EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LIP BLUSH CARE: A COMPLETE GUIDE

Getting beautiful, naturally-tinted lips is now possible with lip blush, a form of cosmetic tattooing that enhances your lip colour and shape. This semi-permanent makeup technique has gained popularity because it gives that perfect “just-bitten” lip colour that stays with you day and night. Whether you’re fed up of applying lipstick every morning or want to fix uneven lip tone, lip blush means you can wake up with perfectly coloured lips every day. You can even adjust the colour and shape as your skin changes over time, making it a flexible long-term beauty solution.

IS LIP BLUSH RIGHT FOR YOU?

Before getting into care instructions, let’s talk about who can benefit from lip blush. The good news is that this treatment works well for the majority of people! It can help if you:

Have naturally pale and/or uneven lip colour
Are looking to save time on your morning makeup routine
Want a natural-looking enhancement
Are looking to slightly improve your lip shape without fillers
Struggle with constantly reapplying lipstick

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT: IMPORTANT PREPARATION STEPS

Preparation for your lip blush treatment begins a fortnight before your actual appointment. Your lips need to be in their best condition to get the best results. Start by keeping your lips healthy and moisturized. Drink lots of water and gently remove any dry skin with a soft scrub. This helps your lips take the colour better and can improve the final result.

STOP THESE PRODUCTS

Two weeks before the treatment, you should stop using certain skin products. These include:

Vitamin C serums
Chemical peels
Glycolic treatments
Retinoids

These products help your skin renew itself, which is usually a good thing, but with lip blush we want your skin to be stable so the colour sets properly.

THE DAY BEFORE TREATMENT

The 24 hours before treatment are crucial. During this period:

Avoid coffee or alcohol as these can make your lips more sensitive. They may also cause more bleeding or bruising, which could affect how well your lips take the colour.

If you are on blood-thinning medication, talk to your GP about temporarily stopping them. This is important both for your safety and for the quality of the results.

SPECIAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

If you have ever had a cold sore, even just once, you must take anti-viral medication, e.g. Valtrex (Valacyclovir) or Acyclovir, starting 2-3 days before the appointment and continue for 3-5 days afterwards. This will help prevent cold sores from appearing after the treatment. Make sure you get this medicine from your GP ahead of time.

For those who have used the acne medication Isotretinoin (brand names: Accutane, Roaccutane, Rizuderm, Reticutan) in the past, you must wait one year after finishing treatment before getting lip blush. This ensures your skin has returned to its normal state and can hold the colour properly.

CARING FOR YOUR LIPS AFTER TREATMENT

THE FIRST 24 HOURS: HANDLE WITH CARE

Right after the treatment, your lips will feel different. They might be a bit swollen and numb - this is normal! Some people experience more swelling than others, but don’t worry - it will go down. During this time:

Use the sterile wipes given to you to gently clean your lips after 1-2 hours. This removes a fluid that your body makes to help heal. This fluid is normal and part of your body’s healing process.

Apply a thin layer of healing ointment whenever your lips feel dry. Remember, less is more - you need just enough to stop your lips feeling dry.

Take care when eating and drinking. Use a straw if possible, and cut food into small pieces. Steer clear of very hot, cold, or spicy foods. This will help prevent irritation and will ensure better healing.

DAYS 2-7: THE HEALING JOURNEY

During the first week, you will notice several changes:

The swelling usually goes down by the second day, but your lips will start to feel dry and may look flaky. This is normal - it’s your skin’s way of healing.

Keep using your ointment, but remember: a thin layer is enough. Using too much can irritate your lips and can slow down healing. Apply it whenever your lips feel dry, but don’t use too much.

The most important rule during this time is to avoid picking your lips! Let the dry skin fall off by itself. If you pick it, you may remove some of the colour too. This can lead to patchy results.

WHAT TO AVOID DURING HEALING

To ensure the best results, stay away from:

Swimming pools and saunas (water can affect healing)
Putting on lip makeup for a week (let your lips heal naturally)
Direct sunlight for the first week (sun can fade the colour)
Heavy exercise for 4-5 days (sweat can affect healing)
Kissing for a week (yes, really!). Bacteria can cause infection.

LONG-TERM CARE TIPS

After your lips heal:

Use sunscreen on your lips when you go outside
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Consider getting touch-ups every year to keep the colour fresh
Avoid harsh skin treatments around your mouth area
Keep using gentle lip care products to maintain results

WORKING WITH OTHER TREATMENTS

If you’re planning other treatments, timing is important:

Wait a fortnight before or after Botox treatments
Schedule laser treatments at least a fortnight away from your lip blush
For lip fillers, wait a month before or after your lip blush

KEEPING YOUR LIP BLUSH LOOKING FRESH

Your lip blush can last two to three years, but you’ll notice the colour getting lighter over time. Many people get a touch-up after 6-8 weeks to perfect the colour. After that, annual touch-ups help keep your lips looking vibrant and fresh.