Lips

What Is a Permanent Lip Tattoo?

April 1, 2023

Permanent lip tattoo is a cosmetic tattooing procedure in which pigment is inserted into your skin using an electrical/digital machine and a very fine needle (hygiene cartridge). Several rounds of pigmentation are used to build up the pigment on your lips.


We All Want Fuller Lips

Image source: Private Collection

We all want our lips to appear fuller and nicer. Lip fillers have become increasingly popular, and lipsticks, lip glosses, and lipliners are a staple in every woman's bag. And of course,  some men invest in good lip products as well. Lip colors can be the dot over the I, and we associate certain lip colors to the personal brands of celebrities or people we know personally. I know one woman who always wears red lipstick and that is just a part of her personality. And I believe Marilyn Monroe should be mentioned in this post because she was the red lipstick icon. I love how statement makeup allows people to express themselves. 

When it comes to treatments to improve our appearance, we now live in a world where almost anything is possible. And one of the options we have is to get a permanent lip tattoo, which can look absolutely stunning if done correctly.

What Is a Permanent Lip Tattoo?

Permanent lip tattoo is a cosmetic tattooing procedure that involves inserting pigment into your skin with a very fine needle and an electrical/digital machine (hygiene cartridge). The pigment on your lips is built up over several rounds of pigmentation. There are a variety of treatments available, some of which are similar but promoted differently. One of the most popular treatments is basic lipliner, which shapes the curve of the lips and helps with asymmetry. Lip liner and shading are my favorite lip treatments. The lips are defined, and half of them have a light shadow to give them a contoured appearance. Then there's the option of completely pigmented lips. The treatment that you receive is heavily influenced by your personal preferences.

Lip tattoos are also known by the following names:

  • Lip blush, 
  • Lip blend
  • Feathering 
  • Contoured Lips
  • Aquarelle lip tattooing

I might not be listing all of the versions of tattooed lips, but the best way is to do some research and look for photos of the desired look.

Did You Know You Might Have Bigger Lips Than You Think?

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Did you know that your lips are slightly "larger" than you think they are? Yes, I, too, was taken aback! The lip border has little to no pigment for some people. As a result, the PMU artist can insert pigment into that area, allowing them to shape and fill out the lips. Only by enhancing the cupid bow can the appearance of the lips be significantly altered. When i had my lip tattoo done, we concentrated on giving my lips a more hearty shape because I have very round lips. Others have a nice cupid bow, while others don't.

What Color of Pigment Should You Choose For Your Lip Tattoo? 

Color pigments are typically available in a range of shades. Your PMU artist should be able to achieve the desired color blend. However, don't be surprised if the color looks different and more pigmented when applied, as it will fade quickly! When I had my lips done, they were a lot more red/orange than I expected, but after the healing process, they were pinkish and perfect. If you have a rough idea of what you want, don't be afraid to talk about it with your PMU artist and ask them to show you some examples of their previous work.

The End Result Of Your Lip Tattoo

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Depending on how your lips respond to the treatment, the healing process can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days. Scabbing will happen, and you may notice that the color is flaking off. Don't worry, you'll still have a nice color left in most cases. As a result, the color that is inserted at first appears darker than you intended. However, once you've finished the treatment, the pigment will change to the desired color.

Just keep in mind:

  • It takes time for the lips to heal
  • At first, the color will be darker
  • Carefully follow the aftercare instructions
  • The treatment could take up to three appointments to complete
  • During the healing process, avoid wearing makeup on your lips
  • Select a skilled technician with a proven track record
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By
Kristjana

Kristjana has years of experience as a Customer Success and Marketing Manager in the Permanent Makeup industry. Her passion is to share information in a simple way in order to assist everyone in making well informed decisions about which treatment and PMU Artist to choose.