Thanks to Ms. Kylie Jenner – and a slew of influencers who have modelled themselves in her likeness – lip fillers have been all the rage for the past few years. However, a new lip trend has emerged recently: lip blushing. 

What is Lip Blushing?

Lip blushing is a form of semi-permanent makeup, similar to eyebrow microblading. It’s a cosmetic tattoo that lasts several years and it’s used to colour and define the lips. This procedure can be used to enhance your lips and make them appear fuller, just as you would with lip liner, except that this lasts way longer.

The Benefits of Lip Blushing

Theoretically, you can choose whatever color you want for your lip blush. If you’re a huge fan of red lipstick, then you could always go and make it permanent. However, most people tend to choose a shade that’s fairly similar to their natural color, but a little pinker and more pigmented. 

Lip blushing gives a pretty yet natural look. It subtly enhances the lips and makes them appear fuller, which can help to take years off for older women. However, it won’t drastically alter your face.

One of the biggest benefits of lip blushing is that it can last anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on your body chemistry, the quality of pigment used and your aesthetician’s technique. 

Lip Blushing vs Lip Filler

Although lip blushing makes the lips appear fuller, it doesn’t actually alter their shape. It simply serves to enhance and define. Lip filler, on the other hand, actually adds height and volume to the lips, but their colour doesn’t change.

Lip blushing has a higher upfront cost associated. However, lip blushing will last for at least two years, whereas fillers have to be topped up every 3-6 months. Therefore, lip blushing is usually more cost-effective in the long run. 

Many people consider the lip blushing procedure less invasive than filler injections. 

If you wish to combine the two, you will need to wait for at least six months after having a filler injection to have lip blushing. However, you only need to wait three weeks after lip blushing to receive fillers. Therefore, if you’d like both, it’s best to go for blushing first and then follow up with filler afterwards.

Before The Procedure

You will usually need to have an initial consultation before scheduling your session. Your aesthetician will discuss which colors you need and answer any questions you have.

Prior to the procedure it’s advised that you don’t drink alcohol or take any blood thinning medication for at least 48 hours beforehand; this includes ibuprofen, aspirin and caffeine. No coffee could be a deal breaker for some!  

If you use skin resurfacing ingredients in your skincare, such as retinol or AHAs, then it’s best to discontinue use at least six weeks before your lip blushing procedure. 

Many practitioners also recommend taking an antiviral tablet beforehand to prevent the appearance of cold sores, whether or not you usually suffer from them.

The Procedure Itself

The lip blushing procedure itself takes two to three hours. Small needles are used to add tiny ‘pixels’ of pigment to your lips, layer by layer. Your aesthetician will apply numbing cream and you won’t feel any pain, although you might experience a tingling feeling or some mild discomfort.

Aftercare

Lip blushing tends to heal faster than microblading; usually 5-10 days after the procedure. 

After 1-2 days, your lips will begin to scab and peel. Whatever you do, don’t pick these scabs or go to the dentist right after the procedure – opening wide will not be fun. 

The biggest part of lip blushing aftercare is using a topical emollient to protect your lips. This basically means applying Vaseline or Aquaphor all day, every day. If you’re already a lip balm addict like me, this shouldn’t be too much of a struggle. Don’t use anything with color or fragrance, though, as you don’t want to cause irritation.

You should also avoid exercise and spicy foods for at least 48 hours. Unlike microblading, lip blushing doesn’t require you to avoid sweating and exercise completely since you don’t actually sweat from your lips – that would be weird. However, you don’t want sweat to drop onto your lips as this interferes with the healing process and could even lead to an infection. Therefore, until your lips have fully healed, apply plenty of Vaseline whilst exercising – or just go for something less sweaty, like yoga.

It’s best to continue to avoid AHAs and retinoids for 14 days after the procedure. However, if you really need to use them, you should be okay to do so as long as you apply a thick layer of Vaseline to your lips first.

You should also avoid sun exposure for two weeks, as well as saunas, swimming pools and tanning beds. 

The End Results

After the treatment, your lips will appear swollen and the color will look opaque. However, don’t be alarmed as the color will fade to around 50% pigment. This will give you the natural ‘blushed’ look you’re after. Then, you will usually have a touch up appointment after 6-8 weeks. 

For more on beauty, check out this guide to gua shas or my guide to creating an ethical beauty routine.