Choosing your shade
The right colour depends on your skin undertone, your natural lip colour and the look you want. On many Indian skin tones, warm rose, peach and soft berry shades heal most naturally, while very cool pinks can look greyish on darker lips. The artist tests shades against your skin and explains how each is likely to heal, because the healed colour is always softer than the colour on the day. If your lips are dark, neutralization may be suggested before or with the tint, so the final shade looks clean rather than muddy.
Before your appointment
- If you get cold sores, tell us when you book so a doctor can advise on antiviral tablets.
- Keep your lips moisturised for a few days before, and avoid lip scrubs and peeling products.
- Tell us about recent lip fillers, medicines and any reactions to tattoos or pigments.
- Come without lipstick, and bring photos of lip colours you like.
Aftercare in the first weeks
Lips heal quickly but need gentle care. For the first week, keep them clean and moisturised with the balm the clinic recommends, avoid lipstick and lip scrubs, and keep them out of direct sun. Very hot, salty or spicy food can sting, so milder meals are easier for a few days. Flaking usually starts around the third day; picking the flakes can pull out pigment and leave patches. After healing, a lip balm with sunscreen helps the colour last longer.
Risks and how they are reduced
Most people heal without problems, but lip PMU is a cosmetic tattoo and has some risks. Cold sores can be triggered in people who carry the herpes simplex virus, which is why antiviral cover may be advised. Infection is reduced with sterile technique and single-use needles. Allergic reactions to pigment are possible, and a review of lip tattoo complications notes that red pigments are most often linked to reactions and that patch tests cannot predict every reaction. Rarely, lumps can form in the lips months later; any lump, persistent swelling or change in the lips should be checked by a doctor. Uneven or unwanted colour can often be improved with a PMU correction plan.
What affects the cost of lip blush?
The cost depends on whether you choose a tint, a lip line, neutralization or a combination, whether you are having a first treatment or a refresh, and whether the touch-up is included. Dark lips needing neutralization may need more sessions. Your artist explains the plan and total at your consultation.
Further reading
- Lip Blush Treatment Guide: Healing Stages, Pain & Aftercare
- Microblading vs Powder Brows: Semi-Permanent Makeup Options
Sources & Clinical References
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Tattoos & Permanent Makeup Clinical Fact Sheet
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology: Management of HSV-1 Prophylaxis in Cosmetic Lip Procedures
- Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery: Cosmetic Lip Tattoo Sequelae & Pigment Safety
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology: Colorimetry & Organic Pigments in Cosmetic Tattooing
