Lip Blush Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is "Lip Blush"? Will it look like lipstick?
Lip Blush is a semi-permanent soft stain. It does not provide a bold lipstick color or replace your lipstick, but gives your lips a soft, everyday tint. It can give the illusion of more lip symmetry, add even color to pale lips, and make a pout appear fuller in individuals where the natural lip border is more flesh colored. If you want a soft color during the work week, one that doesn't look overdone at the gym, and if you like to feel effortlessly put-together – this is it.
How long does it last?
Every client is individual but generally 2 years. Color retention depends on skin type, age, aftercare, sun exposure, use of certain products, the immune system, medications, and other health factors. All new lip blush include a complimentary touch up session. Touch ups can be booked as early as 6 weeks, and complimentary up to 10 weeks. Annual touch ups are recommended to prevent natural fading. Keeping lips moisturized to prevent premature flaking and shedding will prolong lip color. Using a non-medicated lip balm with SPF will also help to prolong the pigment longevity.
Who should not get Lip Blush?
As a precaution, I will not treat clients that: are under the age of 18, are pregnant/breastfeeding, are currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments, have been using Accutane within the last six months. Having lip filler is absolutely okay but you must wait at least one month after a lip filler session.
The following may indicate reasons why lip blush may not be recommended. If this pertains to you, please email/text in a photo of your lips prior to ensure you are a candidate before booking an appointment
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Lips that have lost a lot of laxity or have deeper wrinkles.
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Dark, purple or hyperpigmented may need an additional session to correct the cool undertones first before depositing the target color. Please email photos so I can provide a realistic quote if additional sessions are needed to reach our target color.
Can I get lip blush, if I'm prone to cold sores?
The trauma from the procedure will cause a cold sore breakout to those who have ever had a coldsore, which will ultimately affect your pigment retention and results. If you have ever, ever had a coldsore in the past, you must take the oral anti-viral pill, Valtrex, two days prior to treatment. I repeat, you must take Valtrex prior. The brand Abreva that is applied topically will dry out the skin too much affecting results, so only oral medication can be used for cold sore prevention before your lip blush sessions.
Does it hurt?
I prefer to use a no-numbing technique for at least the first pass and clients describe the pain level as 3 out of 10. This is my preferred method as topical numbing can change the consistency of the skin causing some resistance to accepting pigment. With numbing, the needle needs to be implanted deeper with more passes for proper pigment concentration causing more irritation and trauma. I will check in for the second pass and can apply numbing to finish off the session if the client cbooses so. The lips are a sensitive and vascular area and swelling will occur (and in some cases, potential bruising). Personal circumstances such as the time of a menstrual cycle may increase discomfort or the topical anesthetic may lose its intensity in regular smokers.
How can I prepare for my first permanent makeup appointment?
If you are prone to coldsores, take Valtrex two days prior to appointment. It is imperative to start preparing a week before for healthy lips for the best results, by frequently moisturizing with balms and vaseline, then exfoliating your lips the day before your appointment. With all permanent makeup, drinking lots of water and being well hydrated results in healthier skin and better healed results.
All new lip blush services require a 1 month touch up session. It is a two step process in which the follow up session is to fine-tune the color once we see how it heals within the skin. It is also an opportunity to if you choose to go bolder with the color. I like to go conservative in the first session as we can always add at the touch up.
How long does it last?
A color boost for eyebrows are recommended every 1-2 years to keep the color fresh. Longevity is dependent on skin type, health, implantation, care and lifestyle (see Aftercare for pigment-prolonging tips).
Typically the first lip treatment lasts for approximately 2.5 hours. The touch up treatment is approximately 1.5 hours. If you plan to go on a sun destination vacation, or your lips are evidently really tanned in the summer months, it is recommended that you do the procedure at least 3 weeks before or after your vacation or wait until the tanned lips subside. If you plan on getting filler, please wait at least one month after your last procedure.
Avoid any blood thinning medication 48 hours prior to first appointment. This includes vitamin E, aspirin, ibuprofen, gingko biloba and fish oil supplements.
Avoid alcohol 24 hours before your appointment because they all promote increased bleeding resulting in less absorption of pigment.
How many treatments are needed?
Generally, two sessions are standard, however there may be cases where additional treatments are required in more complicated circumstances (at an additional cost). For example, a tattoo cover up may require multiple sessions for proper color correction and coverup . You MUST notify me and email a photo of any previous tattoos to cover up before booking for assessment. It is not always possible to cover over old micropigmented areas, and sometimes removal methods must be attempted first.
Where do I start? How do I book? What are the methods of payment?
Debit, credit and cash are accepted forms of payment. All appointments are taken through the online calendar.