What's the Tattoo Process Like?
First, the artist will draw your desired lip shape with a lip pencil for you to look at and approve, which basically acts as a stencil. "I map the lips according to each person's facial features, so I kind of align everything, so it's the most natural way possible," says Kondratyev. "You have to stay on lip tissue when you do cosmetic tattooing; you can only maybe go one millimeter outside the lip line — where you see pores, you don't tattoo. So there are limitations, but it can be used to help create a fuller-looking natural lip."
When it comes to picking out a color, clients can bring in their favorite lipstick, or photos of healed lip blush tattoos they love. "I custom create every color for every person. How I decide that is looking at their natural lip color, skin, hair, and eye color. I do have some favorites that I go to more often that I think are flattering on a wide range of people. But it has to match their skin tone and color." If you're a little nervous, you can opt for a lighter color that will heal most naturally, and then later bump the color up if you do a second session. Once you've chosen the color and your artist has created your lip shape, they'll set your lips with a setting powder to keep the shape in place.
How Much Does Lip Blushing Cost?
The cost for lip blushing can vary, depending on the artist and your location. At First Class Cosmetics, Kondratyev charges $650 for the first session, and $200 to $350 for a second session, which is typically done four to six weeks later. If you're coming back to get a refresh within the next 1-1.5 years, it's $300 for an additional session.
Is Lip Blushing Painful?
As Kondratyev explains, "the pain level is different for everyone. Pain-wise, some people are more sensitive, and usually those are the people who didn't follow the precare rules, by drinking alcohol and caffeine." But let's get real here: you're tattooing your lips and your lips are made up of sensitive lip tissue. Still, it shouldn't be any more painful than a regular tattoo — like a light brushing across your lips — and you can ask your artist to apply numbing cream to the area 10 minutes beforehand to help. "Some artists are against it, but I use a 5 percent lidocaine numbing agent because it makes it more comfortable, and your lips are sensitive tissue."
