Semi-permanent make-up is a growing trend, providing a fresh look without the cost and hassle of applying makeup daily. And when it comes to treating your lips, the most popular options are lip blush and lip neutralization – but what are these and how do they differ?
What is Lip Blush?
If you’re looking for a natural-looking splash of color on your lips, then lip blush is the procedure for you. This pigment-enhancing technique will not only enhance your lip color, it can also adjust the shape while giving you a much fuller lip. One of the reasons so many people are choosing lip blush is that you don’t have to apply makeup constantly, but if you would like to adjust the color, you can add some lipstick. Lip blush is a subtle hint that ensures you look washed out.
Who would benefit from lip blush?
If you’re happy with your lips but would love them to pop a bit more, then lip blush is the ideal treatment for you. It will enhance your existing tone and shape, while also correcting any minor areas of concern such as blemishes. Essentially, lip blushing is the right treatment for you if you:
- You feel your lips are too pale and could improve in color
- You want slightly fuller-looking lips
- You want a particular shade of color on your lips
- You would like a more defined lip border
- You want to improve the symmetry of your lips
- You have any scars on your lips that you would like to cover
- You have a pigmentation on your lip that you would like corrected
What is Lip Neutralization?
Lip neutralization is another form of lip tattooing that is generally performed on clients with a darker skin tone or those with hyperpigmentation. As with lip blushing, lip neutralizing involves injecting pigment into the lip, but unlike blush, this will be used to balance the darker tones rather than just a splash of color. As with lip blush, the neutralization can also enhance the natural lip color, shape, and symmetry.
Who would benefit from lip neutralization?
If you’re deciding between lip blush and lip neutralization, you’re likely looking to enhance the color of your lips. However, you would most certainly benefit from lip neutralization if:
- You have naturally darker lips and are looking for some color enhancement
- You have suffered some form of trauma or injury that has resulted in a darker lip color
- Your lips have become darker because of sun exposure or an underlying medical condition
- Your lips have darkened because of too much caffeine or smoking
- Your lips are darker because of a hormone imbalance
What does the lip neutralization procedures involve?
It’s absolutely vital that you have the procedure performed by specialized technicians with experience in the treatment and the appropriate qualifications. You can expect to follow these steps when going through lip neutralization.
- Consultation stage: You will meet with the technician to ascertain exactly which treatment is best for you and approximately how many sessions you might require.
- First session: This is where the neutralizing pigment is injected into your lips to cool the tones. For example, orange is used to neutralize blue tones while yellow balances out purple.
- Further sessions: You might require a couple more sessions of lip neutralization depending on the pigmentation of your lips. The sessions are scheduled six weeks apart to allow the pigment to settle.
- Lip blush: Once your lips have been neutralized, you might want to undergo a blush treatment that will effectively add the desired pop of color to your lightened lips, creating a much fuller appearance. If you are only going for the lip blush treatment, you won’t need to undergo as many sessions.
How long does lip blushing and lip neutralization last?
As with any medical tattooing procedure, the longevity of the procedure differs largely from person to person. On average, the treatment can last around 2 to 5 years, after which you can opt to have a touch-up if required. Some of the factors that could impact the length of time it lasts include sun exposure, smoking, and product use.
What are the Benefits of Lip Blushing and Lip Neutralization?
The increasing popularity of lip blushing and lip neutralization indicates how effective this particular semi-permanent makeup treatment is. Here’s a look at a few of the benefits you could enjoy:
- It’s non-invasive as no surgery is required
- You enjoy longer-lasting lip color and fuller lips
- There are long-term cost savings linked to lower makeup requirements.
- You can customize the lip color for your tone
- It can improve the appearance of ageing lips
- You can enjoy better lip symmetry and shape
- It’s a quick and effective treatment
What to Expect Before and After Lip Blush and Lip Neutralization
Before your first treatment, you will be encouraged to exfoliate your lips to remove any dead skin cells. You will also have to refrain from certain blood-thinning items 48 hours before the appointment. These include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Fish oil
After your first session, your lips should take a few weeks to fully heal so don’t be alarmed if they aren’t the color or appearance you’d hoped for just yet! You will be given some form of ointment to apply to the lips to assist with the healing process. You can expect your lips to start scabbing at around the five-day mark and it’s important that you don’t pick at the scabs. In addition to avoiding picking, you will also need to avoid getting your lips wet which means no saunas or swimming pools. You can’t sunbathe for some two weeks or apply makeup.
Both lip blush and lip neutralization are forms of lip tattooing that work to enhance your natural lip color, definition, fullness, and shape. While lip blush adds a pop of natural color so your lips never appear to be washed out, lip neutralization will lighten or create a more even tone to your lips before opting for lip blushing if necessary.
