This celebrity-approved ‘permanent lipstick’ beauty treatment means I’ll never have to buy lippy again

Ever since Kylie Jenner announced to the world in 2015 that she had, in fact, started getting lip filler (after previously saying her fuller lips were just the result of a good lip liner), plump and pouty lips have shot to the top of everyone’s beauty wish lists. 

However, as with most celebrity-approved beauty tweakments, lip fillers can be expensive. Not to mention the risk of things like filler migration or bruising that is often associated with them. 

So, when I heard about a new treatment called Lip Blush that promised to give the effect of plumper lips, without the need for filler, I knew I had to give it a go. 

Created by London based aesthetician Tracie Giles, Lip Blush (as the name suggests) creates a blush across the lips – essentially acting as a permanent lipstick. As well as taking away the hassle of having to constantly reapply lipstick throughout the day, it also helps to correct any asymmetry and give the effect of fuller lips. 

I’m not the only one intrigued by the relatively new treatment. Giles explains how  she’s seen a huge increase in the number of clients visiting for this treatment. ‘Social media and celebrity makeup trends have had a big part to play in this – #LipBlush videos now has over 437.8m views on TikTok – the rise in popularity also reflects a growing desire for natural-looking enhancements that streamline our beauty routines,’ she adds. 

So how does it work? ‘For Lip Blushing we use a digital tattooing machine and needle, similar to a conventional tattoo machine but much less aggressive, to tattoo a beautiful, borderless blush of colour across the lips, correcting the shape and adding fullness, volume and definition,’ explains Giles.

However, don’t be put off by the mention of a needle. While it may look similar to a tattoo gun, the experienced aesthetician explains how ‘the needle is designed specifically for permanent makeup to be less aggressive and to not implant the pigment as deeply in the skin.’

After trying it out for myself, I can confirm that, while it wasn’t pain-free, my lips were treated with numbing cream pre-treatment, so it only felt like a sharp scratch. There were certain areas like my cupid’s bow that were more sensitive than others (and my eyes did water slightly), but once the numbing cream kicked in, it was really easy to deal with. 

Aftercare was also really simple, with my lips healing completely in just over a week. However, I’d advise timing your appointment far away from any important events as your lips peel quite dramatically on day 2-3. While it’s a normal and pain-free part of the healing process, and only lasts for a day or two, it’s not the most attractive look!

With a long list of clients, including Olivia Bowen, Lydia Millen, Ella Rae Wise and Marnie Simpson, the treatment has already won over a whole host of younger celebrities. However, Lip Blush is also great option for more mature skin as it can help to reverse the appearance of lost definition that is often associated with ageing. 

While the initial treatment (including the consultation and mapping process) takes around two hours, Lip Blush is actually extremely low maintenance. ‘The beauty of permanent makeup is that it is very low maintenance. After the first appointment and retouch appointment, we recommend that clients come back once a year for a 12-month retouch to maintain their results,’ Giles says.

Keen to try out the treatment for yourself? With prices starting from £595, The Tracie Giles clinic (located close to Harrods in Knightsbridge) is a great place to book, thanks to their many years of experience and professional approach. However, if you don’t live close to London, there are of course other options. 

Giles herself recommends always doing plenty of research before booking in with a permanent makeup artist. Her team frequently see clients coming to them for removal or coverups after getting bad work done by other inexperienced aestheticians. ‘Look for an artist with a proven track record, a portfolio of their work, and experience in the specific technique you’re interested in – it’s your face after all!’

Alternatively, if you’d rather achieve the plump look without needles,  check out our roundup of affordable lip plumping products below. 

5 Must-Try Lip Plumping Glosses 

Lip Plumping Gloss, £23, Milk Makeup at Space NK

Lip Plumping Gloss, £16, NYX at LookFantastic 

Lip Plumping Oil, £11.99, L’Oreal Paris at Boots 

Lip Plumping Gloss, £10.99, Maybelline at LookFantastic 

Lip Plumping Gloss, £16, Uklash 

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