Ever since Kylie Jenner did for lips what Cara Delevingne did for brows (i.e., jump-started the oversized feature trend), people have been searching for the single product or procedure that will help them achieve that same plumped-up look. Jenner's lips are the result of injections, but there's another treatment that's just as notable (and completely non-invasive): lip tattoos.
After the semi-permanent trend began picking up steam a few years ago and here are the 9 facts you should know if you decide to enter the world of permanent makeup, according to the expert Stella Kim from Stella Kim Artistry.
Fact #1 Lip tattoos are meant to enhance lips, not create actual fullness. Actual truth about this procedure is designed to define lips, not to create volume or puffiness. It will just give you the appearance of a full lips, so appearance wise it does look fuller but it’s really nice size wise. Part of the process is outlining right on the border of the lip, I'm only helping to give your lips the appearance that they're fuller. It's all about the illusion. Magic! If you are looking into fullness of your lips, then check out Stella's Lip Filler Hyaluron Pen for only 1/4 of cost of regular fillers.
Fact #2 The lip tint tattoo doesn't just go around your lip like traditional lip-liner application. Stella do an outline on the border of the lip, but also shading the color down into the middle of the lip in a circular motion to give it more of a blended look and the interior part of the lip without color.
Fact #3 Semi- Permeant Lip Tint is different from traditional lip tattoo. It's possible to get a color that's close to your natural lip color — but that means it won't last as long. The more natural the color, the more frequent your touch-ups are going be. If someone comes in and says, 'I love my color; I just want it to be a hint more,' they're probably going to have to come in once a year for touch-ups to refresh that color." Tattooing your lips one or two shades darker or brighter depending on your natural skin tone and your natural undertone. Stella is expert at choosing custom color that’s matches just for you.
Fact #4 Most places use pigment now days (semi- Permeant) instead of traditional tattoo ink (which is why it fades). Years ago, permanent makeup was applied with regular body tattoo ink. That's why it often looked so unnatural. "When you get a body tattoo, it's usually done with ink, which has a very watery consistency. Pigment is thicker, so it gives that more natural powdery finish. But it does exfoliate out of your skin after 12 to 18 months. And since you eat and drink with your lips, it's going to happen faster."
Fact #5 It can be sensitive but not painful. Lips are especially sensitive. But don’t worry we do use high dosage of numbing. So painless and done faster with FDA approved machine. It can be done early as 20 minutes.
Fact #5 The healing process takes about 7-10 days. Stella advise her clients getting lip tint tattoos to schedule the procedure for a Thursday, so they can let the swelling and dryness die down over the weekend. The lips will look very dry and chapped as they heal. Also, the color gets lighter, and then as the skin heals, it comes back. Just like microblading brows. You usually see the full, truest color after about two weeks.
Rule #6 This is very important. If you're prone to cold sores, if you ever had a cold sores near your mouth/ lip area, make sure you're taking medication to prevent an outbreak. Please be honest. It’s for your better outcome. The stimulation from the needle can bring out cold sores and that can really ruin the procedure and make the healing process much worse. You can possibly ask your primary doctor to give you medication 7 days prior.
Fact #7 It doesn't work on every skin tone. Clients that have darker skin tones because they can hyperpigmented. The needle abrades the skin, so when they heal, a lot more pigment is produced and their lips could actually get darker. Please have an consultation if you are qualify for this procedures.
Fact #8 Lip-liner tattoos last longer than temporary lip fillers and cost less then fillers. Lip fillers cost anywhere from $750 to $1000 per syringe depending on type of fillers and they last for six to nine months or maybe up to a year. Stella Kim Artistry charge $1000 for the full lip-tattoo procedure, and it's a two- or three-step process. She charges $150 for the second visit. And for yearly touch-ups, she charges $300. If you calculate, lip tattoo gets a lot cheaper in a long run.
Fact #9 If you don't like your tattoo, you can get it removed with a our Removal Procedure. If anyone asks Stella to tattoo outside of their lip line, I won't do it. If they don't like their natural lip line, I tell them to go get a Needle-less filler first. And if you absolutely hate your lip-liner tattoo from previous tattoo artists, there are most effective then laser treatments that are called Lift removal procedure that can sometimes remove the color.
A Note From Stella: Touch-Ups are not included in her permanent makeup applications and are not typically needed, but be advised individual results may vary.