Discover Your Beauty with Stroke of Ink

LIP BLUSH

Add a little PUNCH to your POUT!

If you're obsessed with the effect lip tints give (aka an effortless touch of color that won't smudge), then it's time to think about lip blushing -- a form of semi-permanent makeup.  Give pale, lifeless or asymmetrical lips a natural tint of color, fullness and definition.  It is not uncommon as we age to lose the pigment, particularly women, in their lips and lip lines.  With loss of color and lip definition, a lot of women use a lip liner to accommodate this and to make the lips look slightly bigger.  A lip blush treatment delivers very natural results once healed, and gives the illusion of fuller lips.  Pigments are available in all different shades to suit the look you want to achieve. 

THE BENEFITS OF LIP BLUSH TATTOOS

• Have fuller and more defined lips while still looking NATURAL
• Look flawless around the clock—wake up with perfect makeup 
• WATERPROOF and SWEAT-PROOF - perfect for active lifestyles or oily skin that causes makeup to smudge and fade 
• Convenience - improve daily lifestyle and save time
• Creates fullness and symmetry to thin or asymmetrical lips
• Neutralize dark lips (Fitzpatrick 4-5) to more blush and pink tones
• A possible option if you have allergies to cosmetics

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE LIP BLUSH TATTOOS PAINFUL?

Pain tolerance and sensitivity differ from person to person.  To enhance your comfort during the procedure, a topical anesthetic will be applied both before and during your treatment.  Keep in mind that if you're on your menstrual cycle, you may feel more sensitive to pain.  Other factors, like sleep deprivation, stress, and caffeine, can also affect how you experience discomfort. 

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?

Semi-permanent pigments will fade over time naturally.  Many different factors affect the life of the implanted pigment, such as sun exposure, skin type, general health, and immediate and long-term aftercare.  Results typically last 2 - 5 years or longer, before a touch-up is desired to refresh the color and shape.  Frequent smokers or those with iron deficiency anemia may have results fade sooner.  Results vary with each client.

WHAT WILL THE FINAL RESULTS LOOK LIKE?

Bold or soft, depending on the look you are trying to achieve.  Pigment will be darker and warmer, lip outline will be crisper immediately after the procedure, but will soften slightly over the weeks that it heals. 

WHAT IS THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS?

Generally, no time off work is required for healing, as any mild redness and swelling right after the procedure will subside within 24 hours. The healing process for the top layers of the skin takes around 10-14 days.  Immediately following the procedure, your lips will appear warmer and darker than the final result, as they will lighten by up to 40% during the healing process.  Within 4-6 weeks, the deeper layers of the skin will be fully healed, revealing the true shape and color.  Minor patchiness may occur during healing between your first and second appointments, which is why a touch-up or "perfecting" session is scheduled 4-6 weeks after your initial treatment 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE LIP BLUSH PROCEDURE?

An in-depth consultation where expectations and desires are discussed, colors are determined, and a removable outline of what your lips will look like is performed for your approval before the tattooing procedure.  The procedure is generally performed the same day of the consultation, so long as there are no contraindications.  I allow enough time to complete paperwork, take before & after photos, 20 - 30 minutes of topical numbing, the procedure, and finally a review of aftercare.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY LIP BLUSH PROCEDURE?

• If you are prone to cold sores, you will be required to take oral antiviral medication (ie. Valtrex; valacyclovir) for 2 days prior to treatment and 3 days following to prevent any outbreaks.  Prescription can be obtained from your family doctor or pharmacist.
• If you have an ideal color in mind, bring a few reference photos or desired lipstick color to your appointment.
• Ensure you drink plenty of water and your lips are well hydrated and moisturized 1 week prior.
• Do not consume alcohol, caffeine, or blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, other NSAIDs) 48-hours before your procedure, to avoid excess bleeding, which directly affects color retention.
• Avoid sun/tanning bed exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure.  As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the tattoo pigment with it.  
• Vaccines/Immunizations - please ensure your cosmetic tattoo appointment is scheduled a minimum of 14 days either BEFORE or AFTER to avoid any potential immune reactions.
• Some cosmetic procedures should be completed prior to your lip blush tattoo:

                    - Lip fillers:  4 weeks in advance

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE LIP BLUSH PROCEDURE?

Aftercare involves not picking, scratching, or exfoliating your lips while they are healing and potentially scabbing and flaking the first 7 - 10 days.  Avoidance of excessive sun exposure, water,  perspiration, skin care products, makeup and exfoliation to the area is important so pigment and healing are not disturbed.  Detailed aftercare instructions will be given on the day of the appointment, as well as an aftercare kit with specific cleanser and healing ointment to maintain the health and longevity of your new lips.

WHAT PIGMENTS & TOOLS DO YOU USE?

I work with a blend of organic and synthetic pigments specifically formulated for skin safety.  These pigments are thoroughly tested for harmful dyes, heavy metals, and microbiological sterility, ensuring they are stable and high-performing.  All pigments are Health Canada approved.  To guarantee your safety, I use sterile, single-use needles, always opened in your presence.  My studio is also inspected and certified by Alberta Health Services, maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and professionalism.