Lipstick tattoo in Melbourne

A Lipstick Tattoo is a form of cosmetic lip tattoo that creates the look of wearing your favourite lipstick 24/7. Unlike softer lip blush, this semi-permanent cosmetic procedure uses a cosmetic tattoo machine to implant tattoo pigments deeper for a fuller, more saturated lip colour.

At Face Figurati, we tailor every treatment to your lip shape, skin tone and desired finish – from bold to subtle gradient effect. This ensures the colour sits beautifully with your natural beauty, giving you fuller lips without fillers.

You might be a great candidate if you:

• Want to enhance facial features with a consistent, bold lip colour.
• Have uneven pigmentation or fading natural lip colour.
• Prefer effortless beauty without daily lipstick application.
• We are open to following an aftercare guide for the best healing.

Real client example: A Melbourne bride wanted fuller lips with a rich berry tone. We used cosmetic tattoo design techniques to create a lip contour and gradient effect that stayed put from morning photos to the last dance — no lip gloss top-ups needed.

Like any cosmetic tattooing service, there are advantages and considerations.

Trend Insight: In 2025, demand for lip tattoos in Melbourne has grown over 28% year-on-year, with more people wanting professional lip tattoos for a low-maintenance look.

You may need to wait or skip this cosmetic tattoo if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have active cold sores (must be fully healed before treatment)
• Had lip fillers in the last 4 weeks
• Have uncontrolled diabetes or immune conditions
• Are taking blood-thinning medication (doctor approval required)
• Had chemical peels or laser around the lip region in the past 4 weeks

This treatment is good for:

• Clients wanting a permanent lip makeup look without reapplying products
• Anyone with pale or uneven lip colour
  Those who want to improve lip contour and definition
• People seeking a natural look or a bolder lipstick effect without daily maintenance
• Clients are willing to follow the aftercare guide for the best colour retention

I always say: perfect prep equals perfect pigment. Good prep means smoother tattooing, less irritation during the session and better colour retention long-term.

One Week Before:

• Gently exfoliate to remove dry skin – Use a sugar scrub or soft toothbrush 2–3 times during the week. This ensures an even surface for pigment application.
• Apply lip balm daily – Choose a nourishing formula without menthol or camphor (these can dry and irritate lips). Hydrated lips take pigment better.
• Avoid strong acids or chemical peels – Harsh treatments can make the lip area sensitive and prone to irritation during tattooing.

24 Hours Before:

• Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine – Both thin the blood, which can lead to extra bleeding during tattooing and reduced pigment uptake.
• Stay hydrated for plump lips – Well-hydrated lips allow for smoother tattoo strokes and more even pigment layering.
• If prone to cold sores, start your antiviral plan – I recommend Zovirax cream or your prescribed oral antiviral. Cosmetic tattooing can trigger an outbreak if you’re susceptible.

Melbourne clients: We have four seasons in one day, so avoid wind before your session — dry lips will make the process more difficult and healing longer.

Here’s what happens during your lip tattoo session at Face Figurati. Most appointments take 2–3 hours, so we have time to design, perfect and complete your look without rushing.

1. Consult and Design Process – We start with a full consultation. I assess your facial features, undertones and personal style. We discuss your ideal lip shape and colour, whether you want a subtle blush or a full lipstick effect. Then I map out your lip contour so you can see the design before we start.
2. Pigment Selection – Using advanced colour theory and my own custom pigment blends, I select tattoo pigments that work with your skin tone. Melbourne clients often choose warm peach, nude rose or berry shades that work with summer tans and winter complexions.
3. Numbing Cream – A high-quality topical anaesthetic is applied to keep you comfortable from start to finish. We reapply during the session if needed.
4. Outline Mapping – I draw a precise contour to ensure symmetry. This step is crucial for enhancing lip shape without overlining unnaturally.
5. Tattooing – Using a professional cosmetic tattoo machine, I layer pigment gradually, starting with the outline and working inwards for smooth, even saturation. This layering technique improves colour retention and longevity.
6. Aftercare Guide – Once the procedure is complete, I will walk you through your personalised aftercare plan, including balm application, cleaning routine and what to avoid during the healing phase. You’ll leave with printed instructions so there’s no guesswork at home.

Why this process matters: Rushing pigment application or skipping the mapping process can lead to uneven colour and shape. At Face Figurati, I’d rather spend an extra 20 minutes perfecting symmetry than have you come back for corrections later.

