Lip Blushing:

Your Lips With A

Splash Of Color

Imagine a pout that radiates youth and vibrancy—welcome to our Lip Blushing experience. Over time, lips can lose their natural color and definition, leaving your smile looking tired and faded. Our advanced lip blushing treatment gently restores that youthful allure by delicately infusing your lips with long-lasting, natural pigment. The result is a soft, lip-stain finish that enhances your natural beauty, giving you fuller, luscious lips that light up your entire face. Ready to rediscover your perfect pout?

Image of a client receiving a lip blushing procedure, with a professional artist gently applying pigment to enhance the lips for a fuller, natural look.

What is Lip Blushing?

Sweet, Sultry, & Everything in Between

From the delicate blush of cotton candy pink to the bold allure of cherry red, the romantic depth of velvet wine, or the playful pop of strawberry sorbet, there’s a perfect shade to complement your unique beauty. Whether you prefer a soft wash of color or a more striking hue, Lip Blushing creates a naturally enhanced look—effortless and timeless.

Close-up of healed lip blushing with a soft, clay nude color, showcasing a natural, beautiful, and velvety finish.

Healed:

Lip Blush Techniques & Styles:

Close-up of traditional Lip Blushing with a soft, light pink color, fully saturating the lips for a lively and youthful appearance.

Traditional Style

A classic and versatile technique, traditional lip blushing provides seamless, all-over color, creating the effect of a soft lip stain or watercolor tint. This enhances the natural shape of the lips while adding a subtle flush of color that mimics a youthful, healthy glow.

Close-up of popsicle-style lip blushing, with color concentrated on the inner lips for a soft, luscious look, resembling the effect of eating a popsicle.

Popsicle Style

Inspired by the effortless beauty of lips stained by a sweet treat, the popsicle lip effect concentrates color at the center of the lips, gradually fading outward for a soft, diffused look. This technique gives a fresh and delicate gradient, leaving the borders of the lips with little to no defined pigment for an airy, natural finish.

Close-up of Ombre-style (Contour-style) lip blushing, with a darker shade on the outer edges and a lighter hue in the center, creating the illusion of fuller, plump lips.

Ombre Contour Style

Designed to enhance the fullness and dimension of the lips, contouring lip blushing uses a strategic gradient effect. A deeper shade is applied along the outer borders of the lips, while a lighter hue is blended toward the center, creating the illusion of a plush, voluminous pout. This technique is perfect for those looking to add soft definition and a sculpted appearance to their lips.

Each technique can be customized in tone and intensity to complement your natural lip color and desired aesthetic. Not sure which style is best for you? Let’s create the perfect look together!

Procedure Process:

Every step of the lip blushing procedure is carefully structured to ensure confidence and comfort before moving forward. This treatment is never rushed—ample time is allotted beyond the expected duration to accommodate any necessary adjustments. With that in mind, please plan accordingly and avoid scheduling any pressing commitments immediately after your appointment.

Consultation & Preparation

Upon arrival, we will discuss your desired lip blushing outcome, including color preferences and overall aesthetic goals. Feel free to bring inspiration photos or your favorite lipstick and gloss shades to help guide the color selection process. Before beginning, “before” photos will be taken to document your transformation.

The procedure starts with a gentle cleansing of the lips, followed by the application of a topical anesthetic to ensure maximum comfort. While numbing, a curated selection of pigment shades will be provided for review. Colors can be blended, adjusted, or customized to achieve the perfect shade. During this time, aftercare instructions and the healing process will also be discussed.

Pre-Drawing & Design Approval

Once numbing is complete, a precise Pre-Draw will be created, which typically takes 30-45 minutes. The design stays within the natural vermilion border, with slight refinements possible to enhance the cupid’s bow and overall symmetry. The design is carefully assessed from multiple angles—both lying down and sitting up—to ensure balance and proportion.

Before proceeding, the design will be thoroughly reviewed together, allowing for any necessary refinements. Whether a softer cupid’s bow, slightly rounded edges, or a more defined shape is preferred, adjustments will be made within reason until the design feels absolutely perfect. This is a collaborative process, ensuring complete satisfaction before moving forward.

The Lip Blushing Process

For hygiene and safety, all supplies are single-use and disposable. Pigments used are hypoallergenic and adhere to EU REACH Compliance, which upholds stricter safety standards than U.S. regulations.

The tattooing process consists of three passes over the upper and lower lips. Between each pass, additional numbing is applied to maintain comfort. Clients with higher sensitivity (such as those who experience discomfort at dental appointments) are encouraged to communicate any concerns, and numbing time can be extended if needed.

Before long, beautifully enhanced lips will be revealed, with a boost of confidence to match. One of the most common sentiments shared by clients is wishing they had done it sooner! With long-lasting color and effortless beauty, there’s no more need for constant lipstick or gloss reapplication—just naturally gorgeous lips, day after day.

Close-up of pale lips before a lip blushing procedure, showing minimal definition, very light color, and lips with filler.
Close-up of lips with a white outline marking the pre-draw for a lip blush procedure, showcasing the planned design and shape.
Close-up of lips halfway through a lip blushing procedure, showing beautiful color on one side and pale, untreated lips on the other side for a clear before-and-after comparison.
Close-up of finished lip blushing in a rich cranberry color, with a beaming smile from a satisfied client.

