How to Choose the Right Lip Tattoo Colour

Picking the right lip tattoo color is the biggest decision you’ll make when getting this semi permanent treatment. Unlike lipstick, which you can change daily, a permanent lip colour tattoo will be with you for years to come, so you need to choose a colour that suits your skin tone, personal style and lifestyle.

In recent years, lip blushing has become a popular treatment for those who want to add colour and definition to their lips without the daily hassle of reapplying lip products. With the right shade, a lip tattooing can enhance your natural beauty and give your lips a more youthful and fuller appearance. But choosing the perfect lip blush tattoo colour requires an understanding of colour theory, your skin’s undertones and other personal factors. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about choosing the right shade for your lip tattoo.

What is Lip Tattooing?

Lip tattooing also known as lip blushing is a semi permanent cosmetic tattoo treatment that deposits pigments into the lips to shape, color and define them. It can correct asymmetry, define the lip borders and add a long lasting tint that looks natural.

Unlike lipstick which can smudge, fade or dry out your lips a lip blush tattoo is designed to last for several years and gradually fade into a more natural look over time. The choice of colour is key as it enhances not only your lips but also your overall look.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Lip Tattoo Color

Skin Tone and Undertones

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a lip tattoo colour is your skin tone and undertones. Your skin tone can be light, medium, olive or dark, and your undertones are usually cool, warm or neutral. Knowing both will help you choose a colour that flatters you.

Fair Skin with Cool Undertones: If you have fair skin with cool undertones, pale pink, peachy pinks or baby pink will look natural on you without overpowering your complexion. These shades will harmonize with your blue-pink undertones to give you a soft and pretty look.
Fair Skin with Warm Undertones: If your skin has warm undertones or yellow undertones, go for peachy shades, coral shades or warm amber colours that will complement your natural warmth and give your lips a subtle pop of colour.
Medium Skin Tones: Medium skin tones can be used to try a wide range of shades, from mauve to sunset reds and even nude shades. These colours will give you depth and vibrancy without looking unnatural.
Olive Skin: Those with olive complexion usually have yellow and green undertones. For these tones, warm shades like deep berry, sunset reds and peachy shades work best to enhance your skin color.
Dark Skin with Cool Undertones: Darker skin tones with cool undertones should try plum shades, deep berry or even saturated shades. These deep, dramatic colours will give you great contrast and make your lips stand out beautifully.
Dark Skin with Warm Undertones: If you have a dark complexion with warm undertones, go for rich brown tones, dark reds or warm amber. These will blend naturally and still give you definition and colour to your lips.

Natural Lip Color and Desired Outcome

Your natural lip colour will also affect the final result of your lip tattoo. If your lips are darker or have uneven pigmentation, your technician may need to do dark lip neutralization before applying your chosen colour. This will even out the lip tone and ensure the final colour will be as expected.

For a Natural Look: If you want a subtle, everyday lip colour, choose shades close to your natural lip colour. Nude shades, pale pinks and peachy tones will give you a soft enhancement that looks like your natural lips.
For a Bold Statement: If you want more vibrancy, go for bolder colours like sunset reds, deep berries or even dramatic colours like plum or dark red for a statement.

Hair Color and Makeup Routine

Your hair colour also plays a role in choosing permanent lip tattoo colours. Blondes and lighter hair tones look good with light pinks and peachy pinks, while brunettes and darker hair tones can go for darker shades or deep berry tones for a more dramatic look.

Think about your makeup routine too. If you wear lipstick everyday, your tattoo color should match your favorite lip tattoo lipstick. If you want something that complements your natural features for everyday wear, go for nude shades or basic colours.

Professional Guidance and Advice

A technician will help you make a decision. They know colour theory and can advise on the perfect shade for your skin tone, undertones and preferences. A professional artist will also show you a colour chart to see how different lip colours will look on your skin.

Lip Blushing Healing Process and Aftercare

The lip blush healing process is a big part of keeping your new permanent lip colour. The colour will fade slightly during healing. The final colour will settle in after a few weeks. To keep the perfect colour, follow aftercare:

Use a gentle, fragrance-free lip balm to keep your lips moisturised during healing.
Avoid spicy and acidic foods to irritate.
Follow the guidelines for touch ups if needed to get your desired colour.

Testing Colours Before Committing

Before committing to your permanent lip tattoo:

Test Temporary Lip Products: Try temporary lipsticks or lip stains in different colours like baby pink, deep berry or nude shades to see what suits your skin tone.
Colour Consultation: Bring photos or swatches of your favourite lipstick colours to your consultation for your artist to match the perfect lip blush colour.

Colours for Different Skin Tones

Fair Skin: Light pinks, peachy pinks and nude colours.
Medium Skin Tones: Coral colours, mauve colours and warm colours.
Olive Skin: Warm amber, sunset reds and coral undertones.
Dark Skin: Rich plum colours, dark reds and deep berry colours.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lip blush tattoo colour is a big decision. Consider your skin tone, undertones and lifestyle. Want a subtle boost with nudes or a more dramatic look with berry or plum? The right shade will enhance your natural beauty and give you long lasting color.

Work with a professional and follow the aftercare instructions, and your permanent lip colour will look great for years to come.

FAQs

What’s the best lip tattoo colour for fair skin with cool undertones?

For fair skin with cool undertones pale pink, light pink or peachy pinks are the best shades. These colors will give you a soft and natural look.

Can I change the colour of my lip tattoo if I don’t like the result?

Yes, you can change the permanent lip colour during touch-ups. If your lip colour is too light or too dark after healing, your experienced technician can adjust it in future sessions.

What are the most popular lip blush shades for medium skin tones?

Medium skin tones can get away with many shades, including mauve shades, coral shades and sunset reds. These colours add depth and complement the warmth in medium skin tones.

How do I care for my lips after a lip tattoo?

Aftercare is key to a successful healing process. Keep your lips moisturized with a gentle fragrance free lip balm, avoid sun exposure and follow your artist’s aftercare instructions. Also avoid spicy food and excessive lip movement.

Does lip blush work on dark skin?

Yes, lip blushing works on dark skin. Plum, deep berry and dark reds are great options for dark skin and will give you a bold yet natural look.