Is Lip Blushing the New Lip Filler? Here's What You Need to Know About This Procedure That’s Trending on TikTok

If you’ve spent any amount of time on TikTok or Instagram over the past two years, you’ve likely come across videos of people showing off their enhanced pouts via “lip blushing.” Different from lip fillers and lip flips, which address the plumpness and shape of your pout, lip blushing uses semi-permanent makeup to boost your natural color.

As masks have become a part of our everyday lives, lip blushing has only gotten more popular because it eliminates the need for lipstick, which, as we know, has the tendency to smear inside your mask.

As Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, a board-certified dermatologist who offers the treatment at his offices in Manhattan further explains, “Lip blushing is a procedure that naturally colors your lips by shading, lining and pixilating your lips” using pigmented ink that’s deposited by a fine needle, so you get the most realistic finish. In short, it’s a cosmetic tattoo much like microblading, but for your lips.

The exact shade can be customized to the individual (meaning you should definitely bring photos of your desired hue to your appointment as reference). That said, go in with realistic expectations. Lip blushing is meant to boost your natural lip color by a couple of shades—not completely change it. (Think more along the lines of a tinted balm than a lipstick.)

And now the fine print, because we know you’re wondering...

How much does it cost?

Lip blushing isn’t cheap, though the price can vary widely depending on where you live and how much experience your artist has. To give you a ballpark range, we’ve been quoted anywhere between $450 all the way up to $1,500 for a single session, with touch-ups (which aren’t uncommon) either being comped or costing a few hundred dollars.

The results typically last between one to two years, at which point your lips will begin to fade back to their original hue. (Smoking, sun exposure and excessive exfoliation can speed up this process, FYI.)

Is there any downtime involved?

No, though there could be some initial swelling in the first 24 to 48 hours (after all, this is your lips we’re talking about here), so plan accordingly. Icing can help bring down the swelling.

You will also likely experience some scabbing while your skin heals. Give it at least five to seven days, then begin to slather on an occlusive ointment like Aquaphor liberally and often, before assessing the final results. If you notice any irregularities in lining or want to change the color, you can request a touchup after a few weeks.

We Ask a Derm What’s the Difference Between a Lip Flip and Lip Filler?