Lip Blushing Preparing



Lip Blushing Pre-treatment

Introduction

Sarah has always dreamed of waking up with soft, rosy lips that don’t fade by lunchtime. After learning about Lip Blush – a popular form of permanent lip color – she finally booked an appointment at our beauty clinic in Vancouver, BC. But as excited as she is to toss her daily lipstick, Sarah feels a few butterflies 😅. What should she do before the big day to ensure everything goes perfectly? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.

Why Preparing Is Important

Why all the fuss about pre-treatment prep? Think of your lips as a canvas – the smoother and healthier the canvas, the better the art. 💋 Preparing your lips and body before a lip blushing treatment helps in a few crucial ways:

  • Better Pigment Retention: Proper prep (like avoiding things that thin your blood) means less bleeding during the procedure. Less bleeding helps the color absorb evenly instead of being diluted. In short, prep helps your new lip color “stick” better for longer.
  • Less Irritation & Surprises: Coming in well-rested, hydrated, and without caffeine or alcohol in your system will make the experience more comfortable. You’ll likely feel less sensitivity or swelling. Good prep can even reduce the chance of pesky side effects, like excessive bruising or triggering a cold sore.
  • Safety First: Lip blushing is generally very safe, but it’s still a **tattoo** on your skin. Following guidelines (like abstaining from certain meds, or taking antiviral pills if you’re prone to cold sores) protects your health. It’s all about minimizing risks so you heal beautifully.
  • Optimal Results: We all want **natural-looking lips** from lip blushing – that soft tint that makes you look effortlessly fresh. Preparing well means your lips will be in the best condition to receive the pigment, leading to more even color and a gorgeous outcome. It’s the difference between an okay result and an amazing one.

Lip Blushing Pre-Treatment Prep Checklist

Below is a handy checklist to guide you through the do’s and don’ts before your lip blushing appointment. We’ve organized it by timeframe, so you know what to do as your appointment gets closer. Use it as your countdown to beautiful lips!

