posted on: February 3, 2026
By Maggie Staszcuk, LE, Program Director, ASCP
What Is Lip Blushing?
Lip blushing is a semipermanent cosmetic tattoo that deposits pigment into the dermal layer of the lips. It is sometimes referred to as the aquarelle lips technique, which is intended to give a shiny, lip gloss appearance. Aquarelle, a style of painting with watercolors, is where this technique gets its name.2 The pigments chosen are often subtle nudes and pinks that give a soft blush to the lips and appear almost transparent. Unlike a traditional permanent makeup lip, there are no harsh lines, saturated colors, or “lipstick” look. Using a single needle and a permanent makeup device, the technician applies layers of pigment into the lips until the desired outcome is achieved.3 Thin layers result in a subtle appearance. The more layers of pigment, the denser the result.
Professional Considerations for Lip Blushing
Lip blushing is considered an advanced permanent makeup service and should only be performed by trained professionals operating within their state’s scope of practice. Proper training, sanitation protocols, and insurance coverage are essential when offering PMU services.
Who Is Lip Blushing Best For?
- Clients with uneven for faded lip color
- Clients wanting low-maintenance lip enhancement
- Clients who prefer a natural makeup look
- Individuals with asymmetry or loss of definition due to aging
What Should Clients Expect After a Lip Blushing Treatment?
After the initial treatment, the lips will heal and be about 30 percent lighter on the lips post-procedure than the pigment seen in the bottle.4 A required follow-up occurs at 6–8 weeks to fill in pigment that may have dissipated or peeled away in the initial healing process and to correct any unevenness. The pigment will fade over time, but it can last up to four years depending on your client’s lifestyle. Factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and exfoliation can contribute to the pigment fading more quickly.
Post-care is basic and involves avoiding all the things that dry the lips and cause peeling. As with all tattoos, the lips should be kept moisturized. Clients should avoid lip products with petroleum jelly, which can cause pigment to fade.5 It is also advisable to use a lip product formulated with a broad-spectrum SPF, at least while lips are healing. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, tanning beds and sun lamps are known to fade tattoos and may even react with some pigments.6 Your client should avoid tanning for the sake of their lips (and the health of their skin). And, it goes without saying, exfoliating lip scrubs will diminish the life of the lip blush.
Insurance Considerations for PMU Services
Because lip blushing involves cosmetic tattooing and advanced modalities, practitioners should ensure they are properly insured before offering this service. ASCP members have access to optional permanent makeup insurance and other advanced modalities like radio frequency, ultrasound cavitation, or laser and IPL. More information about permanent makeup insurance and advanced esthetics coverage that protects you and your esthetics practice, including the steps for applying, visit www.ascpskincare.com/ami. Pricing for permanent makeup insurance ranges from $572 - $667 for the year, and you can bundle that coverage with other advanced modalities to save more.
EXPLORE ADVANCED COVERAGE OPTIONS
Originally Published in ASCP Skin Deep Magazine
This article originally appeared in ASCP Skin Deep, ASCP’s award-winning magazine for professional estheticians. Members can access the full digital issue and additional advanced education.
Notes
1. Louise Prance-Miles, GlobalCosmeticNews.com, “Goodbye Lipstick Effect, Hello Mascara Index—How COVID-19 May Have Changed the Beauty Landscape for Good,” May 29, 2020, www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/goodbye-lipstick-effect-hellomascara-index-h....
2. PMU Hub, “This is Why Aquarelle Lips are Getting So Famous!,” March 11, 2020, www.pmuhub.com/this-is-why-aquarelle-lips-are-getting-so-famous.
3. Microblading LA, “Learn More About Lip Blush,” accessed May 2021, microbladingla. com/learn-more-about-lip-blush.
4. PMU Hub, “This is Why Aquarelle Lips are Getting So Famous!”
5. LorealParisUSA.com, “What is Lip Blushing?,” accessed May 2021, www.loreal parisusa.com/beauty-magazine/makeup/lip-makeup/lip-blushing-tattoo.aspx.
6. American Academy of Dermatology, “Caring for Tattooed Skin,” accessed May 2021. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/tattoos/caring-for-tat....
7. PMU Hub, “This is Why Aquarelle Lips are Getting So Famous!”
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