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Ive gone through phases of feeling self-conscious about other parts of myself, but I love my lips.
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Theyre thick, pillowy, and the perfect canvas for color.
Theyve even been featured modeling lip art at my previous magazine gig.
Ironically, theyre also one of very few things Ive chosen to have enhanced.
Before and after lip blushing. Courtesy of Kate Foster.
Im glad I made that decision because neither of those things bother me anymore.
My lips are another storyI love them, so why not try something to play them up even more?
Using a method called pixelating, the aesthetician deposits small, undetectable dots of pigment to line and shade.
Lip blushing before and after. Photo courtesy ofPretty Little Ink San Diego.
Before and after lip blushing.
Courtesy of Kate Foster.
If youre as curious about the process as I was, confirm to do your research first.
Lip blushing before and after. Photo courtesy ofPretty Little Ink San Diego.
Below, see everything you better know before booking your own appointment.
What is lip blushing?
First things first: What actually is lip blushing?
Lip blushing before and after. Photo courtesy ofPretty Little Ink San Diego.
This creates a soft tint that fades gradually, whereas tattooing may be more patchy when fading.
What are the benefits of lip blushing?
Thats why many pros consider it a greatalternative to lip filler.
Lip blushing before and after. Photo courtesy ofPretty Little Ink San Diego.
Is lip blushing safe?
What are the risks?
As long as youre seeing a reputable practitioner, lip blushing is generally considered safe.
The biggest risk is an uneven result from an inexperienced artist, so always research your provider carefully.
Color may change over time, and different skin tones need specific expertise.
As with anything aesthetic, theres also a chance you might not like your results.
Does lip blushing make your lips look bigger?
Its perfect for those who arent ready forlip filleror want it as a complement to their existing filler.
How long does lip blushing take?
How much does lip blushing cost?
The cost of lip blushing depends on your location and where you get it done.
Drummond is the best in the business, and he charges $1,500 per treatment.
Be wary of anyone offering a deal that seems too good to be true.
A semipermanent treatment is not the time to take risks.
Does lip blushing hurt?
For me, the pain was surprisingly minimal.
Upon sitting in Drummonds chair, I was told hed be applying topical anesthesia to my mouth.
Such is the case for most people too.
With proper numbing and technique, its really not painful at all, says Patel.
Most of my clients describe it as mild discomfortkind of like a scratching sensation.
We offer breaks whenever needed, and our high-quality numbing creams keep you comfortable throughout the process.
However, this is assuming that the numbing was done properly in the first place.
They should also increase the program of moisturizer to their lips and the surrounding skin.
So be sure to stock up onlip balm!
see to it you dont haveactive cold soresor recent lip-filler injections, adds Patel.
Commence taking it three days prior to the procedure, Dr. Lee says.
One should also be free of illness or infection prior to procedure.
This is also a good time to try different lip shades.
The color we use is really up to the individual, says Drummond.
We discuss what they want beforehand, and I create a custom color for them.
Then bring those with you (it doesnt hurt to have some reference photos either).
What happens at a lip-blushing appointment?
Wondering what happens once you get to your lip-blushing appointment?
Heres what it’s possible for you to expect.
This is done using a tattoo machine with a small needle, adds Dr. Halim.
At the end of the procedure, moisturizer is applied to the lips.
What is the lip-blushing healing process?
During the healing process, the excess color flakes off, explains Drummond, which explains the temporary change.
By morning three, I saw only the soft pink we had agreed upon.
I used up two full tubes ofAquaphorafter my treatment.
In the first few days after, scabs will form on the lips and the surrounding skin.
However, some clients need a touch-up after one to two years, adds Patel.
If you end up needing a touch-up, dont panic!
A few months after my first session, I went in for a touch-up.
This time Drummond seamlessly blended the area away.
How dramatic are the results?
The result is meant to be subtlethink along the lines oflash extensionsormicrofeathering.
Personally, Im still loving the results with just a bit of balm patted over the top.
Lip blushing before-and-after photos
This article has been updated with additional reporting byDanielle Sinay.
