What to Expect When Getting Permanent Lip Makeup

Whenever you are thinking about doing something permanent to your body like getting a tattoo, getting a piercing, or having permanent makeup (PMU) applied, you should always understand the benefits, risks, and what to expect the process to involve. Although the  top PMU applications like permanent eyeliner, permanent lipstick, lip blushing, eyebrow microblading, and permanent freckles don’t always last as long as traditional tattoos, it is still a long-term commitment lasting 1-5 years. Because permanent lip makeup healing can be different than the process for eyeliner or microblading, it is important to understand what to expect for the specific type of permanent makeup that you are considering.

What is the difference between permanent lipstick and lip blush?

Individual artists may have different terms for their techniques including lipstick tattoo, lip tattoo, permanent lipstick, permanent makeup lips, or lip blush. Deciding which of these techniques is better for you is going to be determined by several factors. The two main methods of permanent lip makeup have different application processes and differing results.

Traditional Permanent Lipstick:

In general, the traditional method of permanent lipstick provides a more defined lip line. It may even augment or re-shape your natural lip line. Your lips will then be filled in with a more saturated solid color. This method results in lips that look more like traditional lipstick. Because this method can be done with more needles than lip blush, it is a little faster. It also goes a little deeper and uses more permanent lip pigment so you can expect the results to last 3-5 years with touchups.

Lip Blush :

Lip blush is a much more subtle technique that follows your natural lip line The artist may forego lining your lips altogether and rather blend or shade the pigment to the edge of your lips to create a more subtle line. This method does not usually change the shape of your natural lip line very much. With this method, the needlework is done with a lighter hand to blend the pigments into your skin resulting in a more natural look more similar to a lip tint or gloss instead of an opaque lipstick. Additionally, the way the needle is worked into the skin promotes your body to naturally release collagen into your lips acting as a natural and subtle lip plump at the same time. This method can last 1-3 years with touchups.

How do I prepare for lip blush or permanent lipstick?

Properly preparing for any permanent makeup application can ensure that you have the best possible results. Make sure to hydrate your lips well from the inside and the outside. It is always a good habit to drink plenty of water, but this is especially true before a permanent makeup application. Make sure that you are using a good balm to moisturize your lips ahead of time so that you do not arrive with dry or cracked lips. Our aftercare  actually makes a great lip moisturizer!

If you have ever (even one time) had a cold sore or fever blister, you should contact your doctor before your application to discuss the procedure and find out if they recommend a course of Acyclovir before, during, and after your permanent makeup application to ensure that you do not experience any complications during the healing process. Some permanent makeup artists may require this.

It is also important to avoid alcohol 24 hours before and after your appointment as it can thin your blood and cause excess bleeding.

What is the healing process like?

There are two methods of healing for permanent lip makeup dry heal and wet heal. Because the older method of dry healing is outdated and can lead to scabbing and inferior color, we will be focusing on wet healing in this article. While there may be subtle differences between the healing process for lip blushing and permanent lipstick, you can expect them to be pretty similar.

Immediately after application, the color of your permanent makeup will always look more saturated and pigmented than the healed result. It will continue to darken slightly throughout the day. Your lips may look a little swollen and feel tender. This is completely normal and is expected to last 1-2 days. Your artist may instruct you to blot your lips with a clean cotton pad periodically and apply an aftercare product to keep your lips moist. Make sure to follow all of their instructions.

Around day 3, the color may start to look white and frosty as your lips start flaking and peeling. Keep your lips hydrated using an aftercare product and allow the flakes to fall off naturally. Never peel or pick at your lips as this can increase the risk of infection and lead to improper or uneven healing. Gradually over the next two weeks, the color will return to your lips and the flaking will stop.

After about a month, your application is considered healed. This is when you will return to touch up any areas needing more saturation or adjust the shape as needed. Although this appointment will not be as intense, make sure to prepare for this appointment the same way that you did for your last. If you previously took Acyclovir for cold sores or fever blisters, check with your doctor and artist to see if it is necessary to continue the treatment for touchups.

For best results, we recommend that you always follow your permanent makeup artist’s aftercare instructions and reach out to them immediately if something doesn’t feel right.

Whichever permanent lipstick method you choose, it is important to use only the best permanent makeup lip pigments to ensure outstanding results.

Shop our website to find the best lip pigments and other vegan permanent makeup pigments including eyebrow microblading pigments, permanent eyeliner pigments, and more.