typically, two sessions are required to achieve the best results. The first session establishes the colour and shape, and the second session, usually done after 6-8 weeks, perfects and enhances the initial application. Some clients may require additional sessions based on their unique healing process and colour retention.
Is Lip Blush Suitable if I Get Cold Sores?
If you have a history of cold sores, lip blush is still an option, but pre-treatment is essential. It’s recommended to take antiviral medication for three days before and three days after the procedure to reduce the risk of a cold sore outbreak, which can affect healing and the final result.
Will Lip Blush Work for Darker or Uneven Lip Tones?
Yes, lip blush can be suitable for darker or uneven lip tones, as the treatment often involves shade adjustments to create a balanced and natural result. However, at the time this was written, Arcus does not offer neutralisation procedures for darker pigmentation correction. This means that if a client’s lips have significant natural pigmentation variations, it’s recommended to consult with Arcus or a specialist about possible approaches, so you can determine if lip blush alone will achieve the desired effect.
A consultation can help assess individual needs and suggest the best options to create a soft, natural tint.
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New Tattoo Client £320
includes the initial procedure and a six-week touch-up. A £50 deposit is required at the time of booking.
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1 Top Up £150
only available to clients that have previously had their lips tattooed at Arcus. 6 months or more past their last tattoo appointment. A £50 deposit is required at the time of booking.
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1 Mini Top Up £60
only available to clients that have previously had their lips tattooed at Arcus. Has to be less than 6 months after their last tattoo appointment. A £50 deposit is required at the time of booking.
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*prices subject to change
THE PROCEDURE
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Pre-Procedure Preparation
Prior to the lip blush procedure, clients may apply a topical numbing cream to the lips to minimise discomfort. This cream, available from most pharmacies (such as Stranraer Pharmacy), should be applied approximately 20-30 minutes before the appointment. Additionally, individuals with a history of cold sores should consult with a healthcare provider about taking an antiviral medication a few days before and after the treatment to prevent an outbreak. -
Skin Assessment and Cleansing
The practitioner will begin by assessing the lips and surrounding area. They will cleanse the lip area to remove any makeup, oils, or debris, providing a clean base for the pigment application. The practitioner will then outline the lips, creating a custom shape that aligns with the client’s desired look and seeks approval before proceeding. -
Application of Pigment
Using a specialised tattoo pen, the practitioner will deposit pigment into the lips using a soft shading technique that gradually builds colour and enhances the lips’ natural contours. Unlike traditional lip tattooing, lip blush is designed to be subtle, with pigment layers applied in soft, even passes to create a sheer, natural effect. Some clients may feel a tingling or mild scratching sensation, but a secondary numbing cream can be applied if necessary to ensure comfort. -
Duration of the Procedure
The entire lip blush procedure typically lasts 2 to 3 hours, depending on the individual’s specific needs and the desired level of colour saturation. Following the procedure, the lips may appear slightly more vibrant and intense than the final healed result, but this will soften as the lips heal. -
Post-Procedure Care
After the treatment, the lips may experience redness, swelling, or mild tenderness, similar to a sunburn, which should subside within a day or two. During the healing process, clients must avoid touching their lips with unclean hands and follow all aftercare instructions provided by the practitioner, such as avoiding certain foods, hot beverages, and excessive licking of the lips to prevent irritation. -
Healing Process
In the days following the procedure, clients may notice some dryness, tightness, or mild peeling as the skin regenerates. This is a normal part of the healing process. Clients should keep their lips moisturised with an approved ointment, avoid direct sun exposure, and refrain from picking at any peeling skin to ensure optimal healing and pigment retention. -
Follow-Up Appointment
A follow-up appointment is typically recommended 4-6 weeks post-treatment to assess the healed results and make any necessary touch-ups to perfect the shape and colour.
By understanding the steps involved in the lip blush procedure and adhering to the aftercare guidelines, clients can enjoy beautifully enhanced lips that look effortlessly polished.