What to Expect When Getting Permanent Lip Makeup

Any time you consider making a permanent change to your body like getting a piercing, getting a tattoo, or having permanent makeup (PMU) applied, you should always know what the process entails and weigh the benefits and risks. Although the  top PMU applications such as permanent lipstick, lip blushing, permanent eyeliner, eyebrow microblading, and permanent freckles are considered “semi-permanent” unlike traditional tattoos, this long-term commitment can last 1-5 years. Because the healing process for permanent lip makeup can be different from permanent eyeliner or microblading, it is important to understand what to expect for this specific permanent makeup application.

What is the difference between permanent lipstick and lip blush?

Individual artists may have different terms for their techniques including permanent lipstick, lip blush, lipstick tattoo, or lip tattoo. All of these techniques use the same lip pigments in different ways. Your personal preference and desired look will determine which of these techniques is better for you. These two methods of permanent lip makeup have different results due to their application techniques.

Traditional Permanent Lipstick :

Generally, the traditional method of permanent lipstick has a more defined line and bolder all-over color. The artist can even augment or re-shape your natural lip line. A more saturated solid color will be applied throughout your lips. If you are looking for a result that is more like solid traditional lipstick, this is the best method for achieving that. Because this method can be done with more needles than lip blush, it is a little faster. This method goes a little deeper than lip blush and uses more permanent lip pigment; therefore, you can expect the results to last 3-5 years with regular touchups.

Lip Blush:

Lip blush follows your natural lip line for a much more subtle look. In fact, the artist may not line the lips at all. Instead, they may blend and shade the pigment to the edge of your lips to create a more subtle effect and preserve your natural lip line. The artist will use a lighter touch with the needle to blend the lip pigments into your skin for a more natural look similar to a lip tint or gloss instead of an opaque lipstick. Additionally, the way this technique is performed promotes your body to naturally release collagen into your lips acting as a simultaneous natural and subtle lip plump. Because less pigment and a lighter hand are used, this method typically only lasts 1-3 years with touchups.

How do I prepare for lip blush or permanent lipstick?

For the best results with your permanent makeup application, always properly prepare ahead of time. Hydrating your lips from the inside and the outside is the best step to take in advance. While it is always essential to drink plenty of water, this is especially true before a permanent makeup application. Always use a good natural lip moisturizer ahead of time so that you do not arrive at your appointment with dry or cracked lips. For instance, our aftercare makes a great organic lip moisturizer!

If you have had a cold sore or fever blister even one time in your life, contact your doctor before your application to discuss the procedure and find out if they recommend a course of anti-viral medication 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 medication, so check with them beforehand.

Make sure to avoid alcohol at least 24 hours before and after your appointment as it is a blood thinner and may lead to excess bleeding.

What is the healing process like?

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

On the day of your application, the color of your permanent makeup will always look more saturated and pigmented than the healed result will be. As it oxidizes, it may continue to darken throughout the first 24 hours. Your lips may feel sore and look a little swollen. This normal part of the healing process is expected to last 1-2 days. Your artist may give you instructions to apply an aftercare product to keep your lips moist and to blot your lips with a clean cotton pad periodically. Always follow their instructions.

Around the third day, your lips may start flaking, peeling, and look white or frosty. Make sure to keep your lips moisturized using an aftercare product and allow the flakes to fall off naturally, never pick ar or peel off the flakes. Doing this can increase the risk of infection and lead to improper or uneven healing. Over the next two weeks, the flaking will stop and the color will gradually return to your lips.

After about 30 days, your application is considered healed. At this point, you will return to your artist to adjust the shape as needed or touch up any areas requiring more saturation. This appointment will not be as intense; however, make sure to prepare for this appointment the same way that you did for your last including following the instructions about any anti-viral medication that you are required to take.

Throughout the process, always follow your permanent makeup artist’s instructions and contact them immediately if something doesn’t feel right. This will help ensure proper healing and reduce your risk for infection.

Regardless of the permanent lipstick method you choose, it is important to use only the best permanent makeup lip pigmentspermanent makeup lip pigments for beautiful and long-lasting results.

Shop on our website to find the best lip pigments and other vegan cosmetic pigments in Europe including scalp pigments, our REACH Approved Quantum Platinum Label pigments , and more.