Imagine not needing to do your makeup before work. You can sleep in and wake up with a beautiful face of makeup. This is the reality for many people who are opting for permanent makeup.
Even though permanent makeup technically isn’t permanent, many people reap the benefits of various makeup tattoo procedures, such as permanent lip makeup. Lip tattoos are the latest trend in permanent makeup. Permanent lip makeup involves lip shading to accentuate and define your lips.
But is it really worth it? There are things you should know about tattooing your lips before devoting yourself to this procedure.
What Is Permanent Lip Makeup?
Permanent makeup is similar to getting any tattoo. The artist uses a tattoo machine to deliver the ink into the body. With permanent makeup, the purpose is to replicate cosmetics.
But there are some differences. The ink used for makeup tattooing is different compared to other tattoos; it’s a mineral-based ink, so it has more of a powder formula. The result looks more like your normal cosmetics as opposed to a tattoo.
As stated previously, permanent makeup doesn’t last forever. That’s because the mineral-based makeup isn’t permanent like tattoo ink. However, it will fade to a natural-looking shade. You can also touch up your permanent lip makeup, though it’s recommended you leave a few years in between appointments.
Why You May Consider Permanent Lip Makeup
There are a few reasons why you may want to permanently shade your lips. These include:
- Cosmetic issues (hyperpigmentation, etc.)
- Difficulty doing your own makeup
- Sick of your lipstick wearing off
Let’s take a closer look at these reasons.
Don’t Want Lipstick Wearing Off
This is likely the reason why people get permanent lip makeup. While your lips may look amazing after putting on makeup, the lip products will eventually fade after eating and drinking. There are a few tricks you can do to keep your lipstick lasting longer, such as exfoliating before applying lipstick. But no method lasts longer than permanent makeup.
Difficulty Applying Lipstick
You may be someone who loves makeup but you aren’t makeup savvy. There’s nothing wrong with that.
But lipstick can’t be that difficult to apply, you may be telling yourself. For the most part, it isn’t. But getting the perfect lipstick look does encompass many steps, such as moisturizing and priming. You also may not know the little tricks, such as preventing lipstick from getting on your teeth or stopping the color from bleeding.
For those who do struggle with this problem, it may be worth it to have a professional lipstick tattoo as opposed to applying your own makeup every day.
Lip Appearance Issues
There are many cosmetic lip issues that can affect the way your lips look without makeup. Hyperpigmentation, cold sores, and contact dermatitis are the most common examples. Even chapped lips look unsightly, yet everyone experiences this problem. If you always wanted beautiful lips, no matter your problem, then permanent lip makeup may be for you.
Keep in mind, you should always inform the tattooer of any lip problems you have, especially allergies and contact dermatitis. These issues can interfere with the healing process. You should also discover if you’re allergic to ink or pigment before your appointment.
Does It Hurt?
This has probably been your number one question since reading this article. Your lips are one of the most sensitive parts of your face, so pain is common with permanent lipstick procedures.
However, most say it’s a general discomfort as opposed to serious pain.
Keep in mind, you will likely experience extra side effects. Since your lips have more blood vessels, they’re more prone to swelling. Understand that certain actions, such as eating, will be very difficult during the healing process. Dryness is also common, so be sure to moisturize your lips as often as you can.
Understand that everyone’s experience is different. If you’re getting permanent lip makeup done to correct cosmetic problems, you’ll need more intense sessions than someone who simply doesn’t want to put on lipstick every morning.
What Else Should You Know Before Getting Permanent Lip Makeup?
In order to get the best makeup tattoo experience, always prepare for your service. First, don’t use any of the following before your appointment:
- Caffeine
- Ibuprofen or Tylenol
- Alcohol
- Niacin
- Fish oil
- Vitamin E
All of these things can cause blood to thin (yes, even fish oil). Since the lips are such a delicate area, it’s best you avoid anything that can disrupt the healing.
Since dryness is a common side effect during the healing process, it’s recommended you exfoliate your lips once a day for a week prior to your appointment. While there are lip exfoliators on the market, you can also use your toothbrush if you’re on a budget.
Is Permanent Lip Makeup Worth It?
Now that we covered all of these bases, it’s time to answer the main question: is permanent lip makeup worth it? This depends on you and your needs. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do I need to conceal any cosmetic issues on my lips?
- Do I want to define my lips?
- Do I hate doing my lip makeup every day and want an alternative method?
If you said yes to any of these questions, permanent lip makeup is right for you. But before you make an appointment, keep these factors in mind.
- Permanent lip makeup isn’t cheap — your first session will set you back $150 and costs may be as high as $1,000
- The results aren’t permanent, but they do last a few years
- Regular touch-ups are recommended
- Healing takes about a month
- Common side effects include discoloration, swelling, and peeling
- The tattoo won’t settle into the full color immediately
If you’re not willing to commit to these responsibilities, you shouldn’t consider permanent lip makeup. You should also consider other alternatives if your lips are already defined or if your pout has a lovely natural color.
Permanent Lip Makeup May or May Not Be Right for You
Permanent lip makeup is becoming a popular makeup tattoo procedure. But is it right for you? We hope this blog helped you decide! Continue reading our blog if you need more beauty advice.