Healing is just as important as the procedure itself when it comes to colour retention and that soft, even finish. Every skin is different, but here’s a realistic timeline I share in my Melbourne studio:

• Day 1–2: Lips will appear bolder and more vibrant than your final colour, with mild swelling that usually subsides within 24–48 hours. Some clients describe this stage as looking like they’re wearing a full lipstick.
• Day 3–5: The peeling phase begins. You may see the surface colour looking uneven or patchy — this is normal and just part of the skin’s natural exfoliation process.
• Day 6–10: Lips will start to feel softer, and the pigment will start to reappear as the skin heals.
• Week 6–8: By this stage, your lips will have fully healed. This is when we assess whether you need a colour boost session to add extra vibrancy or perfect any areas that healed lighter.

Pro tip: Melbourne’s cooler months can slow healing slightly due to lower humidity, so winter clients should be extra careful with balm application.

For the first 7–10 days, your goal is to protect the pigment and avoid anything that can disrupt healing:

• Keep lips clean and dry — gently dab with a clean tissue if needed.
• Apply only the healing balm I provide; other products may contain oils or ingredients that cause pigment loss.
• Avoid lip gloss, lipstick or any makeup directly on the lips until fully healed.
• Skip swimming, saunas or intense workouts to prevent excessive moisture and sweat from affecting the pigment.
• Stay away from spicy or acidic foods that can sting or irritate the healing skin.
• Most importantly, don’t pick at flakes. Pulling them off prematurely can remove pigment and create uneven patches.

Clients who follow these steps to the letter almost always have smoother healing and richer colour retention.

Your pigment shade is never chosen from a generic chart — it’s customised using advanced colour theory, taking into account your skin tone, undertones, natural lip colour and personal style.

• Fair Skin: Soft pink, nude rose or peach-based tones to enhance without overpowering.
• Medium Skin: Coral, dusty rose and warm terracotta shades for a sun-kissed vibrancy.
• Deep Skin: Rich berry, wine and deep red tones for striking definition and long-lasting saturation.

Here in Melbourne, the top requests in 2025 have been warm brick tones for clients who want a sophisticated, everyday look and rosé neutrals for those after a softer, more youthful vibe. I’ve also noticed a rise in muted terracotta requests — maybe because our city loves earthy, autumnal fashion palettes. Whatever the choice, we test swatches on your skin and adjust pigment blends until the tone works in all lighting — from natural daylight to the warm glow of a Melbourne evening.

Your lip tattoo isn’t truly “finished” until you’ve had your 6–8 week follow-up session — often called a colour boost. This appointment isn’t just a quick check-in; it’s where we fine-tune and lock in your results for the long term.

During this session, we:

• Correct uneven pigment take — Sometimes the skin heals at different rates, or certain areas shed pigment faster. We can fill those patches to ensure a seamless finish.
• Depth and tone — If your healed colour is lighter or warmer than you like, we layer more pigment to match your desired lip colour.
• Longevity — A solid, even pigment base in the skin means your permanent lip makeup will fade more slowly and evenly over time.

Tip: Even if your first session was completely successful, the touch-up still makes a difference. It prevents uneven fading down the track and keeps your lips looking freshly done for longer.

When done by a licensed, experienced cosmetic tattoo artist, lip tattooing is very safe. But as with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential side effects:

• Mild swelling and redness — Common in the first 24–48 hours and usually resolves on its own.
• Cold sore reactivation — If you’ve ever had cold sores, the tattoo process can trigger an outbreak. I strongly recommend starting an antiviral plan (e.g., Zovirax cream) before your session.
• Uneven pigment fading — Can happen if aftercare instructions aren’t followed or if you have certain skin conditions.
• Rare allergic reaction — While unlikely, some people can react to pigments or healing balms. Using vegan and sustainable products minimises this risk.

Pro Tip: Always share your full medical and skin history during your consult so we can adjust techniques and aftercare for your needs.

On average, lip permanent makeup lasts 2–5 years before needing a top-up. But longevity depends on:

• Sun exposure — UV rays can fade pigments faster, so SPF lip balm is your best friend.
• Skin type — Oily skin can break down pigment a bit quicker, while drier skin may hold colour longer.
• Lifestyle habits — Smoking, frequent swimming and exfoliating lip products can all speed up fading.
• Depth and quality of pigment work — Shallow application fades faster; too deep can blur the lip line. Skilled tattoo artists aim for the middle ground.

Pro Tip: Many clients book a colour boost every 12–18 months to keep their colour fresh without needing a full re-do.

At Face Figurati, I only use vegan and sustainable products with high-grade, certified pigments for all cosmetic tattoo procedures. This means:

• Better colour retention — Pigments stay vibrant and true-to-tone for longer.
• Reduced allergy risk — No harsh chemicals or animal-derived ingredients.
• Gentler on sensitive skin — Especially important for those prone to irritation.
• Environmentally conscious choice — Supporting ethical production and reducing waste.

These products meet Melbourne’s beauty standards and the growing demand for safe, clean beauty treatments.