New to Van Clarke? Subscribe to our newsletter for 15% off your first order. Start your haircare journey today.
May 10, 2025
What is Lip Blushing?
Lip blushing is an advanced semi-permanent makeup treatment designed to enhance the natural tone, shape, and symmetry of the lips. Using cutting-edge PMU technology and ultra-fine needles, we delicately implant pigment into the lips to create a subtle tint that looks effortlessly natural. The technique has evolved hugely in recent years - gone are the days of harsh lines and bold colours. Today’s lip blushing is soft, sheer, and often completely undetectable to others. Let’s answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
Does it hurt?
Not at all - most clients say it’s far more comfortable than expected. We use both a primary and secondary numbing cream to ensure maximum comfort throughout the treatment. Combined with the latest digital machine technology, the sensation is minimal - often just a gentle vibration. In fact, most clients feel so relaxed they actually fall asleep during the procedure.
Explain the process:
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your lip goals and select the most flattering custom shade for your skin tone - each pigment is individually mixed to suit the client’s natural colouring and preferences. We then pre-draw the shape to enhance balance and symmetry, and once you’re happy, we apply a topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable. During the procedure, a secondary numbing cream is used to ensure continued ease throughout.
The treatment takes around 2.5 to 3 hours in total. You can return to work or social plans the same day - the lips may feel a little dry or tight, and some clients experience mild swelling, but this usually subsides within the hour. There’s no significant downtime. The colour will initially appear more intense, but expect it to fade by around 50% as the lips heal, revealing a soft, natural tint.
Some light peeling is normal, but if you follow the pre-care and aftercare instructions closely, most clients heal with minimal visible signs - often so subtly that no one else even notices.
How long does it take for the end result?
You’ll see the fully healed result within 4–6 weeks. A top-up session around week 6 is recommended to perfect the shape, colour, and overall balance if needed. This appointment is much shorter, usually taking just 1.5 hours. Once healed, the lips appear naturally flushed and subtly enhanced - not “done,” just effortlessly polished.
How long does lip blushing last and do I need a top up regularly?
On average, results last 2 to 3 years, depending on your skin, lifestyle, and skincare habits. Most clients choose to refresh the colour every 12–18 months to maintain a fresh and even result. The pigments fade gradually and evenly over time, without harsh lines or colour changes.
Full details of what I offer and price range:
Sheer Lips – £550
A soft tint of pigment throughout the lips for a natural, barely-there flush of colour. There are no harsh borders or defined edges — just a gentle wash of tone that enhances your natural lip shape. This look can be tailored to suit your preference, from nude and muted to a brighter but sheer finish. Ideal for clients with lighter lips who want a subtle, undetectable enhancement. Lasts: 1–2 years.
HD Lips – £600
This full-coverage technique gives the appearance of a bold, lipstick-like finish. Expect sharp borders, strong pigment saturation, and a defined, high-impact result. HD Lips are ideal for clients wanting a long-lasting, low-maintenance colour. Note: once you go HD, the colour must fully fade before transitioning to a more natural look. Lasts: 2–5+ years.
Dark Lip Neutralisation – £650
This specialist treatment is designed for clients with melanin-rich or cooler-toned lips (typically Fitzpatrick types 4–6). It uses advanced colour correction techniques to lighten, balance, and brighten darker areas of the lips. Typically requires a course of 2–4 sessions spaced 8–12 weeks apart. Lasts: 1–3 years depending on number of sessions and aftercare.
Korean Lip Tint – £600
Inspired by Korean beauty, this technique creates a youthful, gradient-style finish — with colour concentrated in the centre of the lips, softly fading outward. It’s a fresh, modern look that mimics the effect of just-bitten lips, perfect for a delicate pop of colour without a heavy makeup look. Lasts: 1–2 years.
Frozen Lips – £600
A cool-toned, velvet-matte effect inspired by the elegant, frosted aesthetic seen in Eastern Europe. This technique gives a soft but striking finish with polished definition, perfect for clients who want something refined yet impactful. Lasts: 1-2 years All treatments include one complimentary top-up within 6–8 weeks.
Reasons to have Lip Blush
• Low-maintenance beauty is in and whilst the 2010s were all about contouring and liquid lipsticks. 2025 is all about the effortless, elevated natural beauty. Lip blush gives that fresh, healthy flush, without needing a full face of makeup.
• It works with your real face - Unlike filler or heavy makeup, lip blushing enhances your lips’ natural colour and shape — so you still look like you, just better.
• It fits the “clean girl” aesthetic - Think glowy skin, brushed brows, minimal fuss. Lip blush gives you that quietly polished look even when you’ve just woken up.
• It’s More Than a Trend - This treatment has gone from niche to mainstream for one reason: it works.
Clients love lip blush because:
• It saves time every morning
• It lasts 2–3 years
• It boosts confidence without being obvious
• It looks great with or without other makeup
• It’s not just a passing phase — it’s the modern answer to lipstick, with none of the smudging or reapplying.
Michael Van Clarke
May 08, 2025
Such is the power of advertising in my formative youth, that the words ‘Bakewell tart’ seem inextricably linked to Mr Kipling.
Trust me, this tastes nothing like it’s been living in a box on Tesco’s shelves these last months…
May 08, 2025
May 08, 2025