Tattoo lipstick is a semi-permanent lip treatment that delivers rich, even colour designed to last for years. By implanting pigment into the lips, this technique creates the effect of a freshly applied lipstick—without the need for daily touch-ups. It’s perfect for those who want bold or natural lip shades that won’t smudge, fade, or transfer, even through meals and drinks.
Lipstick lip tattooing, or semi-permanent lip colour or lip blush, is a beauty treatment that entails depositing colour onto the lips. Experience the artistry of pigment infusion as our skilled technicians delicately apply it to the upper layer of your skin using a handheld instrument fitted with a needle. The outcome is a semi-permanent shade that has the potential to endure for up to two years.
Your session begins with a detailed consultation to discuss your desired colour, style, and lip goals. Your artist will assess your natural lip shape and skin tone, then help you choose a pigment shade that suits your look—whether you prefer a soft natural tint or a bold lipstick effect.
A topical anaesthetic is applied to minimise discomfort and ensure a comfortable experience throughout the procedure.
The artist carefully outlines your lips to ensure symmetry and balance. This mapping process serves as the blueprint for your final result.
Using a specialised machine, pigment is implanted into the lips in even layers to achieve a full, vibrant lipstick effect. The technique ensures consistent colour saturation for long-lasting results.
Once the base colour is complete, the artist makes any adjustments needed to refine the shade, intensity, and shape for a flawless finish.
You’ll be given detailed aftercare guidelines, including how to protect your lips during healing to ensure even colour retention and minimal fading.
The initial action in the lipstick application method for lip tattooing consists of a consultation with a knowledgeable and seasoned specialist. During this preliminary discussion, you’ll discuss your chosen lip hue and your targeted, comprehensive aesthetic. The expert will also evaluate your lips’ contours and dimensions and suggest a colour that harmonises with your skin shade.
After the shade is finalised, the technician will administer a numbing ointment to your lips to lessen any unease during the treatment. Our artist will use a sterilised needle to give your lips a vibrant colour. The complete operation, consultation included, generally lasts 2–3 hours.
Determining the right lip colour is crucial to capture the appearance you envision. Factors like skin complexion, hair hue, and individual preferences should be considered in your selection process. It’s wise to seek advice from a specialist to ensure the chosen shade suits your inherent attributes and elevates your beauty. For more information visit our “lip tattoo colour” blog.
Ahead of your lipstick lip tattoo session, there are some preparations you should attend to. Alcohol, caffeine, and medications that thin the blood should be avoided for at least a day before the treatment. It’s also recommended to stay away from direct sunlight as it might render your lips more prone to sensitivity.
During the lip tattoo lipstick procedure, there’s a possibility of experiencing some unease or even pain. While an anesthetic ointment is used to lessen the discomfort, a few individuals might sense a mild tingling. Experience the artistry of a skilled professional as they delicately enhance your lips with a handheld tool, infusing vibrant pigment for a stunning look. Based on the final look you’re aiming for, the entire procedure can extend to about 3 hours.
| Healing Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Day 1 – Fresh & Bold | Your lips will appear brighter and more vibrant immediately after the procedure. Some mild swelling is normal and should subside within 24–48 hours. |
| Days 2–4 – Colour Deepening | The pigment may look darker as your lips begin to settle. You might notice slight tightness or dryness—this is part of the natural healing process. |
| Days 5–7 – Peeling Stage | Light peeling or flaking occurs as the outer layer heals. Avoid picking or peeling the skin to protect colour retention. Your lips may appear temporarily lighter once the peeling stops. |
| Weeks 2–4 – Colour Settling | Pigment begins to reappear and even out as your skin fully heals. The final shade will be softer and more natural than the initial bold colour. |
| Week 6 – Perfecting Touch-Up | A follow-up appointment is recommended to refine the colour, correct any uneven spots, and ensure the lipstick tattoo looks flawless. |
Lip tattooing injures the top layer of the epidermis. You might experience inflammation, slight discomfort, and redness post-treatment. However, there’s no reason for concern!
Within 2–3 days, your body will naturally repair the skin’s integrity. During these days, the affected area begins to itch and flake. Resist the temptation to scratch. The skin must shed naturally.
Avoid touching or picking at the lip area while it’s in the process of peeling. Why? To prevent crusts from forming around the lips. This could impact the final appearance of the pigmentation, possibly leading to inconsistent lip colour. Even worse, excessive scratching could result in scarring.
Your aesthetic permanent makeup artists will recommend a sterilising salve to expedite healing. Usually, Bepanthen or Depanthenol is the go-to option, which you should apply to the area every 3–4 hours a week.
Additionally, it’s crucial to sanitise the affected area using Chlorhexidine and cleanse it with water and antimicrobial soap.
You can expect to see the outcome about a month later. Around this time, you should revisit your lip tattoo expert for a required touch-up procedure.
To enhance the durability of lip tattoos, we suggest the following:
Lipstick tattoo offers multiple benefits in comparison to traditional lipstick. For starters, it endures for a longer duration and eliminates the need for frequent reapplications throughout the day. Next, it can enhance the dimensions and outline of your lips, bestowing them with a fuller and more rejuvenated appearance. Moreover, it remains resistant to smudging and won’t leave marks on clothing or other materials.
Here are the advantages of having your lips tattooed:
Since 2016, Anastasia has been perfecting the art of tattoo lipstick, combining her technical expertise with an eye for enhancing natural beauty. She is a certified and licensed specialist with full qualifications for permanent makeup in both Europe and Australia.
Known for her precision, colour mastery, and commitment to safety, Anastasia customises each treatment to suit the client’s features, skin tone, and personal style—delivering vibrant, long-lasting lip colour that feels as good as it looks.
A tattoo lipstick appointment generally takes 2–3 hours, including consultation, colour selection, mapping, and application.
Healing involves some swelling, peeling, and temporary lightening of colour before the final shade appears within 4–6 weeks.
