What Actually Happens During a Lip Blush Session? (And Why It’s Not as Scary as You Think)
- Ira Bale
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
By Ira Bale – Cosmetic Tattooist, South Yarra & Toorak Village
Let’s cut to the chase — lip blush sounds intense.
"Is it going to hurt?"
"Will I look like I’ve had filler?"
"Do I need to hide for a week?"
These are the kinds of questions I get all the time at Ira Bale Brows.And I get it — the internet can make lip blush seem like some overdrawn, swollen ordeal that turns your mouth into a cartoon character.
But here’s what I tell every new client:
Lip blush is not scary. It’s science, strategy, and subtlety — with a little bit of numbing cream.
Let me walk you through exactly what happens from start to finish, and why this is one of the most empowering services we offer in our Melbourne salons.
First: What Is Lip Blush?
Lip blush is a semi-permanent tattoo that enhances the natural colour, shape, and definition of your lips.
It’s not meant to replace lipstick — though it often does. It’s designed to create a more youthful, even, and symmetrical appearance that lasts around 2–3 years.
Think of it like a tint that lives under your skin.
Step-by-Step: What Actually Happens During Your Appointment
1. The Consultation
Before I pick up any device, I talk to you — a lot.We discuss:
Your natural lip tone
Past filler or trauma
Colour preferences (nothing is pre-selected)
Skin undertones and pigment compatibility
Your makeup habits and lifestyle
This part isn’t rushed. It sets the entire foundation.
2. Mapping and Design
I draw and refine the shape with a cosmetic pencil.Not to give you a new lip — but to restore what’s been lost through aging, asymmetry, or uneven pigmentation.
Clients often say:
“I didn’t realise how uneven my lips actually were until I saw the outline.”
3. Numbing
We apply a strong topical anaesthetic. Most clients feel very little once it kicks in — maybe some vibration or mild tickling, but nothing painful.
In fact, I’ve had clients fall asleep in the chair. Yes, really.
4. Tattooing Begins
Using a specialised cosmetic tattoo machine (far more delicate than body tattoo tools), I gently layer pigment into the skin.
This isn’t a single pass — it’s built slowly across layers to avoid trauma and over-saturation. I constantly adjust depth, stretch, and motion to follow your lip texture.
5. Breaks and Checks
I pause regularly to check colour balance, reapply numbing, and ensure you’re comfortable.The entire session takes about 2.5–3.5 hours.
6. Reveal and Aftercare
Once complete, we go over aftercare (which I’ll break down shortly) and take your “before and after” photos — and this is usually the point where clients tear up.Not because it hurts — but because they finally see their lips again.
A Client Story: The “What Was I So Scared Of?” Moment
I had a client — let’s call her A. — who sat in my Toorak Village studio last month. She said,
“I’ve been thinking about this for three years. I kept chickening out because I thought it would hurt or look fake.”
She had beautiful features but always wore lipstick — even to bed.She felt “naked” without colour.
After I showed her the custom pigment I’d mixed (a soft warm mauve with a peachy base), she said:
“That’s the exact colour I keep trying to recreate every morning.”
Two hours later, she looked in the mirror and whispered:
“That’s me — but better.”
And then she laughed.
“What was I so scared of?”
Let’s Debunk the Scary Stuff
❌ "It’ll Look Like Lip Filler"
Nope. Lip blush adds colour and dimension — not volume. It can enhance the lip border, but it won’t puff or plump unnaturally.
❌ "It Hurts"
With proper numbing and technique, discomfort is minimal. If your artist is rushing or going too deep, you’re not in the right hands.
❌ "It Heals Ugly"
There’s flaking (like a gentle peel) for a few days, and initial colour is bold — but not monstrous. You won’t need to hide for a week unless you're planning close-ups.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
Hydrate your lips for 3–5 days with balm and water
Avoid harsh exfoliants or actives around the mouth
No alcohol, aspirin, or caffeine 24 hours before (can increase bleeding)
Bring your favourite lipstick colour if you want to match tones
Let me know about cold sores — we’ll recommend antiviral prophylaxis if needed
What Happens After
Expect light flaking for 4–6 days
No swimming, kissing, or spicy foods during that time
You’ll come back for a touch-up in 6–8 weeks to perfect tone and symmetry
And the best part? You’ll wake up every day with a soft flush of colour — no smudging, no reapplying, no weird lipstick lines.
Why Lip Blush Is a Game-Changer
Most of us spend years trying to “fake” even, full lips.We over-line. Reapply. Reblend. And still feel like it’s not quite right.
Lip blush isn’t about drama. It’s about definition, balance, and confidence.
At Ira Bale Brows, we’ve seen women cry, laugh, and stare at themselves in shock after a session — because suddenly, they feel like themselves again.
Final Word
If you’re worried about lip blush being painful, fake-looking, or high-maintenance — it’s not.
At least not when done right. And at Ira Bale Brows — South Yarra and Toorak Village — it’s done very right.
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