Lip Blushing Cost: What You Need To Know
Cosmetic tattoos like microshading have been a popular choice for no-makeup makeup the past few years, but did you know you can tattoo your lips, too? Lip blushing can rejuvenate and breathe new life into your lips.
Whether you’re looking to define your lips or replicate the shade of your favorite lipstick, you’re probably wondering how much lip blushing costs. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of lip blushing and how much you can expect to pay for this popular service so you can book your appointment with confidence.
Lip blushing cost
Lip blushing costs an average of $366, according to our internal data. The average cost ranges from $100 to $620, but some experts charge over $1,000 for their services. This might seem expensive, but keep in mind that lip blushing is a semi-permanent service that lasts several years. Some permanent makeup artists will include touch-ups in the initial price, but you’ll need to confirm with your service provider.
For an idea of how much you might pay for a lip blushing appointment, check out our chart below. Some states have been excluded due to a lack of data.
| State | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| AZ | $325 |
| CA | $308 |
| CT | $300 |
| FL | $351 |
| GA | $151 |
| IL | $270 |
| KY | $471 |
| MD | $100 |
| MI | $454 |
| MO | $617 |
| NJ | $295 |
| OH | $329 |
| OR | $506 |
| TN | $350 |
| TX | $368 |
| VA | $620 |
| WI | $555 |
| *Data may not reflect actual prices on StyleSeat due to limited data availability |
What is lip blushing?
Lip blushing is a permanent makeup technique that enhances the shape and color of your lips. It’s similar to a lip tattoo, but like other permanent makeup techniques, lip blushing uses a different type of pigment and technique compared to traditional tattoos.
This means that lip blushing is actually a semi-permanent procedure, similar to microblading. The pigment isn’t deposited very deeply into your lips and it’s metabolized by your body, so the effects only last for a few years.
Who should try lip blushing
If you’re looking for a way to even out your lip color, correct your lip shape, or subtly change your lip color, then lip blushing could be a good option for you. It’s possible to achieve a dramatic effect with lip blushing, such as a darker color, but if you’d like to significantly change the shape of your lips, then lip blushing may not be the best option.
There are also some conditions that might prevent you from lip blushing, such as:
- Eczema or other skin conditions on or around your lips
- Being pregnant or nursing
- Receiving lip filler within the last month
If you have an immune disorder, you might want to see a doctor before your appointment. Immune disorders can increase the chances of infection, so your doctor may advise against this service.
If you get cold sores, you must visit your doctor for a prophylactic antiviral medication before getting the procedure done. This will reduce the chances of getting one (or many) cold sores during the healing process, which is both painful and can negatively impact the final look of your lips.
Does lip blushing hurt?
Lip blushing isn’t a pleasant sensation, but it shouldn’t be a painful procedure. Most clients report that lip blushing feels like scratching on your lips and is very manageable. Your permanent makeup artist will use numbing cream to help dull the sensation, and shouldn’t spend longer than an hour on your lips per session to reduce swelling.
If you’re experiencing a lot of pain during your procedure, this could be a sign that your artist is inexperienced. During lip blushing, the artist should use a much lighter hand than a tattoo. If you’re still in a lot of pain after the numbing cream, your artist might be pressing too hard.
The best way to avoid a painful experience is to research artists before booking your appointment. Your artist might offer other cosmetic tattoos, like eyebrow feathering, but you’ll want to see a robust portfolio of lip blushing before booking them.
Here’s what to look for in a reputable permanent makeup artist:
- Proper cosmetic tattooing licenses as required by your state
- Extensive past and ongoing training
- Portfolio featuring before and after photos of completely healed work
- Positive client reviews
- Strict sanitation policies
- Openness about products and techniques used
Lastly, you should trust your gut. If you meet with an artist and feel uncomfortable about their qualifications, work, or studio, then don’t proceed. You should be able to voice all your concerns and ask as many questions as you need.
Lip blushing is generally semi-permanent, but using the wrong technique or pigment can make it last longer, which isn’t ideal if you’re not happy with the result. There’s no shortage of great artists who will make you feel completely comfortable, so don’t be afraid to check out multiple estheticians.
Appointment preparation and aftercare
Not sure what to expect from your lip blushing appointment? Here’s how you can prepare for the smoothest experience:
- Avoid caffeine or alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
- Gather your favorite tinted lip products to give your artist color inspiration
- Save reference photos for your desired lip shape and color
Once your appointment is over, the healing process lasts around two weeks, or as long as it takes your lips to stop peeling. Your artist will send you home with all the information you need to heal your lips, but you should generally follow these steps throughout the healing process:
- Use a lip balm free of flavors, tints, or scents to keep your lips moist and reduce the chance of irritation
- Avoid sun exposure, exposure to water, and touching lips
- Skip spicy, sour, or salty foods for a few days after the appointment
Your lips will be most sensitive for the first four or so days after your appointment. During this time, your lips might swell and the color will look much darker than intended. Don’t worry about the color — all cosmetic tattoos, even eyebrow tattoos, are much darker before they heal to the intended color.
Some people achieve their desired lips in one session, while others might need a follow-up appointment to even out the color. Once your lips are all healed, the blushing should last two to three years.
FAQ
Lip blushing lasts two to three years depending on the type of pigment used and your body’s healing process.
If you’re looking to even out your lip pigmentation, create a more symmetrical shape, or change your lip color, lip blushing can be worth the money. The results can help boost your confidence and even cut down on the amount of tinted lip products you use.
There’s no harm in booking a consultation with a permanent makeup artist to see if it’s possible to achieve your desired shape and color with lip blushing.
Permanent makeup artists numb your lips before lip blushing, so it shouldn’t be very painful. Many people describe the sensation as light scratching during the appointment. In the following days, your lips will also be a bit sore.
If you’re experiencing a lot of pain during or after your lip blushing appointment, this could be a sign of an inexperienced permanent makeup artist or a negative reaction to the pigment. Get in touch with your doctor if you’re worried that you’re having a negative reaction after a lip bushing session.
Lip blushing can be done in one to two sessions. In tricky cases, like if you have very uneven pigmentation on your natural lips, it may take more. Do careful research about your permanent makeup artist and meet with them beforehand for an idea of how many sessions you’ll need to achieve your desired look.
If you’re ready for the “I woke up like this” pout, it may be time to book an appointment with our community of permanent makeup pros.
