If you want to look your best at all times, it may be time for a change from your traditional makeup routine.   Discuss your lip design and color objectives with your chosen technician.  Much of what can be offered to you in the way of color change will be based on your natural lip coloring.  Although natural is always recommended, there are a variety of colors available for discussion.

Sometimes lip liner alone can look artificial. If the color complements your skin tone or you really like the look of a definitive line around the lips, then lip liner may be a good choice for you.  If your choice of color contrasts with your skin tone, a full lip color procedure is a better choice.  Remember, small lips will only look smaller with a defining lip liner so a full lip procedure is recommended in this case as well.

Natural colors will look like your natural lip, but better, just as if you were born with luscious lips. You can always put opaque lipstick over any permanent lip color to change your look, depending on your outfit, mood or special occasion.  Lip colors that depart from your natural lip color (or slightly darker or lighter) should be discussed with your technician at a consultation.  It is impossible to provide all important information without a specific client’s lip and a target color to discuss.   Because lips have a natural cool undertone, matching a specific desirable color is dependent upon the canvas the pigment is to be applied to.

The final shape of the lip is incredibly important. For clients who want to have larger appearing lips, usually going to the very outer limits of the vermilion edge of the lip itself is sufficient.  Extreme caution must be taken when extending the color into the surrounding skin. This is rarely recommended and if a person is a good candidate for this, they must work with a very experienced technician.   Minor alterations to the lip line to attain symmetry are routine. The technician will draw on the template to following during tattooing and show the client before proceeding. 

Immediately after the tattooing process the color will appear very vibrant.  Within a few days the outer layer of the tattooing will exfoliate.  Many times this exfoliation process is inconsistent within the lips.  It is important not to disturb the on-going exfoliation process by picking at portions of the lip that have not begun this process.  After approximately a week, the majority of the residual lip tattooing has exfoliated off the entire lip area.  The lips are somewhat tender and often remain that way to the touch for several weeks.  This is why it is recommended to wait a minimum of six to eight weeks before the follow up procedure.  Within this waiting period the lips will appear different.  They may take on a “frosty” appearance for a few days off and on.  They may appear more vibrant if the body is unusually warm (as an example after a warm shower.)  Conversely they may appear duller if the body is unusually cool (as an example if you live in an area that has a cold climate or on a ski trip, etc.) Within the six-eight week period the lip color settles in and the color seen is the final color resulting from the lip tattoo process.  When you return to your technician for the follow up appointment the appearance of the color and design will be discussed and adjustments made as appropriate.

Finally, remember that permanent lip color may fade considerably in seven to ten years –sooner with a lot of sun exposure. You will almost always need at least one touchup appointment and expect two.  Be sure to tell your technician if you suffer from cold sores (herpes simplex).  You must protect all permanent cosmetic color from the sun so choose a lip balm that is petrolatum free and has a good sun protection factor.

The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) provides general information to educate the public.  Each procedure varies depending on client desires and skin types; therefore it is up to the individual to see advice from technicians who would perform specific services.  Find a technician near you here:  http://www.spcp.org/findatechnician/united.htm

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Last modified: December 28, 2011