Lipstick tattoo in Brisbane

Lipstick tattoo — is a permanent makeup tattoo procedure where pigment is implanted into the lips using a cosmetic tattoo machine.

Unlike old tattooed lipstick styles, which looked harsh and unnatural, today’s lip tattoo lipstick techniques create a soft colour that mimics your requested shade of lipstick while still allowing the lips to look like skin, not like makeup painted on.

Think of it as a cosmetic tattoo specialist’s way of combining the ease of lipstick with the lasting results of semi-permanent treatment.

Why are lipstick tattoos so popular in Brisbane? The benefits speak for themselves:

• Time-saving beauty — no more rushing to get ready in the morning.
• Waterproof and smudge-proof — perfect for gym sessions, ocean swims or coffee catch-ups.
• Long-lasting investment — lasts years, not days like lipsticks.
• Custom colour options — from nude soft lip blush shades to bold tattoo lipstick colours that mimic your favourite tube.
• Anti-ageing effect — restores lip borders that fade with age and prevents lipstick bleeding into fine lines.
• Confidence boost — especially for clients who’ve lost pigment due to scarring, cold sores or ageing.

One of our clients recently joked, “I used to carry three lipsticks in my handbag. Now I just carry lip balm.”

Like all cosmetic tattooing techniques (aquarelle lips, lip liner tattoo etc.) lipstick tattoo has its pros and cons.

Pros:

• Lasts 2-3 years (longer with good care).* Suitable for all skin types and ages with pigment adjustments.
• Natural healed results using soft lip blush tattoo techniques.
• Custom lipstick tattoo colours to suit your skin tone.
• Saves you money on makeup products.
• Corrects asymmetry and faded lip borders.

Cons:

• Healing involves swelling, peeling and “ghosting” phases.
• Colour fades over time (intentionally) and needs touch-ups.
• Contraindications apply (not for everyone).
• Colour intensity varies with lifestyle (e.g. smokers need more refreshers).
• Upfront cost is more than buying lipsticks, but it lasts longer.

Studio insight: We often see clients who first worry about the downtime. But with good aftercare, most are back at work in 24-48 hours — just with slightly bolder lips than they expected at first.

Safety first in cosmetic tattooing. Lipstick tattooing is safe when done in a licensed Brisbane studio with sterile tools and luxe pigments, but it isn’t for everyone.

We don’t tattoo lips if:

• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have active cold sores or lip infections.
• You’re on blood-thinning medications.
• You have uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders.
• You’re prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring.
• You’ve recently had chemical peels or intense skin treatments.

During consultation, we always do a health check. Sometimes it’s just a matter of waiting until medication is finished or a flare-up has healed before booking in safely.

Lipstick tattoos are for clients who:

• Want low-maintenance lips without reapplication.
• Struggle with faded natural pigment (common with age).
• Have asymmetry or uneven lip borders.
• Experience lipstick feathering into fine lines.
• Want to look polished 24/7 with minimal effort.

We’ve worked with clients from their 20s to 60s. Younger clients want playful tattoo lipstick colours, while mature clients prefer soft nude and rose tones that add natural definition.

Prep is key to how well your lips heal and how long your tattoo lasts.

Our prep checklist:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspirin and blood thinners for 24 hours.
• Stop tanning, glycolic acids and chemical peels for at least one week.
• Keep lips hydrated with balm daily.
• Exfoliate gently with a sugar scrub 2-3 days before.
• If you’re prone to cold sores, start taking antiviral tablets to prevent flare-ups.

Tip from Uliana: “We always say, good prep equals good pigment retention. Dry, cracked lips will never heal as evenly as well-hydrated skin.”

• Drink plenty of water in the days leading up. Hydrated skin heals and holds pigment better.
• Avoid retinol or acne treatments near the lip region for at least 2 weeks. These can thin the skin.
• If you’ve had filler, wait at least 4 weeks before your tattoo. We want the lips to settle before adding pigment.
• Always arrive with clean skin — no lipstick, foundation or heavy skincare products.

In our Brisbane studio, the lipstick tattoo procedure is designed to be comfortable, safe and tailored to you. There’s no one-size-fits-all — every face, lip tone and lifestyle is unique.

