
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 🚫 |
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2–4 Weeks Before |
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1 Week Before |
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48 Hours Before |
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Night Before |
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Day of Appointment |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- 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. - 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. - 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! - 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. - 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. 🎉 - 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. - 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. - 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). - 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. - 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
- Healthline – Lip Blushing Tattoo: Procedure, Benefits, Side Effects
- Cleveland Clinic – Lip Blushing: What You Need to Know
- Medical News Today – Lip blushing: Procedure, benefits, aftercare
- WebMD – Lip Blushing: What Is It and Is It Safe?
- Cleveland Clinic – The Pros and Cons of Permanent Makeup
- Mayo Clinic – Tattoos: Understand risks and precautions
- Byrdie – How to Prepare for a New Tattoo (Dermatologist Tips)
- Byrdie – Lip Blushing: Benefits, Results, Risks, and More
- FDA – Tattoos & Permanent Makeup: Safety Q&A
- Cleveland Clinic – Micropigmentation (Permanent Makeup) Overview