Getting beautiful, naturally-tinted lips is now possible with lip blush, a gentle form of cosmetic tattooing that enhances your lip color and shape. This semi-permanent makeup technique has gained popularity because it gives you that perfect “just-bitten” lip color that stays with you day and night. Whether you’re tired of applying lipstick every morning or want to fix uneven lip tone, lip blush can be your answer to wake up with perfectly colored lips every day. The best part is that you can adjust the color and shape as your skin changes over time, making it a flexible long-term beauty solution.
IS LIP BLUSH RIGHT FOR YOU?
Before diving into care instructions, let’s talk about who can benefit from lip blush. The good news is that this treatment works well for most people! It can help if you:
- Have naturally pale or uneven lip color
- Want to save time on your morning makeup routine
- Are looking for a natural-looking enhancement
- Want to slightly improve your lip shape without fillers
- Struggle with constantly reapplying lipstick
BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT: IMPORTANT PREPARATION STEPS
Getting ready for your lip blush treatment starts weeks before your actual appointment. Your lips need to be in their best condition to get the most beautiful results. Start by keeping your lips moisturized and healthy. Drink plenty of water and gently remove any dry skin with a soft lip scrub. This preparation helps the color take better to your lips and can improve your final results.
STOP THESE PRODUCTS EARLY
Two weeks before your appointment, you’ll need to stop using certain skin products. These include:
- Vitamin C serums
- Retinoids
- Glycolic treatments
- Chemical peels
These products help your skin renew itself, which is usually good. But for lip blush, we want your skin to stay stable so the color can set properly. Think of it like painting a wall – you want the surface to be clean but stable, not actively peeling or changing.
THE DAY BEFORE TREATMENT
The 24 hours before your appointment are crucial. During this time:
Avoid drinking coffee or alcohol, as these can make your lips more sensitive during the treatment. They might also cause more bleeding and bruising, which could affect how well the color stays in your lips.
If you take blood-thinning medications, talk to your doctor about stopping them temporarily. This is important for both your safety and the quality of your results.
SPECIAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
If you’ve ever had cold sores, even just once, this part is very important. You’ll need to take special medicine (called anti-viral medication) starting 2-3 days before your treatment and continue for 3-5 days after. This helps prevent cold sores from appearing after your lip blush treatment. Make sure to get this medicine from your doctor ahead of time.
For those who have used Accutane, you’ll need to wait one full year after finishing treatment before getting lip blush. This waiting period ensures your skin has returned to its normal state and can hold the color properly.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR LIPS AFTER TREATMENT
THE FIRST 24 HOURS: HANDLE WITH CARE
Right after your lip blush treatment, your lips will feel different. They might be a bit numb and swollen – this is normal! Some people experience more swelling than others, but don’t worry – it will go down. During this time:
Use the special sterile wipes given to you to clean your lips gently after 1-2 hours. This removes a clear yellow fluid that your body makes to help heal. This fluid is normal and part of your body’s healing process.
Put on a very thin layer of healing ointment (like A&D ointment, Aquaphor, or coconut oil) whenever your lips feel dry. Remember, less is more when it comes to ointment – you just need enough to keep your lips from feeling dry.
Be careful with eating and drinking. Use a straw when possible, and cut your food into small pieces. Stay away from very hot, cold, or spicy foods. This helps prevent irritation and ensures better healing.
DAYS 2-7: THE HEALING JOURNEY
During the first week, your lips will go through several changes:
The swelling usually goes down by day 2, but your lips will start to feel dry and might look flaky. This is perfectly normal – it’s your skin’s way of healing. Think of it like a snake shedding its skin – it needs to happen for the new, beautiful color to show through.
Keep using your healing ointment, but remember: a thin layer is enough. Using too much can irritate your lips and actually slow down healing. Apply it whenever your lips feel dry, but don’t overdo it.
The most important rule during this time is: Don’t pick at your lips! Let the dry skin fall off naturally. If you pick at it, you might remove some of the color too. This could lead to patchy results that need fixing later.
WHAT TO AVOID DURING HEALING
For the best results, stay away from:
- Swimming pools and saunas (water can affect healing)
- Putting on lip makeup for 7 days (let your lips heal naturally)
- Direct sunlight for the first week (sun can fade the color)
- Heavy exercise for 4-5 days (sweat can affect healing)
- Kissing for one week (yes, really!). Bacteria can cause infection.
LONG-TERM CARE TIPS
After your lips heal completely:
- Use sunscreen on your lips when you go outside
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Consider getting touch-ups every year to keep the color fresh
- Avoid harsh skin treatments around your mouth area
- Keep using gentle lip care products to maintain your results
WORKING WITH OTHER TREATMENTS
If you’re planning other beauty treatments, timing is important:
- Wait two weeks before or after Botox treatments
- Schedule laser treatments at least two weeks apart from your lip blush
- For lip fillers, wait one month before or after your lip blush
KEEPING YOUR LIP BLUSH LOOKING FRESH
Your lip blush can last 2-3 years, but you’ll notice the color getting lighter over time. Most people get a touch-up between 4-8 weeks after their first treatment to perfect the color. After that, yearly touch-ups help keep your lips looking fresh and vibrant. Think of these touch-ups like maintaining a garden – regular care keeps everything looking beautiful.
Still have some questions? Read out some common myths about Lip Blush Treatment to clear all your doubts. And, to learn more about lip blush and other permanent makeup solutions, follow Lips & Brows on Instagram.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: HOW LONG DOES LIP BLUSH SWELLING LAST?
A: Most swelling goes down within 48 hours, though some people might have minimal swelling for up to 3-4 days.
Q: CAN I GET LIP FILLERS WITH LIP BLUSH?
A: Yes, but wait one month before or after lip blush treatment to get fillers.
Q: WILL LIP BLUSH GIVE ME COLD SORES?
A: No, but if you’ve had cold sores before, take anti-viral medicine to prevent an outbreak.
Q: HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN WEAR LIPSTICK AGAIN?
A: Wait seven days after your lip blush treatment before applying any lip makeup.
Q: IS THE LIP BLUSH PROCEDURE PAINFUL?
A: Most people feel mild discomfort, and numbing cream is used to make the process more comfortable.