We're diving deep into my brain + inner thought processes for today's blog (okay wait - don't click out!)
Lip Blushing is a hallmark service of mine, and one I love for how customizable it can be. I have dozens of pigments in my beauty arsenal, and from there I can blend, mix & transform them to create the perfect shade for you. Today, I’m pulling the metaphorical curtain back on my approach, as well as the process from ideation to ink 💋
1: The Consultation
The first step in creating your custom lip blush shade is to have a thorough consultation. This is a crucial part of the process, because it lets me understand your preferences as well as your desired outcome. Maybe you want a soft, subtle wash of color - or perhaps you want something bold AF. This is where I find out!
During our consultation, we’ll chat through:
Your preferred color | Do you want a natural pink, a peachy nude, or a deeper rose hue?
The intensity of the color | Mute or Max Volume - are you looking for a subtle enhancement, or would you prefer a more vibrant result?
Lip shape and definition | Want to accentuate the natural shape of your lips - or do you want a more dramatic contour?
This conversation helps me create a vision for your lips, and ensures we’re on the same page about your desired outcome.
During this consultation I’ll also analyze your skin tone, as this will play quite a significant role in determining your perfect lip blush shade. Depending on whether your skin undertone pulls more warm, cool, or neutral - that can dramatically affect how certain pigments appear once they’re applied to the lips. I’ll take the time to carefully analyze your undertones in order to select a color that will complement your complexion and provide the most natural, flattering result.
So what does that look like? If you have naturally cool undertones - we might stay within a cool-toned color palette to maintain that undertone, or select warmer hues to neutralize that coolness. Warm undertones often pair beautifully with peachy, coral, and terracotta shades - or we can go a bit cooler in hue in order to neutralize that warmth. If you’re blessed with neutral undertones, you have a bit more versatility (lucky you!) and can pull off a wide range of colors - from soft pinks to deeper, mauve tones. The world really is your oyster! This step ensures that the color will not only enhance the lips but also harmonize with the rest of your facial features. Also - if you have lips that are a bit less pigmented with muted contrast, you have similarly versatile options in terms of color palettes to explore!
2: Your Custom Mix
Now’s the fun part: it’s time to mix the pigments. This is where the artistry of lip blushing reallyyy comes into play. I’ll carefully combine different shades based on what we discuss during our consult to create a custom blend unique to you. This pigment mix is designed to mimic the natural flush of healthy, youthful lips - providing a boost of color that can last for years.
Beyond preference & skin undertones, I’ll take into account other factors such as:
Your natural lip color | Some people have naturally darker lips, while others may have paler lips, and the goal here is to enhance your natural lip color - not completely cover it up.
How the pigment will heal & age (short and long-term!) | The pigments I use are specifically formulated to ensure they heal well and retain their true color over time - we use the good sh*t only. I take extra care in ensuring the blend will stay vibrant and not fade to an undesirable hue.
3: Prepping + Blushing
Before I prep - you need to prep a bit beforehand, too! Make sure a week or two before the day-of you're staying hydrated, keeping the lips moist with a balm or mask, and routinely giving your lips a nice exfoliation to give me a smooth, even surface to work with. This is to ensure the color application isn't patchy or uneven during your treatment.
My turn - and before anything, I’ll prep the lips by applying a numbing agent to minimize any potential discomfort. Afterwards, I’ll map out the shape of your lips, carefully designing a natural contour that best suits & complements your facial features.
From there, using a fine precision needle, I’ll start applying your custom pigment blend to your lips. I always work slowly in layers to ensure an even and smooth application. This allows for a soft, gradual build-up of pigment in order to create the perfect, most precise blush. Ultimately, of course, the goal is to achieve a natural look that enhances the beauty of your lips, while providing juuust the perfect amount of color & definition.
4: Aftercare + Healing
After your lip blushing is complete, I’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions to ensure that your lips heal properly and retain the pigment for as long as possible. This may include avoiding direct sun exposure, refraining from picking at scabs, and applying healing ointments to keep the lips moisturized.
It IS important to note that the color will go through a healing process, and you might notice some initial fading. However, after the healing period (give or take ~4-6 weeks), the final healed result (week 8) will reveal a stunning, custom lip blush color that looks fresh and natural. Your 2nd session to refine & perfect this result will be the cherry on top towards the lippies you've always dreamed of!
The T . L . D . R
Lip Blushing is so incredible because it allows you to wake up every single morning with a perfect pout kissed with just a tint of color; color customized specifically for YOU! With a hue tailored to your unique features, you’re ensured a result that feels AND looks natural. It’s a subtle - yet impactful - time-saving enhancement (just gloss and go!) whether you’re looking for a soft blush or a bold statement.
I work my magic in the lab - aka, my pigment station - in order to achieve a shade that’s perfect for you. Your undertones, your desired outcome, your natural lip shape - all of these factors amalgamate into a result that’s not only beautiful, but undeniably, beautifully, uniquely yours.
If this is your first introduction to me, my name is Nicole and I am the owner, founder, CEO (all the things) of The Brow Project, located right in the heart of Dallas, TX. I specialize in PMU, specifically brows and lips. If Lip Blushing is something on your radar, consider this your sign to make your dream pout a reality. Schedule your complimentary 1:1 consultation with me today, and let’s get to work discovering your perfect lip shade.