Though the technique first became popular in the 90s and then fell off the mainstream radar, modern refinements like advanced and higher quality cosmetic tattoo inks and specialized tattoo machines have brought it back into the spotlight. It’s never been easier to get lips so subtly enhanced that you could have been born this way.

The great news about lip blush tattoo appointments and all PMU appointments is that they include very little pain, no downtime and great reward. The instant gratification of permanent makeup is something that will keep you coming back for more.  So, if you’re ready to find out if the hype about velvet lip blushing is true (and it totally is), then here is what you expect from a lip blush procedure, and how do you need to prepare for it.

Prior To Your Appointment

It’s important to follow all pre-care that your artist has recommended before attending your lip blush appointment. A few of the big things include being off of all antibiotics for four weeks or more, no caffeine, and no working out or blood thinning medications (like ibuprofen) day of (you don’t want to be extra sensitive). No alcohol the night before either, as tempting as that wine with dinner sounds, it can make you extremely dehydrated, can make lip blushing painful and cause bleeding which will then affect your ability to be tattooed and lips to heal well. There are a few other important things to follow, so make sure you check your instructions from your artist at time of booking.

LIP BLUSHING: WHAT TO EXPECT

It’s easy to see why lip blushing has taken the beauty world by storm. This form of cosmetic tattoo adds a tint of color to your lips, making them look perfectly shaped, plusher, and more defined.

This is what you can expect during your appointment:

• You should plan to bring a favorite lipstick, lip-gloss, ChapStick or photos of colors you prefer for your artist to match.
• You can choose from a vast number of lip blush colors, but a lip blush really shines with a natural, your-lips-but-better palette.
• An experienced lip blush artist will be able to talk to you about what colors will best meld with your natural complexion for an elegant but noticeable difference.
• During a lip blush procedure itself, you’ll get comfortable while your artist applies a numbing cream to your lips after the shape is chosen and approved.
• Your artist will then take careful time selecting and mixing a custom pigment tone for you.
• Once the cream has taken effect, your lip blush artist will use a single nano needle to deposit the ink onto your lips.
• Once the artist starts working on your lips, the actual lip blush procedure usually takes less than one hour!

Because a lip blush is a form of tattoo, you might experience a little discomfort; most people rate it as a three on a scale of ten.

What to Expect After Your Lip Blush Tattoo Appointment

Once your lip blush procedure is complete, all you have left is the aftercare. During the healing process, sticking to your lip blush aftercare instructions your artist provides is the best way to make your color last for years to come.

This is what you can expect after your appointment:

• Your lips may be slightly swollen in the immediate aftermath, and the color will likely be very bright.
• The next day will be your darkest day of color before your lips start to chap. Don’t worry–the color will fade throughout your healing until it matches the shade you picked out.
• After the first day or two, your lips will start to chap as they heal.
• You may find your lips will be a bit light for a week or two after the chapped stage.
• Color will balance out around week four.
• You’ll wake up every day with the most luxurious lip color professionally matched to your skin tone without ever having to reach for your makeup bag.

You must use the ointment or moisturizer your artist has given you for the entire first week to prevent your lips from becoming too dry and losing color. You should also try to stay out of the sun and avoid swimming or other chemicals for at least two weeks after your lip blush procedure. Within six weeks, your lips will be healed and then it’s time for a quick touchup.

After all is said and done you will have fabulously blushed lips for 2-3 years. You can refresh them every 6-months if you like or wait until they fade and then refresh. At your refresh appointments you can change color.

Where to Get Lip Blush Tattoo?

At DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo, our work is rooted in trust, intention, and results that feel like you—just elevated. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of serving more than 25,000 clients locally and from around the world, building relationships that extend far beyond the treatment room.

DAELA is consistently recognized as the highest customer reviewed permanent makeup studios. With over 3,000 five-star reviews across platforms, that recognition isn’t something we take lightly—it reflects the care, artistry, and experience we strive to deliver to every single client.

You can visit us at either of our studio locations:

DAELA Scottsdale
Kierland Commons, Scottsdale, Arizona
Book your Scottsdale appointment

DAELA Portland
Downtown Portland, Oregon
Book your Portland appointment

About the Author

Lina Anderson is celebrated as one of the best permanent makeup artists in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. As Co-Owner of DAELA Cosmetic Tattoo, Lina is an expert in creating stunning, natural results through advanced permanent makeup techniques. Licensed in Oregon and Washington, she holds certifications in Velvet Lip from Art Face London, Areola Restoration in Texas, Mandy Sauler Scar Camouflage, and Permablend in North Carolina.

Specializing in lip blush tattoos and 3D areola restoration, Lina delivers transformative results with unmatched precision. A certified provider with Kaiser Permanente, she simplifies the process for paramedical clients with insurance billing services. Featured in The Columbian, Arizona’s Family News, and recognized as a VBJ Accomplished Under 40 honoree, Lina’s reputation as the best in the industry is well-earned. For flawless lip blush tattoos, scar camouflage, or areola restoration, Lina Anderson is the name to trust.