Contraindications

Lip Blushing is a safe and effective procedure; however, certain conditions may prevent treatment or require additional precautions. Please review the following contraindications carefully before booking your appointment to ensure you are a suitable candidate.

You are not a candidate for this procedure if:

  • Under 18 years old

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding (Must wait at least 3 months after giving birth or stopping breastfeeding)

  • Have taken antibiotics within 2 weeks of the procedure

  • Have received lip filler within 6 weeks of the procedure

  • Have had surgery within 8 weeks before or after the procedure

  • Have undergone an organ transplant

    • Must consult with a doctor and wait a minimum of 1 year

    • Must no longer be on anti-rejection medication

  • Have taken Accutane within the past 12 months

  • Have a heart condition, pacemaker, or defibrillator

  • Have epilepsy

  • Have a history of keloid scarring (raised scars)

  • Have an autoimmune disease and/or diabetes

    • Must consult with a doctor, and the condition must be stable

    • Must be aware that pigment retention may be lower, and Color Boosts may be needed sooner

  • Have hemophilia

  • Are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

    • Must consult with a doctor and provide written medical clearance

  • Are prescribed anticoagulant medication (blood thinners, including aspirin)

    • Must consult with a doctor

    • Must be aware that pigment retention may be lower, and Color Boosts may be needed sooner

  • Have HSV-1 (cold sores, fever blisters)

    • Must take antiviral medication 3 days before, the day of, and for 4 days after the procedure

  • Have dry, chapped lips

    • Must follow the required preparation instructions below

  • Are feeling sick or have a viral infection

If any of these conditions apply, please reach out prior to booking to discuss possible alternatives or necessary precautions. Your safety and satisfaction are the top priority.

Close-up of a woman applying lip scrub with fingers, showing sugar granules on lips and fingernails.

Preparation for Lip Blushing

Proper preparation is essential to achieving optimal pigment retention and long-lasting results. Please follow these guidelines carefully in the days leading up to your appointment.

Pre-Appointment Guidelines:

  • One week before your procedure:

    • Avoid aspirin and fish oil, as they can increase blood thinning.

    • If taking blood thinners, consult with your doctor prior to the procedure.

  • 72 hours before your procedure:

    • Discontinue the use of lipstick to keep the lips in their natural state.

  • 48 hours before your procedure:

    • Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol to minimize sensitivity and improve healing.

    • The longer you can abstain from these, the better your results will be.

Lip Hydration & Exfoliation:

To ensure the best possible retention, it is imperative to arrive with soft, well-moisturized lips. Dry or chapped lips can affect pigment absorption and healing.

Pre-Treatment Lip Care Routine:

  1. For 3-4 nights before your appointment, gently exfoliate your lips using a sugar scrub.

    • DIY Sugar Scrub: Mix sugar with a small amount of honey or coconut oil.

    • Massage onto lips for 1-2 minutes, then remove excess with a damp cloth.

  2. Apply a hydrating mask using coconut oil or shea butter and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before wiping off.

  3. Keep lips moisturized throughout the day with a nourishing lip balm.

Cold Sore (HSV-1) Precaution:

If you have ever experienced a cold sore, fever blister, or HSV-1, it is crucial to take antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak, which can affect healing and results.

  • Consult your doctor for a prescription (commonly Acyclovir or Valacyclovir).

  • Medication is typically taken 3 days before, the day of, and 4 days after the procedure.

  • Standard prescriptions often recommend 200 mg doses, taken 5-6 times per day (1,000-1,200 mg daily).

  • Always follow your doctor's guidance regarding dosage and duration.

For Clients with Darker Lips:

Clients with naturally darker lips or hyperpigmentation may require a neutralization session before achieving their desired pigment shade. Without this step, lips may heal with a cooler or darker undertone, sometimes resulting in an unnatural blue or gray tone.

  • Dark lips can have purple, brown, or uneven tones due to:

    • Hyperpigmentation from sun exposure, smoking, inflammation, scarring, medications, or hormonal changes.

    • Melanin-rich lips, common in individuals with naturally deeper pigmentation.

If you have darker lips and are considering Lip Blushing, a consultation is required before booking to discuss the process, expectations, and the possibility of neutralization treatments. For more information, please refer to the Neutralizing section.

By following these guidelines, you ensure the best possible healing and long-term results. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out before your appointment.

Neutralizing for Dark Lips

Close-up of hyperpigmented, melanin-rich lips before a lip blushing neutralization procedure to balance and even out the lip color.

Before

Close-up of lips partway through a lip blushing neutralization procedure, showing yellow pigment applied to balance hyperpigmented, melanin-rich lips—a normal part of the process."

During

Close-up of hyperpigmented, melanin-rich lips immediately after a lip blush neutralization procedure, showing fresh, balanced color.

After

Close-up of healed results from lip blush neutralization on hyperpigmented, melanin-rich lips, showing a beautifully balanced color with no more browns or purples.

