The Process: Photos and Color Analysis
A crucial step in the lip blush or lip neutralization process at my NYC studio happens before I even touch your lips: I’ll take photos under studio lighting to carefully analyze your natural lip undertones. Together, we’ll review the photos to identify your true lip color, which will allow me to select the perfect pigment to enhance and complement what you already have during the lip tattooing process or to decide if you will benefit from lip neutralization before proceeding with lip blushing.
I know many clients feel overwhelmed when choosing a permanent lip color, but you can trust that lip blush color theory and pigment science are my specialties. There's no need for you to choose the exact color—in fact, I recommend you focus on sharing your vision for the final look while I handle the pigment selection. Rest assured, I’ll choose the perfect pigment to enhance your natural lips and give you a beautiful, flattering result for your cosmetic lip tattoo.
The Process: Sketch and Design
Once we are aligned on your lip blush goals, I’ll begin by sketching the shape of your lips where the cosmetic lip tattoo will be done. This step is about enhancing your natural lip shape, not changing it. I focus on defining the edges and refining what you already have, especially in areas lacking natural pigmentation. This way, we can create a balanced and flattering result for your lip blush.
The sketch is done with makeup and is fully adjustable. I’ll take my time to ensure you’re happy with the shape, and once it’s complete, I’ll show you the design for your approval. We’ll make any adjustments you feel necessary, and only when we are both completely satisfied with the shape will we move forward with the tattooing process. The design is a critical part of the process, so we’ll take as much time as needed to ensure it’s right.
The Process: Tattooing
This part of the appointment is the easiest for you! Once we’ve finalized the shape, I’ll begin tattooing your lips. The process typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the size of your lips and how much work needs to be done.
A common concern I hear from clients is the fear of pain, especially in such a sensitive area. I want to reassure you that my technique is gentle, and while you may feel some discomfort, it’s usually more of an irritating sensation than pain. Most clients find it completely manageable, and many even fall asleep during the session! I’ve never had a client stop due to discomfort, so you can feel confident it won’t be as intense as expected.
I do not use numbing agents, as they can affect your lips' natural color and texture, leading to inconsistent results and a more difficult healing process. Instead, I rely on my skill and experience to ensure a smooth, comfortable session.
I typically work over the entire lip twice, then fine-tune the details to ensure everything is as perfect as possible. At the end of the session, I’ll show you the result so we can double-check everything and ensure you're completely happy with your results.