Lip Blush
Permanent Make-Up
A soft, sheer tint that enhances your natural lip colour and shape.
Appointment length: About 2 hours, plus a consultation and patch test beforehand
What it is
Lip blush is a cosmetic tattoo that adds a sheer layer of pigment to the lips. It's not a solid block of colour – the finish is more like a tinted lip balm.
The shade is chosen with you, from a barely-there tint to a more noticeable blush. It can define your natural shape and give the look of fuller lips without filler.
Good for
Pale or uneven lip colour
Lips that have lost definition
Anyone who wants colour without reapplying lipstick all day
What happens on the day
You can apply numbing cream (from the pharmacy) 20–30 minutes before you arrive
I outline the shape with you first. Nothing starts until you're happy with it
Pigment is built up in soft layers. Most people feel a tingling or scratching sensation, and more numbing can be used during the treatment
Lips will look brighter than the healed result – that's normal
How many sessions
Two: the treatment, then a review at 6–8 weeks (included). Some people need a little more.
Results
Usually 1–3 years, depending on your skin, lifestyle and aftercare. A yearly refresh keeps the colour fresh.
Downtime
Lips look brighter and slightly swollen at first, then soften as they heal over the following days.
Is it right for me?
Lip blush isn't suitable if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Are under 18
Have an active cold sore, infection, open wound or skin flare-up on the lips
Have uncontrolled diabetes, an autoimmune condition, a bloodborne infection, or have had cancer treatment in the last 12 months
Tend to form keloid scars
It may still be possible, with care, if you get cold sores (antiviral medication beforehand is strongly recommended), take blood thinners, or have an old lip tattoo. Arcus doesn't currently offer neutralisation for very dark lip pigmentation – book a consultation and I'll tell you honestly whether lip blush alone will give you the result you want.
Before your appointment
Six weeks before: stop Retin-A, peels, microdermabrasion and acid exfoliants around the lips.
Two weeks before: avoid fish oil, nutritional shakes and hair, skin and nail supplements.
One week before: no sun or sunbeds on your face.
24 hours before: no alcohol, caffeine (including decaf) or heavy exercise, and avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and vitamin E.
If you get cold sores: take antiviral medication for 3 days before and 3 days after.
Come with lips well hydrated, not chapped.
Numbing: you can apply a topical numbing cream (from the pharmacy) about 30 minutes before your appointment. More numbing can be used during the treatment if you need it.
Aftercare
Apply a clean lip balm regularly while healing
Don't pick, rub or scratch – let any flakes come away on their own
For 5 days: no swimming, saunas, steam rooms or hot baths, no spicy or acidic food, keep hair off your face and avoid sweating
For 7 days: no make-up or skincare on the lips
For 10 days: don't sleep face-down
For 4 weeks: no sun or sunbeds, and no other lip treatments
Once healed, use an SPF lip balm
Tell your MRI technician you have a tattoo
Book at least 2–3 months before a holiday or wedding to allow for healing and your review.
Possible side effects
Normal: redness, swelling and tenderness for a day or two, then dryness, tightness and light peeling.
Less common: cold sore flare-ups (even if you've never had one), allergic reaction (your patch test checks for this), infection, uneven colour, fading, and rarely scarring.
Questions
Can I have lip blush if I have lip filler?
Yes – wait at least 4 weeks after filler so the swelling settles first.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually two: the treatment and a review at 6–8 weeks.
Will it work on darker or uneven lip tones?
Often, yes. Book a consultation so I can look at your lips and tell you honestly what to expect.
How to book
Book a PMU consultation first (£10). Your patch test is done then, at least 48 hours before treatment. Prices are on Fresha.