FAQs for Lips

Lip blush is essentially amazing for everyone.

Whether your goal is to make your lips look brighter, darker, fuller, or more even in color, there is a solution for you.

Depending on your lip goals, Cass will custom-match each lip shade for you. No matter what, the goal of lip blush is to heal with the utmost natural results that accentuate the client’s natural lip features.

Based on many factors such as your skin undertone, your natural lip color, your preferred lip color, etc., Cass will create a custom mix based on your desired results.

If your desired result is more natural, we can opt for a more sheer result. And if your desired result is bolder, we can maximize coverage in sessions.

Cass recommends that all clients bring their favorite lip products to their appointment. During the in-person consultation, we will discuss all the different options for you.

Lip neutralization refers to the process of addressing the natural pigmentation or darkness in the lip.

If we do not neutralize the natural, darker pigmentation first, your lip blush results will not heal as uniform in color. Any areas that are naturally darker will remain darker without neutralization.

If you naturally have darker, two-toned lips, you will require a neutralization session first. This is why the lip blush process may take multiple sessions depending on each client’s natural lip canvas.

If you are wondering how many sessions you may need or if you need a neutralization session, please email inkedbycass@gmail.com or Instagram message @inkedbycass with pictures of your lips for a free online consultation.

Pain is minimal to none for most clients.

Most clients can fall asleep through the appointment while others may experience more sensitivity. Regardless, numbing anesthetics are used throughout the procedure to ensure that all clients are comfortable throughout the whole session.

Most appointments last between 2–4 hours.

This allows time for a thorough consultation, precise mapping, and careful application. Every appointment slot budgets time for clients to be involved in the process and design.

Touch-up appointments are typically shorter.

The scabbing process usually takes around 5 days.

However, your color may take up to 5-6 weeks to fully bloom. On average, a natural skin cycle takes around 3 weeks. Therefore, once the scabs have come off, it will take additional time to see the full-color potential. Your lips will look different during each stage of the healing process as the color settles into your lip. Once you’ve healed, you can schedule a touchup as soon as 6 weeks to add more intensity.

For first-time clients, lip blush is typically a two-step process. For best results, clients should expect an initial session followed by one touch-up.

Every client heals differently. Skin type, lifestyle, and how the body retains pigment all play a role in the final healed result. Because of this, Cass takes a conservative approach, building color gradually rather than making irreversible changes in one session.

Some clients prefer a softer, sheerer healed look after their first appointment and choose to add more intensity at their touch-up once they see how their lip color heals.

After an initial session and one touch-up, most clients are set. Results typically last 1–3 years, depending on factors such as sun exposure, skincare products, and lifestyle. Fading is expected over time. Many clients notice some fading around the one-year mark, while others may go two to three years before needing maintenance.

When your lips have faded and you’re ready to refresh the color, it’s time for a touch-up. All additional sessions are priced separately.

If you are an existing client and unsure whether you are due for a touch-up, you may email inkedbycass@gmail.com or send clear photos of your lips via Instagram @inkedbycass for guidance.

Absolutely.

This experience is meant to be completely custom and interactive with the client. During the mapping process, Cass will map your lips using a series of techniques that ensure natural results. Clients will get to see their lip shape before the tattoo portion of their appointment and both the client and tattoo artist will make adjustments accordingly.

The tattoo does not start until clients approve of their shape.

All clients need to understand that their healed results are 50% artist-based and 50% client-based. How well the client prepares and takes care of their lips after the procedure reflects directly on their healed results. Head over to our Precare/Aftercare page to learn more.

Yes, lip filler and lip blush work beautifully together.

Lip blush helps to shade your lip on a 2D level by evening out the colors in your lips and maximizing your natural lip shape. On the other hand, lip filler will help on a 3D level by adding volume and plumpness. This is why we never recommend tattooing your lip outside of its natural lip shape because filler is better suited for that. However, lip blush alone can already help the appearance of your lips by enhancing the color.

Lip blush procedure can trigger cold sores for carriers of the herpes simplex virus. To prevent this from occurring, it is recommended to take antiviral medication prescribed by your family doctor (such as Zorovax or Valtrex) for 3 days before the procedure and continue to take it 3-5 days after having your lips tattooed.

If you are someone who already gets cold sores (even just once), you have the herpes simplex virus living dormant in your system. Any injury or trauma to your lip tissue can cause a cold sore breakout. 

To clarify, the lip blush procedure does not cause cold sores but the injury to the lip tissue can cause a cluster of sores. 

An important step to take is to prepare for the appointment by taking antiviral medication. Tattoo artists cannot prescribe this medication, so please plan your appointment accordingly.

Review the Precare/Aftercare page to learn more and consult with your doctor if you have any questions about your lips and permanent makeup.

For clients that have lips done elsewhere, please send pictures of your lips via email to inkedbycass@gmail.com or Instagram message @inkedbycass for a free online consultation.

However, not every client is suitable for a coverup/correction appointment.

Coverup/correction clients require explicit approval from Cass to book online.

Please do not book online without sending pictures of your lips first.

All supplies are single-use, pre-sterilized, disposable materials that are properly discarded after each use. Equipment is thoroughly disinfected and sanitized. Gloves are constantly changed during appointments and between clients to avoid cross-contamination. Inked by Cass guarantees that our environment is up to standard with the Department of NYC Mental Health and Hygiene. Cass is also Bloodborne Pathogen certified and a Licensed Tattoo Artist.