Lip Tattoo 101: Everything You Need To Know

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While we all love our lippies, finding the *perfect* shade for you that complements your lips and skin color can be a taxing and daunting task. If you want to get the right hue for you without having to go through several blind buys, we suggest getting a lip tattoo.

A lip tattoo is a form of semipermanent makeup. ICYDK, these kinds of procedures have gained popularity in recent years, thanks to their ability to enhance your natural features. For example, it can add definition to sparse eyebrows, grant you almost-permanent eyeliner, or in the case of a lip tattoo, enhance the look of your natural lip color and shape.

Below, we'll give you the 411 on everything you need to know about getting a lip tattoo—including how exactly it's done, its pain level, how much it costs, and how to take care of it. Keep on reading to get schooled:

What is a lip tattoo?

Lip tattoo, also known as lip blush, is a form of semipermanent makeup that aims to enhance the color and shape of your pout by depositing pigment using a mechanical needle. The end result is a subtle wash of color that's close to the natural hue of your lips. If you want, you can also have your lip tattoo artist further define the shape of your pout. The result can last up to one to two years with proper maintenance!

If you're familiar with old-school lip liner tattoos, a lip tattoo or lip blush is a more modern version of that. It's less invasive than an actual tattoo while imparting a more even wash of color. It also has minimal downtime, allowing you to go about your day-to-day activities with little to no discomfort.

How is a lip tattoo done?

Like any other cosmetic procedure, you first start with a consultation with a licensed cosmetic tattoo artist about the exact color and shape that you want. While you can bring your favorite lippie for reference, the artist can also recommend the perfect shade to complement your skin tone.

Once you're done with the consultation, the artist will start by applying a topical numbing cream all over your lips to minimize discomfort—they will be using a needle on it like an actual tattoo, after all! After leaving it on for 20 minutes, they will use a thin needle—similar to what tattoo artists use—to deposit pigment onto your lips. They will do multiple passes to build up the color gradually.

Once your artist is done, they will coat your lips with a soothing balm and send you off your way. If you're doing two sessions, they will have you come back for a retouch after six to twelve weeks.

P.S. Your artist may have you do two sessions: the first one is for neutralizing your lip color (especially perfect for those with two-toned lips), while the second session is for perfecting the color that you want.

OK, but how much does a lip tattoo hurt?

Honestly, a v important question, especially for the low pain tolerance girlies, LOL! Okay, well it's a process that involves using a needle, so there will be some pain. Thankfully, your artist will apply a topical numbing cream beforehand to minimize discomfort. However, its numbing effect can fade away as your artist does multiple passes to really deposit the pigment, so you can stop for a breather and ask them to reapply for comfort.

If you're curious about what getting a lip tattoo *feels* like, its sensation is similar to having someone draw on your lips with a ballpoint pen. If you have low pain tolerance, it can feel a little like a scratchy paper cut, so make sure to communicate with your artist if you're feeling any discomfort!

How much does a lip tattoo cost?

As of right now, only a few clinics in the Metro offer this procedure, making it a very in-demand service. If you want to get a lip tattoo, be prepared to shell out at least P15,000 to P25,000.

How do I take care of a lip tattoo?

After your lip tattoo, you can expect some swelling and a bit of tenderness for a few days. There are also some aftercare tips your artist will provide you to ensure that the pigment sticks and that it heals properly. Here are some rules to keep in mind:

• Rinse your lips with cold water after every meal. This will ensure that no oils or grease will stay on your pout and alter the color.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes. Cosmetic tattoo artists recommend avoiding smoking cigarettes for the first two days after getting the procedure done to avoid the color from fading.
• No to kissing. Sorry lover girls, but you can't kiss your man for the first three days post-lip tattoo to avoid any contamination. It's a small price to pay for having a natural-looking, just-bitten pout!
• Apply a soothing balm regularly. After a few days, you'll notice that your lips will start to peel as your chosen pigment starts to peek through. This can cause a bit of discomfort—especially if you have dry lips—so make sure to constantly reapply the balm that your artist gives or recommends to you.
• Don't apply any lip products. Yup, you can't apply any of your favorite lippies right after getting a lip tattoo for at least a week. This is to ensure that the color of your lip blush doesn't get altered.

Where can I get a lip tattoo in Manila?

Ready to get a lip tattoo? Here are a few clinics in the metro that offer this beauty service:

1. Browhaus: Lip Define

Branches: Greenbelt 5, S Maison, Serendra, Lucky Chinatown, SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall, Powerplant Mall, TriNoma

Price: P58,000, plus P7,500 for maintenance to be done within six months

For more info, check out their website.

2. Pretty Looks Aesthetic Center: Cherry Blossom Lip Tint

Branches:

• The Bellevue Manila, Alabang
• 2/F Uptown Parade Mall, BGC
• 2/F Unit 19& 20 Winland Tower Residences, Gilmore QC
• Unit 201 Grand Emerald Tower, Ortigas
• IL Terrazzo Mall, Tomas Morato, QC
• B Hotel, QC
• 102 Ilustre St. Davao City

Price:These prices are inclusive of two sessions.

• Php 16,000 - Junior Artist
• Php 23,000 - Senior Artist

• Php 42,000 - Master Artist

  Inclusive of 2 sessions

For more info, check out their website.

3. Pino Beauty Lounge: Lip Tattoo

Address:238 Tomas Morato Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Price: These prices are inclusive of two sessions.

• P20,000 - Junior Artist
• P25,000 - Senior Artist