In beauty and makeup, new trends are constantly emerging. One such trend that is taking the spotlight is lip shading.
This innovative technique has become popular among makeup enthusiasts for its ability to create the illusion of fuller, more defined lips. Lip shading involves blending two or more shades of lipstick or lip liner, giving a gradient effect that enhances the natural shape of your lips.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about lip shading, including its benefits, how the process works, and essential aftercare.
Let’s get straight to the point
Lip shading is a makeup technique that creates the illusion of fuller, defined lips by blending two or more shades of lipstick or lip liner, often referred to as “lip blushing.” This semi-permanent procedure involves tattooing pigments into the lips, resulting in a natural-looking gradient that enhances shape and colour.
Benefits include no more lipstick stains, reduced need for frequent lipstick application, and long-lasting colour for up to 2-5 years. The process includes a consultation, numbing, tattooing, and aftercare.
Proper aftercare, such as avoiding scabs, using SPF lip balm, and regular touch-ups, helps prolong results. Ideal candidates are individuals with thin, unevenly pigmented, or asymmetrical lips, or those seeking a low-maintenance makeup routine.
What Is Lip Shading?
To understand lip shading, it’s helpful to first grasp the basics of lip tattooing. Lip tattooing, or permanent lip makeup, involves inserting pigments into the skin of the lips using a specialised machine.
This creates a long-lasting colour that can make the lips appear fuller and more symmetrical. Lip shading is a type of lip tattooing often referred to as “lip blushing.”
It is a semi-permanent procedure that enhances the lips’ colour and shape. The result is a subtle, natural-looking gradient of colour that provides definition without the harsh lines of traditional lip liner.
How Lip Shading Works?
Understanding the lip shading process can help you feel more confident in your decision to undergo the procedure. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Consultation and Patch Test
The first step involves a consultation with your lip artist, where you will discuss your desired results. You’ll also undergo a patch test to ensure you are not allergic to the pigments or numbing agents used in the procedure.
Step 2: Numbing the Lips
Before the tattooing begins, a numbing cream is applied to minimise any discomfort. Although the procedure involves needles, most clients report only a mild sensation of pressure thanks to the numbing agent.
Step 3: Tattooing
Once the numbing takes effect, the artist uses an electric needle machine to deposit tiny dots of pigment into the lips. This process gradually builds up the colour and creates a soft gradient effect. The number of passes and the depth of colour can vary based on your preference.
Step 4: Aftercare Balm Application
After the tattooing process is complete, the artist applies a soothing balm to protect the lips and promote healing.
Lip Shading Procedure Breakdown
Here’s a more detailed look at the steps involved in lip shading:
- Symmetry Check: The artist uses specialised tools to assess the symmetry of your lips and make adjustments if needed.
- Colour Selection: Choosing the right colour is crucial. The artist will help you pick a shade that complements your natural skin tone.
- Device Preparation: The tattoo machine is prepared with the correct needle size and pigment to match your chosen shade.
- Anaesthesia: To ensure comfort, the artist applies anaesthetics. Depending on the type used, it can take 20-40 minutes to take effect.
Benefits of Lip Shading
If you’re considering lip shading, it’s important to weigh its advantages. This beauty trend is gaining popularity for several reasons:
- No More Lipstick Stains: One of the most frustrating things about traditional lipstick is that it tends to leave marks on cups, clothes, or even your partner’s skin. With lip shading, this problem becomes a thing of the past.
- Less Need for Lipstick: Lip shading reduces the need for frequent lipstick application. Your lips will always have a defined, healthy-looking colour, so you can skip the hassle of reapplying throughout the day.
- Long-Lasting Colour: Semi-permanent lip shading ensures that you don’t have to worry about your lipstick fading or bleeding into the fine lines around your mouth.
Durability of Lip Shading
Lip shading is not permanent, but it can last between two to five years, depending on several factors, such as skin type and lifestyle. Exposure to sunlight, chlorinated pools, and ocean water can cause the pigments to fade more quickly.
