Permanent Makeup Artistry by Orna

DO’s (Start 3–5 Days Before the Appointment)

Hydrate Your Lips

Drink plenty of water and use a nourishing lip balm regularly. Well-hydrated lips retain pigment better, which is crucial for procedures like lip blushing. 

Exfoliate Gently

Use a gentle sugar scrub or a damp washcloth to exfoliate dry, flaky skin (2–3 days before your appointment).

Take Antiviral Medication (If Prone to Cold Sores)

Start a prescription antiviral like Valtrex or Acyclovir, get the dosing and prescription from a doctor (they have different strengths that will change the amount you need to take, so some clients may take them more or less days than others). This is essential if they have a history of cold sores.

Avoid Blood Thinners

Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, turmeric, or vitamin A, E (unless prescribed by a doctor) 72 hours before the session.

Have Client Tell You About Any Medications or Medical Conditions

Transparency ensures your safety and the best possible outcome. Please let me know of any medical conditions in order to follow the guidelines if you have something on the list, especially before any lip blushing or microblading procedures. *Remember, when in doubt, ask for a doctor's approval.

DON’Ts (Before Appointment)

Don’t Get Lip Filler or Botox Within 6 Weeks

Lips must be fully healed from filler before undergoing lip blushing.

Don’t Consume Alcohol or Caffeine 24-48 Hours Before

These can thin blood and lead to excess bleeding, which affects pigment retention.

Don’t Tan or Have Excessive Sun Exposure

Avoid tanning beds and direct sun at least 1 week prior—sunburned lips cannot be tattooed, just like with eyeliner treatments.

Don’t Use Retinols, Glycolic Acid, or Chemical Peels Near the Lips

Avoid using active skincare ingredients near the mouth for at least 1 week before.

Long-Term Care for Lip Blushing

Proper long-term care is essential to preserve the color, shape, and overall appearance of your lip blush treatment. With good maintenance, results can last 1–3 years, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and pigment choice.

1. Sun Protection is Key

Always use SPF 30+ lip balm, especially when outdoors. UV exposure fades pigment quickly and can alter the color over time. Wear a hat or stay in shaded areas whenever possible.

2. Stay Hydrated & Moisturized

Keep lips hydrated daily using a gentle, non-petroleum-based balm (e.g., Aquaphor, Cicaplast). Drink plenty of water—hydrated skin retains pigment better. Avoid lip products with exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) or retinols near the lips.

3. Avoid Harsh Treatments

Do not use laser treatments, chemical peels, or microneedling near the lips unless discussed with me. Inform skincare professionals that you have a cosmetic tattoo. Avoid frequent exfoliation or scrubbing of the lips, as this can affect lip blushing results.

4. Maintain Overall Lip Health

Reapply balm regularly, especially in dry or cold climates. Avoid biting, peeling, or excessively licking your lips. Use a humidifier in dry environments to prevent chapping.

5. Schedule Color Boosts

Lip blush pigment fades gradually and may shift slightly in hue. A touch-up every 12–24 months is recommended to refresh color and shape. Clients with oily skin, smokers, or those with fast metabolism may fade faster and need more frequent touch-ups, similar to what is seen with powder brows.

How Long Does Lip Blushing Last?

Pigment longevity varies by individual. On average:

· Lighter pinks and nudes fade faster (9–18 months).

· Darker or bolder tones may last up to 2–3 years.

· Clients with oily skin, fast metabolism, or smokers may see quicker fading.

Long-Term Aftercare Tips to Share with Clients

Once healed, these habits will help extend their results and protect pigment.

Do:

· Use SPF lip balm daily – sun exposure fades pigment quickly.

· Keep lips hydrated at all times with gentle balms.

· Exfoliate gently once healed (1x per week max) to remove dead skin.

· Maintain overall skin health through hydration, diet, and skincare.

Avoid:

· Picking, peeling, or exfoliating aggressively.

· Using skincare products with retinol, glycolic acid, or AHAs near the mouth area.

· Smoking frequently – it can lead to faster fading and pigment discoloration.

· Prolonged sun exposure or tanning beds without SPF protection.

Fading is normal and expected with procedures like Lip Blushing, Microblading, and Powder Brows. Please remember that Lip Blushing is designed to enhance your natural lip color rather than replace makeup. Depending on your lifestyle and how your body retains pigment, you may need a color refresh every 1–2 years.  

Understanding the Healing & Fading Process  

Lip Blushing is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo, similar to techniques like eyeliner tattooing, which means results will naturally fade over time. While healing occurs in the first 6–10 days, the pigment will continue to settle and soften for up to 6 weeks. After that, clients will begin their long-term maintenance phase.  

Important:  

· The initial color will appear brighter or darker than expected.  

· Color will fade by 30–50% after healing.  

· Full healed results are visible at 6–8 weeks post-procedure.  

When to Get a Touch-Up  

Please be advised that lip blushing is a buildable procedure. One touch-up is usually required to perfect the shape, fill any light spots, or adjust color. After that, maintenance sessions will be spaced out further.  

Touch-Up Timeline:  

· Initial Touch-Up: 6–8 weeks after the first session (perfecting session).  

· Color Boost Touch-Up: Every 12–24 months, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and color retention.  

Signs a Touch-Up is Needed:  

· The pigment has faded significantly (50% or more).  

· Shape has softened or blurred.  

· Color looks too cool, ashy, or muted.  

· Uneven fading or visible patchiness appears.  

· Client wants to intensify or refresh the color.