Here’s how a typical appointment goes:

• Consultation — We analyse your natural lip colour, undertones and personal style. Some clients want a subtle blush that looks like tinted balm, others want a more defined “lipstick-ready” effect. We also check your skin type because oily, dry or mature skin all heal differently.
• Design — We draw your lip shape and symmetry. This isn’t a cookie-cutter stencil — we measure carefully so the design looks natural on your face. We also compare pigment swatches against your skin to find the most flattering shade.
• Anaesthetic — We apply a medical-grade numbing cream for comfort. Most clients describe the sensation as more of a vibration than actual pain.
• Tattooing procedure — Using a digital tattoo machine with a mechanised needle, we implant pigment in soft, sheer layers. This modern European technique avoids the harsh “lip liner” look of the past, building instead a blended wash of colour. The process takes 2–3 hours, depending on the depth of shade and lip size.
• Aftercare advice — Before you leave, we give you a protective balm and talk you through the full healing process. You’ll know exactly what to expect in the first week and how to care for your lips long-term.

Client story: One of our regulars, Sarah, came in nervous about the pain. She said: “Honestly, threading my brows was worse. This just felt like a buzzing toothbrush.”

Healing stages vary slightly by skin type, but here’s a standard timeline:

We always say: don’t panic, don’t pick. Trust the healing process.

Here’s our full aftercare guide:

• Keep lips dry for 48 hours — no kissing, no water splashes, and definitely no sweaty gym sessions.
• Apply ointment sparingly — a thin layer of balm provided by your cosmetic tattoo specialist is all you need. Too much can suffocate the skin.
• Avoid lipstick, pools, spas and saunas for 7 days — moisture and bacteria are your enemies during this healing stage.
• Use SPF lip balm daily — Brisbane’s sun is harsh and UV rays fade pigments fast.
• Never peel or scratch flakes — even if it’s tempting. Picking can cause pigment loss and patchy healing.
• Sleep on a clean pillowcase and try not to press your lips into bedding.

Pro tip: treat your new lipstick tattoo like a fresh wound that just happens to look pretty. Gentle care equals better pigment retention.

Not all tattoo lipstick shades are created equal. Best results come from pigments chosen for your skin tone and undertone. We don’t do cookie-cutter colours — every lip tattoo lipstick is matched to you.

• Fair skin: soft peaches, powdery pinks, nude roses
• Medium skin: mauves, flattering corals, warm roses
• Olive skin: apricot, caramel, warm coral
• Darker tones: berries, plums, wine tones

We only use luxe-certified pigments designed for cosmetic tattooing. They’re formulated to fade naturally over time without turning grey or ashy. That means your tattooed lipstick ages gracefully, not a stubborn, unnatural stain.

Lipstick tattooing is a 2 step process, not a one-hit wonder. At 6-8 weeks, you’ll come back for your touch-up. Here’s what usually happens:

• Even out pigment retention — any light patches are corrected.
• Adjust shades if needed — want it a little warmer, cooler or deeper? That’s the time.
• Build intensity — some clients love the soft blush, others want a more “lipstick-ready” finish.

Most clients need a refresh every 2-3 years, depending on skin type, age and lifestyle. If you’re a sun lover or smoker, you’ll fade faster. If you’re diligent with SPF, your tattooed lipstick can last longer than average.

Lipstick tattooing is very safe in licensed Brisbane studios, but like any cosmetic procedure, there are a few possible side effects.

• Temporary swelling or redness — most noticeable in the first 24 hours.
• Uneven pigment retention — fixed at your touch-up.
• Cold sore flare-ups — if you’ve ever had cold sores, take antivirals beforehand.
• Rare allergic reactions — uncommon with premium pigments, but possible.

We reduce risks by using:

• Premium equipment (mechanised needle with sterile cartridges).
• Luxe-certified pigments tested for cosmetic tattooing.
• Strict hygiene standards — following Queensland Health regulations.

When done by a qualified cosmetic tattoo specialist, lipstick tattoos are low risk and high reward.

One of the most popular questions we get in our Brisbane studio: “How long does tattoo lipstick last?”

On average, results last 2–3 years, but here’s what really matters:

• Skin type — oily skin fades faster, dry or normal skin retains pigment longer.
• Lifestyle habits — smoking and sun exposure are the biggest fade accelerators.
• Aftercare commitment — follow healing instructions = longer lasting results.

Stats say around 70% of clients need a top-up within 3 years, making it one of the longest-lasting semi-permanent treatments in the medi-aesthetic industry.

In Brisbane, clients looking for a dramatic finish often choose the Lipstick Tattoo. This technique delivers rich, even coverage across the whole lip, offering the longest-lasting and most striking effect.

The Ombre lips style provides a middle ground, with deeper pigment in the centre that softens toward the edges, making lips appear naturally fuller while staying versatile.

For a softer look, the Aquarelle approach gives a delicate flush of colour that looks more like a tint than full makeup. This process works best if you want a fresh and natural vibe.

At your consultation, the artist will outline the benefits of each style so you can feel confident about which path is right for you.