Timeframe To Do ✅ Not To Do 🚫
2–4 Weeks Before
  • 🗓️ **Plan Ahead:** Schedule any lip fillers at least 4 weeks before your lip blush (or plan fillers a month after). Give your lips time between major treatments.
  • 💧 **Hydrate Daily:** Start moisturizing your lips every day. Use a nourishing lip balm before bed to ensure your lips are soft and healthy.
  • 🌞 **Sun Protection:** If you’ll be in the sun, wear SPF on your lips. Avoid sunburn or tanning your lips for at least 2 weeks pre-appointment – sunburned lips can’t be treated.
  • 🍊 **Stop Harsh Skincare:** Discontinue any strong retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids on your lips at least 2 weeks prior. These can thin the skin. Let your lips be in their natural state.
  • 💉 **No New Injectables:** Avoid new lip fillers or Botox in the lip area within 4 weeks of your appointment.
  • 💊 **No Accutane:** If you’re on Accutane (isotretinoin) or similar acne medication, you must be off it for at least 6–12 months before lip blushing (it affects healing).
  • ☀️ **No Tanning:** Do not use tanning beds or purposely tan your face/lips in the weeks leading up. UV exposure can make your lips more sensitive and dry.
  • 🚬 **Avoid Smoking (if possible):** Smoking can dry and irritate your lips. Cutting back in the weeks before can improve your healing and results.
1 Week Before
  • 🧖‍♀️ **Gentle Exfoliation:** A few days before your appointment, gently exfoliate your lips to remove dry skin. You can use a soft sugar scrub or a washcloth. This helps create a smooth canvas (but do **not** scrub so hard that lips become raw or irritated).
  • 💦 **Keep Lips Moisturized:** Continue applying lip balm regularly. Think **soft and supple** – that’s how you want your lips at appointment time.
  • 📋 **Confirm Appointment Details:** Double-check your appointment time, address, and any paperwork. If you have questions, now’s a great time to ask your technician.
  • 👩‍⚕️ **Consult Doctor if Needed:** If you’ve ever had a cold sore on your lips, contact your doctor this week to get an antiviral prescription (more on this below). Plan to start it a couple of days pre-treatment.
  • 🐟 **Stop Fish Oil & Herbal Supplements:** From about 1 week out, stop taking fish oil, high-dose vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic supplements, “hair & nail” vitamins, or other blood-thinning supplements. These can increase bleeding.
  • 🥤 **No Alcohol (Start Now):** It’s best to cut out alcoholic beverages in the week leading up. At minimum, absolutely none for 48 hours before (we’ll repeat this because it’s important!).
  • 🏋️ **Skip Harsh Skin Treatments:** Avoid any aggressive facial treatments on the lip area this week – no chemical peels, laser around the mouth, or waxing the lip line. Give your skin a rest.
  • 😷 **Stay Healthy:** Try not to catch a cold! If you feel unwell, let us know. It may be better to reschedule than come in sick.
48 Hours Before
  • 💊 **Start Antiviral Medication:** If you have a history of cold sores (fever blisters), begin taking your prescribed antiviral (e.g. valacyclovir) now, as directed by your doctor. Continue it for a couple days after the procedure, too. This precaution can prevent an outbreak triggered by the treatment.
  • 🚰 **Increase Water Intake:** Drink plenty of water to keep your body and lips hydrated from the inside out. Hydrated skin accepts pigment more evenly.
  • 🍽️ **Plan Your Meals:** Plan to eat normally before your appointment (don’t come starved or you might feel lightheaded). In these two days, focus on nutritious foods that support healing – think fruits, veggies, and protein.
  • 🤗 **Relax:** The best prep is also mental. Know that you’ve done your homework and everything will go great! Maybe do a calming activity (yoga, a warm bath) the night before to de-stress.
  • ☕ **No Caffeine or Alcohol:** This is crucial. Stop all caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) and alcohol 48 hours before your appointment. Both can increase sensitivity, bleeding, and swelling. Yes, decaf counts (it still has a bit of caffeine). Opt for water or herbal tea instead.
  • 💉 **No Blood Thinners:** Do not take Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), naproxen, or other NSAIDs for 48 hours before. Also avoid pain relievers like Excedrin or Midol which contain aspirin or caffeine. These medications thin your blood. (If you need a mild painkiller, acetaminophen/Tylenol is OK.)
  • 🏃 **Avoid Intense Exercise:** Skip the heavy workouts for 24–48 hours before your appointment. Vigorous exercise can elevate your blood pressure and potentially increase bleeding/bruising. Take it easy for now – you can hit the gym after your lip blush is done.
  • 🧴 **Don’t Try New Products:** Now isn’t the time to experiment with a new lip mask, scrub, or cosmetic. Stick to gentle products you know. You don’t want an allergic reaction or irritation right before your appointment.
Night Before
  • 😴 **Get a Good Sleep:** Try to get a full night’s rest so you wake up feeling your best. When you’re well-rested, your pain tolerance is better and your body heals faster. Plus, you’ll simply feel calmer.
  • 💤 **Optional – Antihistamine:** If you’re concerned about swelling, you can take an over-the-counter antihistamine (like Benadryl) the night before. This isn’t mandatory, but some people find it helps minimize swelling. (It might make you drowsy, which is why nighttime is best.)
  • 💧 **One Last Moisturize:** Before bed, apply a nice layer of your favorite lip balm or ointment so your lips are supple in the morning. Think of it as a mini spa night for your lips!
  • 📴 **Prep to Relax:** Gather some headphones or a playlist if music relaxes you – you can often listen during the procedure. And set out what you’ll wear (choose something comfy). Being organized will make the morning stress-free.
  • 🍔 **Late-Night Eating/Drinking:** Avoid salty foods or excessive sodium late at night (could make you puffy) and of course no alcohol. Also, don’t overhydrate *right* before bed to avoid morning puffiness.
  • 🕗 **No Last-Minute Changes:** Don’t suddenly decide to wax or thread around your lips, get a facial, or do anything major skin-wise. Last-minute changes can spell irritation. Just stick to your gentle routine.
  • 💄 **Don’t Apply Lipstick/Liner:** It might be tempting to “practice” the look, but avoid any lip staining products the day before and day of your appointment. Arrive with bare lips.
  • 🤔 **No Worries:** Try not to stay up worrying or researching horror stories. You’re in good hands! Avoid stressors – mental prep is part of prep too. 😊
Day of Appointment