Healed

This section applies only to clients with naturally dark lips, including those with purple or brown hues, uneven pigmentation, or hyperpigmentation spots.

If you have dark lips, neutralization may be required before selecting your desired Lip Blush color. This process ensures that pigment heals in a natural and flattering tone rather than developing cool or bluish undertones.

What is Lip Neutralization?

Neutralization is a specialized technique used to cancel out or balance dark undertones before applying traditional lip pigments. Simply tattooing a standard lip blush color onto dark lips will not heal true to color—instead, it can result in an unnatural blue, gray, or cool-toned outcome.

To prevent this, a specific combination of warm-toned pigments (such as yellow, orange, and peach-based shades) is used to counteract the cool undertones. After a neutralizing session, lips will initially appear in a lighter nude tone. As the healing process progresses, the pigment will soften by 30-40%, revealing the natural effect of the neutralization.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Since every client’s lips heal differently, multiple neutralizing sessions may be required before achieving the ideal base for Lip Blush. The number of sessions depends on how well your lips absorb and retain pigment during the healing process.

Once neutralization is complete and the lips have fully healed, we can either:

  1. Select a target shade for Lip Blush, ensuring that it enhances your natural beauty.

  2. Keep the neutralized tone, as some clients love the soft, natural warmth that the neutralization process provides and may choose not to add additional color.

Specialized Training & Expertise

Neutralizing dark lips is an advanced technique that requires specialized training. I have completed professional education in hyperpigmented and melanin-rich lips through Sculpted Studios, ensuring that the safest and most effective techniques are used for your unique needs.

If you have dark lips and are considering Lip Blushing, a consultation is required before booking to assess your lips and determine the best approach for your individual skin tone and goals.

Comparison of lip colors with labeled examples of light brown, brown, medium brown, dark brown, violet, full violet, blue, and full blue shades.

Aftercare & Healing Guidelines

Proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best results from your Lip Blush procedure. While full aftercare instructions will be provided during your appointment, these general guidelines will help you plan for your healing process and any upcoming events.

What to Avoid After Your Lip Blush Procedure:

  • Water Exposure: Avoid direct shower water pressure on the lips.

  • Spicy Foods: Refrain from consuming spicy foods for at least one week.

  • Kissing & Friction: Avoid kissing or any activity that creates friction on the lips for at least one week.

  • Touching & Exfoliation: No picking, scrubbing, or exfoliating the lip area for two weeks.

  • Exercise & Sweating: Avoid heavy exercise and excessive sweating for two weeks.

  • Swimming & Water Activities: No swimming or soaking the lips in water for two weeks.

  • Makeup & Skincare:

    • No lip makeup for two weeks.

    • Avoid cleansing products with glycolic acid, lactic acid, AHA, or exfoliating ingredients around the lips for two weeks.

    • Refrain from using anti-aging or acne treatment skincare products around the mouth area for two weeks.

  • Cosmetic Treatments: No facials, Botox, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion for four weeks.

  • Sun Exposure & Tanning: Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning for four weeks.

  • Lip Fillers: Wait at least eight weeks before getting lip fillers.

  • Smoking: Avoid smoking for at least 6-8 weeks. If you choose to smoke after that time, be aware that it can contribute to hyperpigmentation and darken the tattooed pigment over time.

Aftercare Instructions & Kit

Each client will receive an Aftercare Kit containing everything needed for proper healing. Your aftercare routine will include:

  • Cleansing the lips daily for 7 days

  • Keeping the lips moisturized for 14 days

Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided during your appointment to ensure a smooth healing process.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure long-lasting, beautiful results. If you have any questions about healing or aftercare, feel free to reach out before or after your appointment.

Illustration of the lip color healing process from Day 1 to 4–6 weeks, showing stages including swelling, darkening, peeling, and fully healed, even color.

Lip Blush Investment:

Investment: $499

Session Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Flexible Payment Options:

We understand that investing in your beauty should be hassle-free. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans through Cherry. Choose from our 3-month or 6-month interest-free options.

Color Boost:

Color boosts help maintain the vibrancy and definition of your lips over time. The frequency of color boosts varies based on factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and environmental influences, including:

  • Oily skin

  • Tanning or frequent sun exposure

  • Swimming in chlorinated pools

  • Use of anti-aging or acne treatments

  • Chemical peels or microdermabrasion

  • Autoimmune conditions

  • Hormonal imbalances

Typical Color Boost Timeline: first Color Boost within 12 months, then every 3 years.

Color Boost Pricing:

  • 8 to 12 weeks: $120

  • 3 months to 12 months: $150

  • 12 months to 18 months: $175

  • 1.5 years to 2 years: $199

  • 2 years to 2.5 years: $299

  • 2.5 years to 3 years: $350

  • 3 years to 3.5 years: $399

  • 3.5 to 4 years: $450

  • 4 years or more: $499

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Still Have Questions About Lip Blushing?

If you’ve read through our Lip Blush page and still have questions, feel free to submit our inquiry form. We’re here to assist with any additional details you may need before booking your appointment.