Everything You Need to Know About Lip Blushing

When it comes to wedding makeup, some brides like to go with bold red lipstick, while others are more into neutral palettes. But what if we told you that you could skip the lipstick altogether and trade it in for a long-lasting cosmetic lip treatment that won't fade after your first glass of Champagne? Yes, such a treatment exists—and brides might want to consider it for their big day.

NanoColor infusion specialist Dominique Bossavy describes lip blushing as “a color restoration procedure that implants custom compounded pigments gently into the layers of the lip tissue to enhance and revitalize color losses and create definition.” The result is a pout that always looks like it's sporting a natural and flattering light wash of lipstick.

Whether you are a bride-to-be, bridesmaid, or simply a wedding guest who always wants to put her best face forward, this procedure could indeed be worth the splurge, depending on your needs. Here's everything you need to know before, during, and after this popular procedure that'll keep your pout looking perfect 24/7.

How Long Does Lip Blushing Take?

First things first, and a big plus: This isn’t a super-long procedure. For best results, several sessions are required, but they won’t take any longer than an hour at most. After an initial consultation, pigments are mixed and applied. The result gives your lips a bit of a rebirth. “Think of a child who has the adorable cupid's bow—full lips that are balanced, bright, and often described as rosy," Bossavy explains. “That contrasting color fades over time. Reclaiming that is the end result.” She notes, “Most women don’t want to have an artifice or an overdone makeup look. They want to enhance their features to look their best." That's the ultimate goal of lip blushing.

Will Lip Blushing Hurt?

Have you heard the saying, “Beauty is pain?” For this procedure, you won’t have to worry about that too much. Bossavy says you more than likely won’t experience any pain, but you will feel a slight vibrating ping sensation. If you can handle an eyebrow tweeze, you will totally survive this.

Does It Work on All Skin Tones?

The simple answer is yes, but the results vary. Naturally, over time, lighter skin tones will fade to a pale pink while darker skin tones will morph into browns or grays. The lips need to be warmed up to remove their natural dark brown or gray colors, she explains. “More often, women of color or those with deeper-toned lips have hyperpigmentation within their lip tissue,” says Bossavy. “Sometimes this is in a more gray or brown hue, and if there is a disparity in color, there may be darker and lighter areas. The point of lip blushing is more to create balance and enhance or correct the colors of the natural lip tissue and skin tones. For darker lips, I would either warm up the grayish dark colors to a softer lip tissue that complements and highlights, or create a more even tone for the entire lip area.”

How Much Does Lip Blushing Cost?

This procedure starts at $4,000, but it can be seen as an investment. Think about it: The results can last you way past your wedding and well into your honeymoon. “Based on thousands of patients who have done lip blushing, I can say pigments can last up to three years,” says Bossavy.

Should You Get It Before Your Wedding?

To be on the safe side, it is recommended to get this procedure done at least four to six weeks prior to your big day. According to Bossavy, extreme dryness can potentially develop post-session, in addition to different sensitivities to the implanted color. It’s recommended to gently exfoliate and moisturize your lips ahead of your first procedure.

What Are Some Maintenance Tips?

Bossavy warns not to saturate your lips with products that have emollients, oils, or barrier protection, as any of these will prevent transferred pigments from properly settling into the tissue. “Aftercare consists of a salve I give to all patients to use religiously,” she says. She also advises staying away from heavy water on your face and lips, as this can disrupt the healing process as well.

Is Lip Blushing Really Worth It?

You be the judge, but we think yes. Because lip blushing really can go the distance—especially on your wedding day with all the kissing, eating, dancing, and sweating you'll be doing—it’s an investment that'll keep you worry-free about your flawless no-makeup makeup look throughout your entire day (and beyond).