  • 🍳 **Eat Breakfast/Lunch:** Please don’t come on an empty stomach. Have a normal, balanced meal a few hours before your appointment. This will keep your blood sugar stable and help you feel comfortable (nobody wants to faint during a beauty treatment!).
  • 🚿 **Clean Face & Lips:** Gently wash your face and lips in the morning with a mild cleanser. Make sure to remove any leftover night balm. Your skin should be clean and product-free. Arrive **without any makeup** on your lips (no lipstick, gloss, or even chapstick).
  • 👕 **Comfortable Clothing:** Wear something comfy to your appointment. You’ll be lying down for a while (1-2 hours). Perhaps bring a light sweater in case you get chilly. Feeling physically at ease helps you relax.
  • ⌚ **Arrive Early:** Aim to arrive a few minutes before your appointment time. This gives you a moment to breathe, use the restroom, and fill out any forms without a rush. Starting calmly sets the tone for a calm session.
  • ☕ **Skip the Morning Coffee:** We know, it’s tough! But don’t consume coffee or caffeinated drinks the morning of your appointment. Even one cup can increase your heart rate and make you more sensitive. Treat yourself to a caffeine-free smoothie or herbal tea instead, post-appointment.
  • 🚬 **No Smoking Just Before:** If you can, avoid smoking on the day of your appointment (at least for a few hours before). It can affect blood flow and make your lips a bit more tense. Fresh, clean lips are the goal.
  • 💄 **No Other Makeup on Lips:** This bears repeating – do not come in with lipstick or lip liner on. The artist will need a bare canvas. If you forget and wear some, it will be removed, but it’s better to avoid any potential irritation from scrubbing it off.
  • 🏃 **Don’t Overexert:** Avoid any strenuous activity or exercise right before your appointment. You want to be in a relaxed state, not hot and sweaty. Save the gym for tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is lip blushing?
    Lip blushing is a semi-permanent makeup procedure that adds a soft, natural tint to your lips. It’s basically a cosmetic tattoo for your lips, giving them a wash of color that can enhance shape and fullness without looking like heavy lipstick.
  2. Does lip blushing hurt?
    Most people find it very tolerable. We apply a numbing cream to your lips before starting, so you’ll only feel minor pinches or a vibration. Pain is minimal – many clients say it’s far less painful than a regular tattoo. You might feel a bit of discomfort, but it shouldn’t be unbearable. If you’re very sensitive, let your artist know; they’ll ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
  3. How do I prepare for a lip blushing appointment?
    Follow the prep steps we’ve outlined above: keep your lips moisturized and exfoliated in the days prior, avoid caffeine and alcohol for 48 hours, skip blood-thinning meds/supplements, and get a good night’s sleep. Arrive with clean, makeup-free lips and having eaten a little beforehand. Essentially, come in healthy, hydrated, and calm – we’ll take care of the rest!
  4. What should I avoid before lip blushing?
    For at least two days before, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and any medications like aspirin or ibuprofen. Don’t tan or burn your lips beforehand. Refrain from facial treatments around the mouth, like waxing or chemical peels, a week before. And on the day of, avoid arriving with any product on your lips (no balm, lipstick, etc.). Our checklist above covers all the big no-no’s in detail.
  5. Can I drink coffee or alcohol before my appointment?
    It’s best not to. Caffeine and alcohol can increase your blood flow and sensitivity, which means you might bleed more and feel more discomfort during the procedure. They can also affect how well the pigment holds. So skip your morning coffee and hold off on wine or beer for at least 48 hours pre-appointment. You can celebrate with your favorite drink after your session is done. 🎉
  6. What if I have a history of cold sores?
    Great question. If you’ve ever had cold sores (herpes simplex) on your lips, let us know and talk to your doctor. It’s highly recommended to take an antiviral medication starting a couple days before your lip blush and continuing for a few days after. The lip blushing procedure can trigger a cold sore outbreak if the virus is in your system, but taking the antiviral pills prevents this in most cases. It’s a simple step that ensures a smooth healing process.
  7. Should I exfoliate my lips before the procedure?
    Yes, gently. We suggest a mild exfoliation a day or two before your appointment to remove dead skin. For example, you can use a sugar scrub or softly brush your lips with a clean toothbrush. Don’t overdo it – your lips shouldn’t be raw, just smooth. And don’t exfoliate on the actual day of the procedure (do it at least the night before). Keeping lips smooth helps the pigment go in evenly.
  8. Can I wear makeup on the day of my lip blushing?
    You can wear your normal makeup on the rest of your face, but please arrive with **no makeup on your lips**. That means no lipstick, no gloss, not even chapstick. The lips should be clean and product-free so the artist can work on a fresh surface. If you have foundation on, that’s fine – we’ll likely wipe the mouth area anyway. Basically, come in with bare lips. You can bring your makeup to reapply other areas after, but you won’t be able to put anything on the lips for a while after the treatment (during healing).
  9. How long do lip blushing results last?
    Lip blushing results are long-lasting but not truly permanent. On average, the color lasts about 1.5 to 3 years. It will gradually fade over time as your skin naturally exfoliates. Lighter colors and very natural results may fade a bit faster, while deeper colors can last longer. To maintain your lip blush, you might want a touch-up every 1–2 years. The good news is, it fades slowly and naturally – there’s no abrupt change, so you can enjoy your tinted lips for quite a while.
  10. Will my lips look natural after lip blushing?
    Absolutely! The goal of a professional lip blush treatment is a subtle, enhanced version of your natural lips. Right after the procedure, the color will look more intense (almost like you’re wearing lipstick), but don’t worry – this is temporary. As your lips heal over the next week, the color will soften by around 30-50% to a very natural hue. The final look is like a gentle tint or blush, not like obvious lipstick. Most people will just think you have naturally pretty, rosy lips 😊. Of course, you can still put on lipstick over it for a bolder look whenever you want, but you’ll love having that everyday “your lips but better” appearance.

Resources / References

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