Lip tattoo colours

Selecting the ideal lip tattoo colours for long-term wear can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been scrolling Google for “Lip tattoo colours” and still feel lost, you’re not alone. Picking the right shade is as personal as choosing a foundation, and just as tricky. I’m Anastasia from Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Brisbane, and I’ve spent years helping women (and a few blokes too) walk out with lips that look natural, fresh, and flattering for their skin tone.

To simplify the decision-making process for a permanent lip tattoo shade, there are several steps you can take to guarantee that you and your technician are aligned in terms of the outcome you desire. Being informed about what’s ahead can alleviate some of your anxiety.

The colour you choose will affect how natural or bold your result looks once healed. Unlike lipstick, you can’t wipe it off at the end of the day. That’s why we focus on undertones, lifestyle, and long-term wearability.

In Brisbane, where humidity and sun exposure are a given, the right pigment choice can also mean the difference between a shade that stays fresh and one that fades unevenly.

What is the duration of lip tattoo colour?

Permanent lip tattoo colours vary from person to person but generally last 1 to 5 years. Several variables can influence the staying power of cosmetic lip tattooing. Skin type is a significant determinant. The hue tends to fade more quickly in individuals with oily skin because the sebum secreted from the pores surrounding the lips expels the pigment. However, your overall lifestyle also has a crucial impact. The results might be shorter if you frequently sweat, swim, or spend much time in the sun. Skincare products infused with retinol and acids can also accelerate fading of the pigment.

The difference between fresh pigment and healed lip blush

Straight after your session, lip blush can look intense — think bold lipstick straight out of the tube. But once your lips heal, that colour softens by about 40–60%.

This is where people often panic: “It’s too dark!” or “It’s not what I asked for.” But the truth is, healed pigment is what counts. That’s why we guide you through swatches and show healed photos, not just fresh ones.

Common lip blush shades that work across skin tones

Every client’s undertone is unique, but some shades are consistent winners:

Soft peach: perfect for fair, cool-toned skin.
Rosy pinks: suit most skin types and age groups.
Nude beige: subtle for those who want a “my lips but better” look.
Berry tones: flatter deeper complexions beautifully.
Corals: brighten mature lips and counteract dullness.

At Face Figurati, we don’t just pick “pretty” colours. We blend pigments that heal evenly and look natural years down the track.

Long-lasting lip tattoo shades for busy lifestyles

Most of my Brisbane clients want something that lasts through gym classes, beach days, and endless coffee catch-ups. Neutral rose, soft berry, and nude-pink tones tend to age the best.

Bright or trendy colours (like a deep wine red) can look fabulous at first but may fade unevenly or feel “too much” once healed. That’s why I often recommend subtle bases — you can always layer lipstick on top when you want extra drama.

Lip permanent tattoo colours

Choosing the ideal lip shape can feel challenging. Embark on a mesmerizing journey during your consultation with our talented permanent makeup artist as they unveil the secrets of pigment application in the enchanting world of permanent makeup.

The appearance of the pigment in the bottle may differ from how it looks on your lips due to its merging with your natural lip colour. The outcome will only become apparent once your lip tattoo has completely healed, so have faith in the process!

However, that’s easier said than implemented. Unlike other cosmetic tattoos, what you see initially may not be what you ultimately receive in this unique case.

Therefore, it’s essential to make sure you and your permanent makeup artist are aligned on the chosen hue. There are several steps you can take to confirm this alignment.

Custom lip tattoo colour matching

Think your skin tone is “impossible to match”? I hear that a lot, especially from clients with darker lips or uneven pigmentation. That’s where custom lip tattoo colour match comes in.

We test swatches directly on your lips, check your undertones in natural light, and mix pigments until we nail the shade. Brisbane’s sunlight doesn’t lie — if it looks good outside, it’ll look good everywhere.

The colour permanent makeup procedure should complement your facial characteristics, whether you’re seeking a vivid lipstick, a subtle lip blush, or a laid-back “your lips but enhanced” tone.

Below are some factors to ponder when deciding on a permanent lip tattoo shade.

Use your cosmetics as a guideline

Examine your makeup bag to determine your favourite colours. What colours do you predominantly own? Which items are your consistent picks? Also, be mindful of the various shades within each colour.

During the consultation, you can unleash a creative storm of helpful insights and inspiration for your artist. Conveying this will give them a more defined understanding and assist both you and your artist in envisioning the outcome. Subsequently, they’ll be capable of precisely calculating how to attain that particular hue and the number of sessions that will be necessary.

The healing process: what colour changes to expect

Healing is when most of the magic (and frustration) happens. Expect this timeline:

Day 1–3: Colour looks bright and bold.
Day 4–6: Flaking starts. Colour may almost disappear.
Week 2–4: Pigment resurfaces in softer form.
Week 6–8: True healed colour is visible.

The most common panic moment? Week 1, when colour “vanishes.” Don’t worry — it resurfaces. That’s why we book lip tattoo touch-ups at 6–8 weeks, once everything’s settled.

Seasonal considerations in Brisbane

Brisbane’s climate is a big player in lip tattoo healing. Humidity speeds up peeling, while sun exposure can cause premature fading. I always recommend:

SPF lip balm once healed.
Avoiding saunas and ocean swims in the first week.
Booking touch-ups in cooler months if you struggle with swelling.

