Lip Blush & Dark Lip Neutralization

What is “Lip Blush?”

“Lip Blush” is a permanent makeup technique that helps clients define their natural lip shape and outline while also bringing more color to the lips. Lip blushing can also help with asymmetry and can add more fullness to the lips.

What is “Dark Lip Neutralization?”

“Dark Lip Neutralization” or “Dark Lip Color Correction” can help bring more even color and brighten dark and cool-toned lips. The number of sessions needed for this process depends on each unique case. The darker the lips, the more session you may need.

Frequently asked questions

  • There are a few reasons someone might not be a good candidate for permanent makeup. Since we’re not medical professionals, it’s important to talk with your doctor if you’re unsure whether a medication or medical condition could interfere with getting a tattoo. If you have any of the conditions on our list of contradictions, your doctor will need to email a note clearing you for PMU. Please let your artist know when booking and send the original note by email.

    Please visit our list of contraindications here.

  • Everyone’s sensitivity is a little different. Most clients actually get sleepy during the process or find a little discomfort. Lips tend to be more sensitive and vascular than other areas like brows. That said, a few things can make you more sensitive:

    • Being on, about to start, or just finishing your period — it’s best to plan your PMU appointment around that time.

    • Fibromyalgia — check with your doctor and your artist to see if it might make the procedure feel more uncomfortable.

    • Frequent smoking or lots of sun exposure — this can make numbing wear off faster.

    We apply a topical anesthetic before shading.

  • The longevity of your lip tattoo depends on your artist’s technique, the pigment used, and your personal aftercare. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the best approach for your desired look.

    Softer styles or inconsistent aftercare can cause faster fading and more touch-ups. Other factors like medications, supplements, health, diet, skin type, and natural undertones can also affect results.

    With proper maintenance, lip tattoos can last for years. Without upkeep, fading and patchiness may occur, with most clients needing a refresh 1 to 3 years after their initial session.

  • Here is the agenda for the day of your session.

    1. Photos and videos will be taken for insurance purposes and content

    2. We’ll draw the lip design in pencil or concealer so you get an idea of shape and form

    3. Once we have accomplished the final shape we will then decide on the color

    4. Tattooing will then begin. First we will outline your lips to secure the shape, then apply topical numbing before shading in the whole lip

    5. Lastly, we will go over aftercare with you, take more photos and videos, schedule you for your perfecting session, then finally check you out!

  • We’ll choose your pigment based on what will look good with your lips natural hue and undertone as well as your preferences. If you have darker hyperpigmentation we will use the first session to neutralize your lips, so it will be important for us to select colors to help you get to a nice neutralized base!

  • Within a week or so after the treatment, the color will fade as your body absorbs some pigment and pushes some out. Over the next 4-8 weeks, this fading can continue to reduce pigment as much as 40%. You may get some patchiness of color and some spots where pigment did not take.

    This is why we may do at least one perfecting session 6 to 8 weeks after the initial service. This will let your artist know how your body heals and accepts the pigment, and we will be able to perfect your service. Some clients will need more than one perfecting session. The time before the perfecting session is an ideal time for you to reflect on your shape and color. At the perfecting session, any changes you would like to make are discussed.

  • Yes! Please make sure your injections are spaced 4 weeks before and after your tattoo appointments

  • No. I do not tattoo passed your vermillion border. Tattooing outside your lip skin and into where you have pores and hairs will lead to poor and undesired results.

  • Everyone’s timeline is a little different, but lip blush usually last up to 2 to 3+ years. You might be ready for a touch-up if your lips are about 60% faded, looking less defined, or returning to how they look originally.

    Before booking a touch-up, please text a clear photo of your brows to (425) 780-5127 for approval.

  • Clients can expect their lips to finish peeling within about a week. Full color development and healing typically take 4 to 6 weeks. For dark lip neutralization, full healing and final color may take up to 12 weeks.

  • Even with lip blush, you might still want to use other lip products depending on your look or the occasion. Lip blush gives a natural base, but some clients like adding a clear gloss or balm for extra shine. Client’s who overline their lips will want to keep a liner handy. Just be careful with products that contain lightening ingredients, as they can affect your pigment.

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Lip Care

Preparation ✦ Follow these instructions to prevent bleeding, sensitivity, and poor retention during your session

Day of appointment

  • Items to Bring: comfortable clothes, water bottle, blanket (it can get cold laying down), earbuds to listen to your own music and podcasts (no big headphones as they will be uncomfortable during tattooing.)

  • Take Tylenol (not Ibuprofen) 1 hour before your appointment if you are sensitive to pain.

  • Take your antiviral medicine if you are prone to cold sores.

  • Eat beforehand if you are prone to feeling light headed and dizzy. You’ll want to avoid eating for a couple hours after your session,

  • If you are particular about your color consider bringing in your favorite lip products or have photos ready.

