Lip blushing costs $309 on average, but the price can range from $200 to $500, according to 12 recent treatment reviews on RealSelf.
During this semi-permanent makeup procedure, a cosmetic tattoo is applied to your lips to enhance your natural lip color and shape.
Read on to learn more about the cost of lip blushing, and whether or not real patients believe their lip blushing cost was worth it.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Lip Blushing
Lip blushing has an impressive 89% Worth It Rating on RealSelf, but only [numOfReviews] reviewers have weighed in on the treatment so far.
The most notable responses said that lip blushing improved lip symmetry, defined the border, and made lips look plumper.
Another perk mentioned was that the tattoo ink created a natural-looking tint that allows you to skip lipstick, lip liner, or gloss, which can save you a few bucks when makeup shopping.
While most reviewers were happy with their lip blushing results, the effect was a bit too subtle for some. The lip-blushing procedure itself can also be painful—even with a topical anesthetic like numbing cream—and the healing process can be uncomfortable.
Also keep in mind that although this treatment creates the appearance of added volume to your lips, it doesn't actually make your lips physically bigger.
If you’re looking for fuller lips, injectable lip fillers may be a better option. Lip injections are much more expensive, with an average cost of $750, but they also have a remarkably high Worth It Rating (based over 1,000 reviews).
The following factors may affect the total cost of a lip blushing tattoo procedure.
Lip blushing costs near you will vary by the specific location of the provider. In a major metro area like New York City or LA, the higher cost of living will inflate the price of your treatment, especially if you have your treatment done in a luxury med spa.
Sometimes the cost can even vary by ZIP code or neighborhood, so if you’re looking to save, it can be worth your time to get price quotes from a few experienced tattoo artists in different parts of town.
More affordable cities and smaller towns usually boast better rates, but that also depends on how many qualified providers are in the area. If there are only a few, they’ll be able to charge more for their services.
The laws about who can perform lip blushing vary by state, but in most places, a tattooing or body art license is required. The procedure is typically performed by a licensed aesthetician, permanent makeup artist, or cosmetic tattoo artist (not a traditional tattoo artist).
As you’d expect, those with years of experience and a high demand for their work will be able to charge more than those who are still building their clientele.
If you’re considering going with the cheapest provider, just be sure you’ve thoroughly done your research first by reading their patient reviews and examining before and after photos.
While this treatment doesn’t carry serious risks or side effects, scarring is possible. Results can last several years, and a poor outcome (like asymmetry) can be tricky to correct.
Touch-ups aren’t always needed in the weeks after your initial appointment. But sometimes it’s necessary to add another layer of pigment for a more dramatic result, typically around the 6- to 12-week mark.
Many licensed providers will include this first touch-up in the initial price of your procedure, but not all of them do. Be sure to double check before you book this lip enhancement procedure.
Also note that lip blushing isn’t a permanent cosmetic treatment. If you want to keep up your results, you’ll need to pay full price for a touch-up once the lip blush tattoo fades in two to five years.
It’s common for providers to offer discounts on lip blushing treatments. Many coupon websites will have opportunities for you to take advantage of steep markdowns on this treatment.
While these price reductions will help you save money, it’s important to research the aesthetician beforehand to ensure they have plenty of experience and positive client reviews before you book an appointment—after all, this is a semi-permanent facial tattoo with potential side effects and specific aftercare needs.
If you already have a preferred provider in mind, you should sign up for their email newsletters and follow them on social media to ensure you don’t miss out on any special sales.