I got a lipstick tattoo: the results

Preparing for the Procedure:

On the day of the appointment, my tattoo artist, Katerina, first cleans my lips to ensure it is free of any makeup or residue, allowing for optimal pigment retention. 

She asked me to bring in my favourite lipstick for inspiration, so we could match the pigment as closely as possible to the product! I tell her I don’t want a strong pigment, just a very natural tint. I also request a gradient lip effect, where the pigment on the outer portion of my lips is lighter, and subtly blends into a darker colour towards the centre of the lips. Katerina mixes a few different shades together and shows me how the pigment will come together on a nude piece of paper. 

She holds each pigment blend against my skin and asks if we need to adjust any details to best compliment my skin tone.

We trial multiple colour combinations and finally find the perfect blend – a peachy pink tint.

The Tattooing Process:

The procedure involves depositing pigment into the upper layers of the skin, creating a subtle tint that mimics the appearance of traditional lipstick.

Using a fine needle and a gentle, controlled hand, my artist carefully outlines the contours of my lips. Next, she fills in the lip area with layers of pigment, gradually building up the colour intensity to achieve the desired shade.

Throughout the process, she periodically pauses to allow me to assess the progress and make any adjustments or refinements. This collaborative approach ensures that the final result aligns with my expectations and preferences.

The Recovery Journey:

Immediately after the procedure, my lips were swollen like a puffer fish and I honestly looked like I had a botched lip filler procedure.

The colour was intense, but I was prepared for all that! However, my tattoo artist already wanted me that the colour will be very dramatic initially, but the pigment will physically “peel off” over the colour of a week and settle into a natural peach tint.

Day 1-3: Initial Healing Phase In the first few days following the lipstick tattoo procedure, my lips experienced some mild swelling and tenderness, which is a common reaction to the tattooing process. To alleviate discomfort, I applied a soothing lip balm (Bepanthen) and avoided exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Day 4-5: Scabbing and Peeling Around the fourth to fifth day post-tattoo, I noticed dryness, scabbing and peeling on the surface of my lips. While this phase may seem unsightly, it is essential not to pick or peel the scabs, as this can disrupt the healing and affect the final outcome of the tattoo.

Day 6-7: Restoration and Rejuvenation As I entered the sixth and seventh day of recovery, I observed a marked improvement in the roughness of my lips. The scabs had begun to slough off naturally, revealing the vibrant colour beneath. My lips were still slightly dry, but felt felt smoother and more hydrated, signalling that the healing process was almost over.

It has currently been 4 months  post my lipstick tattoo procedure and the colour has become a barely there peach tint. It is recommended to go for a second touch up to increase the saturation, as the first session is to see how well the lips retain colour. However, I have not gone for a second touch up, because I am happy with a subtle peach base, which gives me more flexibility in layering lipsticks and changing my overall makeup look.

 People often ask: what if you don’t like the colour, or want to change colours? This is why I decided to opt for a barely there tint that adds just enough oomph, but does not overpower the face or look like makeup. 

Story by Kristina; Holding shot by @rosiehw.