mlivingstone

Permanent Makeup can lighten up over time and also become "reddish". This is corrected usually by applying a green based pigment over the red and the brown will come back. I would recommend this over trying to have it removed. Find an experienced permanent makeup artist and this will be easily remedied.

Lips are a muscle and when you tattoo a muscle it responds differently than skin. The lips always appear much darker when first done then after exfoliating appear too light and then after 4-6 weeks the color will start to show. Usually for a full lip color you will need 2-3 sessions to achieve your desired results. Wearing a protective gloss after healing makes the color come through even more. Hang in there, it's worth it!

When I have clients that want a smudge look, I use a wider configuration of needles that are spaced out so some skin will show through.  You can have a nice thin "crisp" line right at the lash line, called lash enhancement , then use the wider spaced needle just above that for the smudge look.  You can even use two colors, say, one black or mahogony for the line and maybe charcole for the smudge above that.  You can also just have the smudge.  Make sure you ask if the artist has done this before.  

I have to agree with the other artist's answers.  Sometimes it is your skin but most of the time it is the application process.  Overworking the skin causes swelling which reduces the color uptake.  Using water during the procedure has been shown to cause swelling.  Aftercare is VITAL!  Cold compresses the first 24 hours and taking an anti-inflamatory medication pre and post-op can help.  Using your ointment for 7days to keep the area moist.  If all of this was done and you still do not have adequate coverage it may be your skin.  Always check your artist's credentials AND experience, and insist on seeing THEIR portfolio. I hope this helps.

Many people do not realize that the lips are a muscle and not skin.   Once they have been tattooed they start to dry and peel, usually within a few days.  It's very important to saturate the lips constantly with your healing ointment for two weeks.  The lips form a protective coating and covers the color.  Over time, usually 4-6 weeks this layer thins out and you start to see the color.  This is usually the case with the full part of the lips, the outside liner shows up first.  Everyone is different but I usually recommend three visits for a full lip and two for a liner.  You also need to be aware that blisters may occur on any lip procedure and your artist will advise you to take precautionary measures to help avoid an outbreak.