Regular touch-ups every year or two can help maintain the desired colour and shape.
Healing Process and Aftercare
After your lip shading procedure, your lips will undergo a healing process that can take up to six weeks. The healing phases include swelling, scabbing, and peeling.
Most of the healing will be complete within the first two weeks, but it’s important to follow proper aftercare to ensure the best results.
Aftercare Tips:
- Avoid Picking at Scabs: It’s tempting to pick at the scabs that form, but this can cause uneven healing and affect the final colour.
- Use Ointment: Apply the aftercare ointment provided by your artist to keep your lips moisturised and promote healing.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight can cause the pigments to fade more quickly, so protect your lips by using a lip balm with SPF.
Tips For Prolonging Your Lip Shading Results
To ensure your lip shading lasts as long as possible, follow these recommendations:
- Avoid Chlorinated Pools: Chlorine can cause the pigments to fade faster, so avoid swimming in pools if possible.
- Use SPF on Lips: Protect your lips from sun damage by applying lip balm with SPF.
- Schedule Touch-Ups: Regular touch-ups every 12-18 months will help maintain the vibrancy of your lip shading.
Ideal Candidates for Lip Shading
While lip shading can benefit many people, it is particularly well-suited for:
- Individuals with Thin Lips: Lip shading can create the appearance of fuller lips, making it ideal for those with naturally thin lips.
- Those with Uneven Pigmentation: If your lips have areas of uneven pigmentation, lip shading can provide a more balanced and uniform colour.
- People with Scars or Asymmetrical Lips: Lip shading is a great option for covering scars or correcting asymmetry.
- Busy Individuals: If you don’t have time to apply and reapply makeup throughout the day, lip shading can save you time while keeping your lips looking flawless.
Conclusion
Lip shading is a versatile and long-lasting makeup technique that offers a natural enhancement to the lips. By blending two or more shades of lipstick or lip liner, lip shading creates a fuller, more defined look without the need for daily lipstick application.
The process involves tattooing pigments into the lips using specialised tools, and while the results are semi-permanent, they can last up to five years with proper care. For those seeking to simplify their makeup routine, enhance their lip shape, or achieve a balanced lip colour, lip shading provides an excellent solution.
Whether you have thin lips, uneven pigmentation, or just want to avoid the hassle of reapplying lipstick, lip shading can give you the confidence of beautifully coloured lips that last throughout the day.
FAQs About Lip Shading
Does Lip Shading Make Your Lips Bigger?
A client’s natural lip shape can be enhanced by using a lip blushing treatment, which gives clients a natural tint of colour. This process does not permanently plump the lips, but it creates the appearance of bigger lips and a more youthful appearance overall.
Does Lip Shading Hurt?
Your lips will be numbed with a topical anaesthetic before the procedure so that you experience as little pain and discomfort as possible. The lower your pain tolerance, the more likely you may experience discomfort. On the other hand, some people may not have any or very little pain at all.
How Risky Is A Lip Tattoo?
Infection, an allergic reaction to the ink, swelling, rashes, and scarring are some of the most frequent adverse reactions resulting from getting a tattoo.
According to Global News, the high quantity of germs that call your mouth home may make it more likely for you to have an infection if you have a tattoo on your inner lip.
How Is Lip Shading Done?
The cosmetic process known as lip shading, sometimes known as lip blushing or lip tattooing, can alter both the colour and the form of your lips in a semi-permanent manner.
Pixelation is the name given to the procedure by which an aesthetician uses very fine needles to deposit pigment in a client’s lips. This appearance is intentionally created.
What Happens When Lip Blush Fades?
The colour you see immediately after your Lip Blush process is not an indicator of what it will look like in a few weeks because it is temporary. If you want to know what it will look like in a few weeks, you should wait.
Compared to the results seen immediately after the treatment, you should anticipate that the colour of your lips will diminish by up to fifty per cent, and the newly applied lip colour will blend in with your natural lip colour.