This local advice makes a real difference compared to generic healing guides you’ll read online.

Risks, realities, and myths around lip tattoo colours

Let’s clear up a few myths:

Myth: “It’ll look like lipstick forever.”
Reality: Healed results are soft and natural.
Myth: “It’s one-and-done.”
Reality: Expect touch-ups every 2–3 years.
Myth: “All pigments heal the same.”
Reality: Skin type, undertone, and pigment quality all play a role.

At Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Brisbane , we’ve corrected enough botched lip blush tattoos to know: education is everything.

Best Lip Tattoo Colours by Skin Tone

Fair ivory complexion

If you possess a fair or ivory complexion, you likely have light-coloured eyes and light brown hair or reddish-hued hair. The inherent colour of your lips tends towards a soft pink, giving an almost sheer appearance. For such a complexion, opting for a subdued lip tattoo is crucial to prevent it from appearing overly bold or mismatched. A muted pink or neutral shade will beautifully blend with your skin, offering a natural glow.

The best shades that suit you include ginger, neutral shade, lollipop, cranberry, warm caramel, and rosy brownie.

Light fair complexion

Individuals with a light fair complexion typically have blue eyes and hair that falls within the blonde or dark blonde spectrum. The innate shade of your lips might lean towards a muted pink or a neutral hue. Opting for a manageable warm colour in picking a lip tattoo shade is vital, as it might appear mismatched. Your best bet would be to gravitate towards light, warm hues to achieve a natural coral lips appearance. Delicate pink or neutral shades harmonize with your complexion, imparting a genuine blush.

The most fitting shades for you are brownie pink, lollipop, ginger, marshmallow, and flesh tone.

Light-tanned complexion with yellow undertones

If your skin is kissed by the sun and has a gentle golden glow, your eyes shimmer in emerald, sapphire, or silver shades, and your tresses cascade in cascades of warm cocoa or honeyed amber.

The inherent hue of your lips is apt to be a soft pink or a neutral shade. When deciding on a lip tattoo, opt for warm shades that enhance your natural complexion. Given your yellow undertone, it’s best to steer clear of colours with an orangey base, as they might appear more yellow. Shades like peachy pink or coral will bestow a genuine hint of colour.

The most harmonious shades include cranberry, pink brownie, and warm caramel.

Olive-hued complexion

If you possess an olive tan complexion, your eyes are likely brown or hazel, accompanied by dark brown hair. The greenish undertone in olive skin offers flexibility, allowing your lip colour to lean a bit warmer or cooler. Shades with an orange-red base and mauve, plum, and berry hues will harmonize well with your skin tone. You also have the option to go for a natural pink or a flesh-toned lip colour. Given the range of shades you can choose from, your lip colour can genuinely reflect your taste. Your ideal shades include strawberry, cranberry, and marshmallow.

The most fitting shades for you are brownie pink, lollipop, ginger, marshmallow, and flesh tone.

Sun-kissed dark brown complexion

If you’re blessed with a sun-kissed dark brown skin tone, chances are your eyes and hair rock a gorgeous dark brown or black shade. Avoid those shades with sneaky blue undertones if you’re rocking a warm undertone or yellow undertone. Instead, choose hues of red, purple, plum, and berry. You’re also free to pick natural pinks or flesh-toned lip shades. Darker colours can also be a good match for you, so don’t hesitate to experiment.

Your go-to shades would be cranberry, marshmallow, and cherry blossom.

Rich dark brown complexion

Individuals with a rich dark brown skin tone typically have black eyes and hair. It’s also likely that you have naturally darker lips. If your lips are more profound and darker, you must neutralize that darkness before applying your preferred lip colour. It’s best to sidestep shades too light or similar to a flesh tone, as they can appear ashy on your complexion. Instead, opt for shades like berry, plum, or deep purple. Dark chocolate brown or black lip shades are also an option for you. Chalky tones aren’t flattering for your skin type, so avoiding those is better.

Your top choices should be coral, raspberry, and cranberry.

Is a lip tattoo colour right for you?

At the end of the day, the best lip blush shades are the ones that suit your face, not your mate’s or a filtered Instagram post. My advice? Book a consult, bring your favourite lipstick, and let’s swatch against your natural tones.

Cosmetic tattooing isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about giving you confidence every single morning — coffee run, school drop-off, or date night. The extensive range of permanent lip tattoo hues might intimidate you initially, but we guarantee that selecting a shade can be easy. By adhering to the recommendations above, you’ll approach your consultation ready!

The essential step is to meet with a certified expert who profoundly understands colour theory and can advise you on achieving optimal outcomes. Imagining your desired lip tattoo shade in collaboration assures you a precise idea of the result, eliminating any concerns about receiving your preferred look.

artist

Since 2016, lip tattoo artist Anastasia has built her expertise in the professional tattooing industry. As a certified and licensed cosmetic tattooing specialist, she holds all the required qualifications for permanent makeup across both Europe and Australia. Her years in the chair mean clients at Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Brisbane get more than colour on their lips — they get guidance, safety, and results shaped by experience

FAQ

What are the best colours for lip blush tattoo?

The most popular lip blush shades include soft pinks, nude beiges, peaches, and natural berry tones. These colours heal beautifully and suit most skin tones, especially in Brisbane’s bright natural light. Choosing the right lip blush colour ensures a timeless look.