Permanent Lip Tattoos: Your Questions Expertly Answered
- Heather Protheroe
- Aug 18
- 7 min read
Have you ever wished your lips could look perfectly tinted and defined all day, every day? No smudging lipstick, no constant reapplication, and no worrying about colour fading halfway through the day? If so, permanent lip tattoos might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.
As a permanent makeup specialist, I hear countless questions about this increasingly popular treatment. From what it actually involves to who it’s best for, the pros and cons, and why choosing the right professional is so important. This guide is here to give you clear, expert answers. I hope you find it helpful and informative. However, if you still have any questions remaining, please do not hesitate to contact me here. I'd be delighted to help.
What Are Permanent Lip Tattoos?
Permanent lip tattoos, often referred to as lip blushing or cosmetic tattooing, are a form of permanent makeup (PMU) that enhances the natural colour, shape, and symmetry of your lips. Unlike some old-style permanent makeup, which looked harsh and artificial, modern techniques create a soft, natural finish. Think of it as “your lips, but better.”
Using a specialised digital machine, ultra-fine needles deposit pigment into the lips in layers. This process builds colour gradually, ensuring a soft blush rather than a heavy block of colour. The result is a beautifully natural tint that enhances your lips’ natural beauty while still giving you the freedom to add lipstick on top if you want a bolder look.
Who Might Benefit from Permanent Lip Tattoos?
Permanent lip tattoos aren’t just for people who love makeup. Indeed, they’re ideal for a wide range of clients, including:
Those with naturally pale or uneven lip colour: If your lips have lost pigmentation over time, a tattoo can restore a healthy flush.
Anyone who wants more defined lips: Tattoos can subtly enhance the border, improving symmetry without fillers.
Busy professionals and parents: Save time in the morning by skipping lipstick while still looking polished.
Fitness lovers: No need to worry about your lip colour disappearing during workouts, swims, or hot yoga.
People with lipstick allergies: Many find lipsticks and liners irritating; tattoos offer a safe, long-lasting alternative.
Clients with physical challenges: If eyesight, dexterity, or mobility makes applying makeup difficult, permanent lip tattoos can be life-changing.
What Are The Benefits of Permanent Lip Tattoos?
Clients choose this treatment for many different reasons. Here are some of the top benefits:
1. Always Ready, Always Polished
Permanent lip tattoos mean you wake up every day with colour, shape, and definition already in place. Whether you’re working, running errands, or heading out for the evening, your lips always look their best.
2. Natural Enhancement
Forget the old-fashioned “tattoo lipstick” look. Modern lip tattoos are subtle, enhancing your natural beauty without being obvious. You’ll look like yourself, just fresher.
3. Long-Lasting Results
Permanent lip tattoos last anywhere from 2–5 years, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and how well you care for them. A colour boost every couple of years will keep them looking vibrant.
4. Customised to You
Every lip tattoo is bespoke. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, undertones, and desired look. Together we’ll choose a pigment shade that enhances your skin tone and complements your natural colouring.
5. Smudge-Proof Confidence
No more lipstick smears on coffee cups, wine glasses, or loved ones. With permanent lip tattoos, your colour stays put through every kiss, sip, and smile.
What Happens During the Treatment?
Many first-time clients are curious (and sometimes a little nervous) about what actually happens during a lip tattoo session. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation & Design – At your first appointment, we’ll begin with a detailed consultation, where I’ll assess your natural lip colour, shape, and skin tone. Together, we’ll decide on the best pigment and style for you. I use the Perma Blend Luxe rang of pigments. I'll also conduct an allergy test to ensure the products we use are suitable for you.
Mapping & Numbing – I’ll carefully outline your lips and a numbing cream can be applied to keep you comfortable throughout the process.
Tattooing – Using a digital cosmetic tattoo machine, I’ll layer the pigment into your lips with precise, gentle strokes. The process usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish, depending on your lip size.
Healing – Your lips may feel swollen, tender, or slightly darker for a few days. As they heal, some scabbing or peeling is normal. The colour will soften into a beautiful natural shade over the following weeks.
Follow-Up – Most clients return 6–8 weeks later for a touch-up, where I perfect the colour and make any small adjustments.
What Happens During The Healing Process?
Healing is one of the most important parts of the permanent lip tattoo journey. Here’s a quick timeline to help you understand what to expect:
Day 1–2: Lips may feel swollen and appear brighter or darker than expected.
Day 3–5: Some peeling or flaking is normal—don’t pick at it!
Week 1–2: Colour fades as the lips heal and can even look lighter than expected.
Week 4–6: The true healed colour emerges.
Touch-Up: At your follow-up appointment, I’ll make sure everything looks perfect and add more pigment if needed. In some cases, you may decide to have a third session, as I did myself, but let's take it one stage at a time.
Do Permanent Lip Tattoos Hurt?
