If you’re trying to decide whether to go with Aquarelle lips or a traditional lip blush, The simple fact is that Aquarelle lips end up with a finish that’s a lot softer, a lot more subtle, and with a slightly fuzzy edge, whereas a traditional lip blush is going to be a lot more vibrant, with a clearer definition and a finish that’s more like a lipstick. Looked at one way, both are just forms of semi-permanent lip tattoo, but the end result really isn’t the same.
I’m Olha Po, the founder of Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Face Figurati in Melbourne, and this is a question I’m asked all the time during my consultations. Clients will come in and say to me, “I want something that just looks natural”, but to me, that can mean totally different things for different people. Some want the slightest hint of colour on their lips that looks like a bitten lip, while others want a bit more definition, a bit more oomph and a bit of colour that shows up even when you’re not wearing any gloss or balm. For those interested in lip tattooing, explore our lip blushing Melbourne services.
The Finish Matters – A LOT
When it comes to making a decision, it’s not the machine, or the latest trend, or what some popular Instagram influencer is saying that really matters – it’s the finish you finish up with after all the peeling has settled, and your lips have gone back to normal. That’s the bit that really matters when you’re thinking about booking in.
Before we even start discussing colour, I always explain this to new clients at Face Figurati in Melbourne. Having a gorgeous colour on your lips means nothing if the final result just doesn’t sit right with your features, your natural lip colour or how you like to look on a day-to-day basis.
At A Glance – The Key Differences
Here’s the easiest way to sum up the difference. Think of Aquarelle as going for a soft, natural lip tint look, and a traditional lip blush as being more of a statement makeup look.
A Touch of Colour, Not a Made-Up Face
Aquarelle lips – they’re known by a few names – are perfect if what you’re after is a wash of colour, rather than a lip that screams “I’ve had work done”. The end result is soft, diffuse and whatever the opposite of high-maintenance is. If you’re a fan of balm, gloss, and just generally not fussing with your lips all that much, then this style is probably the way to go.
What tends to catch people off guard is that the colour can be really subtle after it’s fully healed. I mean, when you first come out of the salon, loads of people think “Ah, that’s it – that’s the perfect colour for me”. But your body has other ideas and starts to fade the colour. How much it fades can depend on a whole bunch of things – the state of your lips, how well you take care of them after the procedure, your immune system and how you live your life. The important thing to know is that it’s not uncommon for the healed result to be around 30 to 50% lighter than the result when it’s all fresh and shiny. That’s based on the fresh result as the baseline.
How Aquarelle usually ends up looking
I achieve an Aquarelle lip with a light touch, often using a stippling/misting technique to get that hazy finish. The colour kind of disperses gently across the lips, without trying to create a super crisp edge. The end result is more of a glow of colour that looks like healthy lips, rather than any obvious tattooing.
Take one of my Melbourne clients, for instance. She’d seen some pretty bold work done somewhere else before coming in, and she was terrified of having “lipliner lips” (fair enough, to be honest). But that was never the goal – she just wanted some fresh, balanced lips with a bit of unevenness sorted out, without having some obvious line around the edges. Once it was all healed up, her lips just looked brighter and more balanced – not like she’d had any work done at all. That’s kind of the beauty of Aquarelle.
A Bit More Shape, a Bit More Pop
A traditional lip blush is still totally natural when done right, but it’s going to be a bit more defined. The finish will be a bit more even and a bit more vibrant in colour, and you’ll be able to see the shape of your lips a bit more clearly. This is perfect for people who want to look like they’re wearing a bit of tint, even when they’re barely out of bed.
In the lip tattoo versus lip blush debate, people often assume that all lip work will be super harsh. But that’s not the case at all. It’s all about the technique and what the person doing the work is trying to achieve. A modern lip blush isn’t anywhere near as intense as the old-school type of tattoo that used to be done – it’s just a bit more full-looking than Aquarelle.
When Traditional Blush Really Puts A Smile On Your Face
I reckon this option is just the ticket for clients with very pale lips, or those whose lipstick borders have become a bit uneven or lost their definition over time. It’s also useful if you’ve got a touch of asymmetry going on – this style does a great job of balancing things out. As a general rule, people with pale lips or any of these issues usually see a bigger improvement from traditional blush than from the Aquarelle style – though keep in mind, one session rarely does the trick on its own. Usually I can get a pretty good result with just one visit, but to get perfectly healed colour I usually need to do a follow-up a few weeks down the line.
Now, I think one of the biggest misconceptions here is that people think one appointment is all it takes to get perfect colour. Sadly, that just isn’t how it works most of the time. In my experience, about 99% of lips need at least two sessions – the first one to get some colour in place, and a follow-up a few weeks later to fine-tune things. And as for appointment times, the first session usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, and the follow-up around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Healing Doesn’t Equal Perfection
And then there’s the healing process. People often get nervous when they see how their lips look a few days after the appointment, but trust me, it’s normal for them to look a bit patchy. It doesn’t mean the colour won’t hold – it’s just your body working through the process.
