The Most Common Questions I Get About Lip Blush (Answered!)
Thinking about getting lip blush but still have questions? Totally get it. As a permanent makeup artist, I get asked a lot about this treatment—from pain levels and healing to color choice and results. I’m always happy to answer questions because I want you to feel 100% comfortable before trusting me with your beautiful face! Here’s a roundup of the most common questions I receive (and the honest answers you’re probably looking for).
First of all, what is lip blush?
Lip blush is a type of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing that enhances the natural color, shape, and symmetry of the lips. It's done with a tattooing machine that deposits pigment into the lips in layers, creating a soft, sheer tint. Clients seek this beauty enhancement out for a variety reasons, but let’s talk about the main reasons:
Helps with creating a low-maintenance beauty routine.
Dealing with the maintenance of makeup as part of our beauty routines in general can be tiring and time-consuming, but makeup that involves the lips is up near the top of the high-maintenance list. Why? Because we use our lips all the time. Every time we talk, eat, drink, kiss, swim, shower, or even make a facial expression is an opportunity for our makeup to smudge, fade, or worse- get on our teeth! With lip blush, gone are the days of worrying if you need to reapply constantly throughout the day. Your day can start with “just woke up like this” and end it with “going to bed like this”- how freeing!Adds color to pale or uneven lips
Gone are the days of carefully applying lip products to even out asymmetries in your lips or having to reapply all day just so they “pop”. You would be surprised at how many of us correct asymmetries without even realizing it when we do our makeup. And even if you have symmetrical lips, aging and the sun both can do damage to our lips. Over time with aging, the natural rosy tint of our lips fades due to reduced blood flow and pigment changes in the skin. That crisp edge where your lips meet your skin softens, making lip shape look less defined, and lipstick feathering becomes more noticeable as we develop fine lines and wrinkles (fun!). Adding our bright Arizona sun to the mix works by speeding up those changes. But with lip blush treatment, you get the benefit of youthful, perfectly pigmented lips every day.
Will It Make My Lips Look Bigger?
Yes—visually, not physically. By correcting symmetry and softly defining the edges of your lips, lip blush gives a plumper, more youthful look. But I stay within your natural lip border (no overlining here). If you want physically bigger lips, hyaluronic acid fillers are a better option. Clients often get lip blush done to their filled lips for a real power combo 💥
Do expect some swelling after the initial procedure- that is your body working its healing magic after the procedure!
Will I Still Need Lipstick?
Maybe not. Most clients say they use less makeup daily because their lips already look “done.” But lip blush won’t stop you from applying your favorite bold lip—just layer it on top of your healed pigment.
Does Lip Blush Hurt?
Most clients are surprised by how tolerable it is. I apply a professional-grade numbing agent to keep you comfortable. You’ll feel light pressure and a “scratchy” sensation, but nothing unbearable. Most clients would describe lip blushing pain as about a 3 or 4 out of 10, but everyone’s pain tolerance is different- which is why I check in with you before and throughout the process to make sure you are comfortable.
Will the Color Be Too Bright or Fake?
Nope. Lip blush is custom-blended to flatter your skin tone and match your goals—whether you're going for “just-bitten” pink, warm coral, or a barely-there nude. While it is helpful for you to bring your favorite shade of lipstick, I base my pigment choice on color theory- that is, using color science to analyze your features and undertones to find the most flattering match for you. The pigment heals softer than what you see on day one (expect a 40–60% fade during healing). Your immediate results will look much bolder than the final look, so don’t panic!
Want to see more real client results? Head over to the gallery.
What’s the Healing Process Like?
Expect a few stages over 7–10 days:
Day 1–2: Slight swelling and a bold color
Day 3–5: Peeling and dryness
Day 6–10: Fading into a softer, natural shade
You’ll see your final color settle in over the next several weeks, and make sure you attend your touch-up lip blush session!
Pro tip: Hydrate, avoid sun, and skip spicy food during healing.
How Long Does Lip Blush Last?
Lip blush typically lasts 2 to 3 years, with occasional fading. It lasts longer on dry lips and lighter on oily or mature skin. I recommend a touch-up every 12–18 months to keep the color fresh.
Who Should NOT Get Lip Blush?
Lip blush is safe for most people, but it’s not recommended if you are:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Taking Accutane
Have uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune conditions
Prone to keloid scarring
⚠️ If you’ve had cold sores, take an antiviral like Valtrex 2 days before your appointment.
What Should I Do to Prep?
Gently exfoliate and hydrate lips the week before
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and ibuprofen 24 hours prior
No tanning or lip fillers for 2 weeks before your appointment
Take an antiviral if you’re prone to cold sores
For more frequently asked questions on prep, aftercare, the procedure, etc, check out our detailed FAQ.
💬 Still Have Questions?
You deserve to feel 100% confident before getting a cosmetic tattoo. If you’re unsure, I offer free consultations so we can talk it through, match a color to your natural tone, and plan the look that fits you.
🔗 Book a free lip blush consult
📷 View before + after gallery
📩 Have a question? Send me a DM or use this form →