This is one of the most common questions I’m asked—and the honest answer is: most clients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the treatment is.
Before we begin, you can apply a strong topical numbing cream to the lips. This helps minimise discomfort, so while you may feel some light scratching or pressure as the pigment is applied, it shouldn’t be painful. Many clients describe the sensation as a gentle tickling, tingling, or vibration rather than actual pain.
Of course, everyone’s pain tolerance is different. The lips are a sensitive area, so it’s normal to experience a little more awareness here than with other types of permanent makeup, but the vast majority of clients remain completely comfortable throughout the session.
After the treatment, your lips may feel slightly tender or swollen, similar to a mild sunburn, but this usually settles within a couple of days as the healing process begins.
So, in short: no, permanent lip tattoos shouldn’t hurt. With proper numbing and a gentle, skilled technique, the process is very manageable, and the results are absolutely worth it.
What Are The Pros and Cons of Permanent Lip Tattoos?
Every treatment has upsides and downsides. Here’s a balanced look at permanent lip tattoos:
Pros
Saves time in your daily routine.
Natural-looking enhancement.
Long-lasting results (2–5 years).
Smudge-proof and waterproof.
Corrects asymmetry and restores faded colour.
Perfect solution for people with physical challenges.
Cons
Healing takes around 1–2 weeks, and the colour may look darker before softening.
It’s permanent: while it fades, removal isn’t simple as its a tattoo after all.
Results vary depending on skin type, health, and lifestyle.
A second session is usually required for best results.
Risks like infection, scarring, or uneven colour can occur if done by an untrained or careless artist.
Why Is It Essential to Choose a Professional?
Permanent lip tattoos involve breaking the skin, so safety, skill, and precision are critical. Unfortunately, poor training or low-quality pigments can lead to infections, scarring, or results you regret.
Here’s why booking with a fully trained professional matters:
Expert Knowledge – Understanding lip anatomy, pigment behaviour, and healing processes ensures safe, effective results.
Hygiene & Safety – I use only sterile, medical-grade tools and pigments that meet strict safety standards.
Tailored Design – Each set of lips is unique—I create a customised plan for your shape, tone, and goals.
Aftercare Support – You’ll leave with clear aftercare instructions and ongoing support throughout the healing process.
At Lady MakeUp, I take great pride in offering a safe, professional, and friendly environment. My goal is always to help you feel confident, comfortable, and completely thrilled with your results. I have trained with: Dermace, The Clinical Academy (TCA), Will Anthony, Teryn Darling, and Amber Guthery. I have the highest qualifications needed to practice as a permanent make-up artist in the UK.
How Much do Permanent Lip Tattoos cost?
The cost of permanent lip tattoos can vary depending on a few key factors: the experience of the artist, the quality of pigments and equipment used, and whether the price includes your follow-up session (which is essential for the best results).
On average, in the UK, you can expect to pay £300–£500 for a full lip blush tattoo (including at least one follow-up session). At Lady MakeUp, I provide a bespoke service:
A detailed consultation to design the perfect shape and shade for you.
Your first treatment session using safe, premium pigments.
A follow-up appointment 6–8 weeks later to perfect the colour.
Full aftercare guidance and ongoing support.
Please find my full permanent make-up price list here (I recommend a minimum of 2 sessions - if a 3rd treatment is requested this will be at a reduced rate). While it might be tempting to shop around for the lowest price, it’s worth remembering that this is a permanent tattoo on your face.
Think of it less as a one-time expense and more as an investment in your confidence, waking up every day with lips that look effortlessly defined and beautifully natural.
Why I Love Creating Permanent Lip Tattoos
For me, this work is about so much more than beauty; it’s about confidence. I love seeing the transformation when a client looks in the mirror and sees fresh, youthful, defined lips that enhance their natural features.
It’s not about changing who you are; it’s about bringing out the best version of you. Permanent lip tattoos can make mornings easier, boost self-esteem, and give you back time you’d otherwise spend on makeup. Being part of that journey for my clients is what I love most.
Are Permanent Lip Tattoos Right for You?
If you’ve been considering this treatment, ask yourself:
Do you want to save time on your beauty routine?
Are you tired of constantly reapplying lipstick?
Would you love more definition or balanced symmetry?
Are you ready for long-lasting, low-maintenance confidence?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, then permanent lip tattoos could be perfect for you.
Final Thoughts
Permanent lip tattoos are more than just a beauty trend; they’re a way to simplify your life, enhance your natural beauty, and feel confident around the clock. With the right professional, the results can be truly stunning: soft, natural, and long-lasting.
If you’re curious or ready to take the first step, I’d love to welcome you to my studio in St Arvans near Chepstow. Together, we’ll design the perfect look for your lips and guide you through every step of the process with care, professionalism, and artistry.
Book your consultation today at Lady MakeUp and discover how permanent lip tattoos can transform your smile—and your confidence.
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