And don’t even get me started on Melbourne weather – it’s a real lip killer. Dry winter air, wind, heated offices, and all those weekend coffees in the sun can all play havoc with your lips. Add in the fact that they’re already pretty delicate to start with, and you can see why lip tattoo aftercare is so important.
What To Expect – Timeline And Retention
Most people are pretty much back to normal the next day, although you should expect some swelling to hang around for 24 to 48 hours, and a bit of dryness for a few days. If you don’t mind looking a bit fresh-faced, you’ll be okay socially after day 2. But full recovery takes about 7 to 10 days, while your colour settles in and gets a bit more even takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
The longevity of lip tattoos can be pretty varied, but most people see good results for 1 to 3 years – that’s if they don’t have oily skin, get too much sun, smoke, use strong exfoliants too often, or have lip biting problems. You also need to consider any immune factors you might have. One other thing to keep in mind is that if you have Aquarelle lips, they often appear to fade sooner, simply because the starting point is a bit more delicate than with a traditional lip blush.
Choosing the Right Option For You
If you’re deciding between aquarelle lip tattoos at Melbourne clinics and the more classic lip blush service, don’t choose just because the names sound good. Choose the one that gives you the finish you actually want to wake up with every day. A soft wash and a polished tint – they’re not the same thing.
At our Melbourne-based studio, Face Figurati, I work with each client individually to create a lip plan that suits them. Some people just want a softening effect; some need colour correction. And let’s be honest – a lot of people come in here needing some realistic advice. For example, a tattoo can’t replace filler if your lips are super thin, it won’t fix major asymmetry, and if you don’t look after it properly, it’ll probably disappear in about 3 days after a sandy beach break.
Who It Suits & What You Need To Know
Aquarelle lip tattoos are perfect for people who want a subtle tint that’s not too obvious, softer borders, and less of that “tattoo” look. On the other hand, traditional lip blushes are best for people who want some shape support and a lot more visible colour. But bear in mind that either option might not be suitable for you if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, fighting off cold sores without proper medical help, dealing with lip irritation, or expecting to get full coverage with one quick swipe of lipstick.
Get your lips in good nick by keeping them smooth and hydrated at least a week before booking, and try to avoid using any actives on your skin and limit your sun exposure as much as possible.
If you have an active sore, broken skin, are feeling unwell, or have just had a lip filler treatment, you’re best to delay your appointment until your practitioner is happy for you to come in.
You should also be aware that prices can vary at different places in Melbourne. The typical price range for lip work is about AUD 450 to AUD 900 for the initial treatment. You also need to consider any extra costs for corrections or if you’re trying to fix up a tattoo from a previous artist.
I’ve also seen a fair few clients come to me after getting work done by less experienced artists from other studios such as Moko Beauty, BeYoutiful Ink, Nova-You, Kiwilashnbrow, or places interstate like Cosmetic Tattooing Brisbane. And of course, I’ve had to help them out with some pretty dodgy oversaturation. I can’t speak for every provider out there, so I won’t knock their work, but what I do know is that artist experience makes a huge difference – its what decides everything from how hard the pressure is to the quality of the pigment, how symmetrical it looks, and how well it heals.
What I Think You Need To Know
If you want a finish that looks like your lips have just been gently bitten, and its super soft and sheer, then Aquarelle might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you want a stronger shape, more visible colour, and a finish that looks super polished, then lip blush is probably your best option. The thing is, neither one is “better” than the other – it all depends on your lip tone, style, healing habits, and what your expectations are.
Still not sure which one is for you? No worries – just give me a shout at Face Figurati, and I’ll walk you through it all. I’d rather talk you out of something that’s not right for you than tattoo you into a result that you’re going to hate in the long run. That’s just how I do things – Its Olha Po’s rule, and its served my clients well for a long time now.
Summary: Aquarelle lips and traditional lip blush differ mainly in the healed finish. Aquarelle provides a softer gradient and a lighter tint, while traditional blush offers more definition and a stronger colour presence. The best choice depends on how subtle or polished you want your lips to look once they heal.
FAQ
What sets lip blush apart from Aquarelle, then?
Aquarelle tends to heal up softer and more subtle, whereas lip blush usually comes out with a bit more oomph – plenty of colour & a more visible shape
How long do Aquarelle lips last?
The answer’s a bit all over the place – usually around 1 to 2 years, but it really does depend on how your skin copes with the sun, how well you look after yourself, & your lifestyle, I’m afraid.
What is the difference between a watercolour tattoo and a regular tattoo when it comes to cosmetic tattooing?
Well, watercolour is all about creating a light & subtle finish that closely matches how a watercolour painting looks in real life – all soft and diffused. Regular tattooing, on the other hand, tends to look a bit more solid & defined.
What are Aquarelle lips, then?
They are a super-soft lip tattoo technique that creates this gorgeous, gradient-style tint, which is a bit like a very subtle lip colour rather than a big bold statement lipstick look
Can I get colour correction with either of these techniques?
Yeah, you can – but not every single case will be suitable for a soft finish. Colour correction depends on your natural lip colour & whether you’ve had any previous tattooing.