  • Avoid heavy face makeup. Can get quite messy and will be wiped off during the process. If you decide to wear it, bring your makeup to retouch.

What to do and avoid:

  • For best retention please exfoliate your lips with a clean toothbrush or wash cloth the week of your session but no later than 48 hours before the procedure. Moisturize your lips and keep hydrated each day. The softer your lips are the easier it is to implant pigment. If your lips are very dry we may not be able to continue with your session.

  • If you are prone to cold sores please take anti-viral medicine 5 days before, day of appointment, and 5 days after (or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.) There is a high probability you will get one if you do not get medicine.

  • No caffeine 24 hours before procedure

  • No alcohol 48 hours before your procedure

  • Stop blood thinning medication 48 hours before your procedure such as alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, niacin, vitamin E, Omega 3) – these will cause excess bleeding and may affect your results

  • No tanning for at least 2 weeks prior and approximately 2 weeks after. We cannot work on sun burnt lips.

  • Stop using any skin thinners and lighteners (vitamin A, vitamin C, retinol, glycolic acids, alpha hydroxyl) around the lip area 2 weeks before your appointment..

  • Fillers should be done at least 4 weeks prior and no sooner than 4 weeks after the final session. Do not get any botox or fillers between your initial appointment and your perfecting session.

  • If using any type of Accutane, you must stop topical application at least 6 months prior and internal dosage (pills) for at least a year before services. Failure to do so can cause severe scarring.

Aftercare ✦ Your lips are now an open wound! Prevent the risk of infection by keeping them clean. Care for them well and receive optimal retention

Night of and morning after session: Give your brows a quick rinse with lukewarm water and a gentle anti-bacterial hand soap or gentle face wash. Pat dry immediately.

Ointment when lips feel dry: Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or A&D (Please no Vaseline as the consistency is too thick) when your lips begin to feel dry. Dry lips will not allow for your results to heal properly. Keep ointment on your lips to protect it from water and food. Use a straw to drink and retrieve water into your mouth.

What to do and avoid:

  • If you are prone to or are experiencing any cold sores please get a prescription of anti-viral medicine as soon as possible to prevent an outbreak.

  • You may apply an ice pack (which must be protected with a barrier) for 10 minute intervals for the first 48 hours,

  • You may wear lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm after 7 days. Use products with SPF 50 to help protect your color. Do not use mineral oil, petroleum based products, or products that will lighten the pigment.

  • Use a straw to drink any and all liquid. Avoid putting your healing lips directly on cups.

  • No scrubbing, rubbing or picking at the scabs that form. Allow it to flake off by itself. If it is removed before it is ready, the pigment underneath may be pulled out.

  • No cleansers and chemicals on the lips. Wash your face carefully avoiding the lip area for 5 to 7 days.

  • No moisture to the lips such as hot soups and hot drinks for 5 to 7 days

  • No biting into large foods. Cut food into tiny bites and place them into your mouth. Do not bite into greasy, oily, salty, or spicy foods.

  • No constant wiping with napkins or licking your lips as this will impede the healing process.

  • No water on the new pigmented areas as much as possible for the first 5 days. Have ointment on the lip area to protect them from water. Do not stand in front of the shower head when showering. Before brushing your teeth seal the lips with ointment first. Use a small amount of toothpaste. Use a straw to retrieve water to rinse with.

  • No bleaching or whitening your teeth while healing.

  • No direct sun exposure to the lips or tanning beds for one month. This is new skin and will sunburn easily. Direct sun may cause scarring and alter the pigment color.

  • No heat and steam such as hot showers, saunas and hot tubs until all scabs have fallen off. Steam will cause flakes to fall prematurely. When returning to these activities make sure you are patting your brows down.

  • No smoking while the lips are healing.

  • No kissing, rubbing, or friction on your newly tattooed lips until after 5 to 7 days.

Healing process ✦ This is a general timeline

  • Day 1: Lips will be very bright. You may experience swelling. This should subside within 24-48 hours.

  • Day 2: Your lips will appear darker than they were initially as they are oxidized.

  • Day 3-5: Your lips may begin to peel. Lips will appear patchy, light and possibly uneven.

  • Day 5-7: Major peeling is over.

  • Day 7-30+: Color will begin to resurface. For dark lip neutralization there will be periods where your lips look darker than how they were originally. Your lips are trying to regenerate. You will eventually see the new shade again.

Your lips may need two sessions or more to complete the look. The darker the lips the more sessions you will need. Please trust the process!

Long-term care ✦ How to maintain and protect your investment.

  • Keep your lips moisturized and keep yourself hydrated as this will help your lip blush to appear more fresh.

  • Keep a SPF balm with you to help shield your pigment from UV rays.

  • Schedule your touch up as needed. Everyone comes back at different times. You can text me photos if you have questions about a touch up.

  • Let your lips fade out so that your skin can make room for new pigment and for your results to stay looking natural.

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