We buff them, moisturise them and slather them in colourful gloss. They frame the words we speak and soften the most intimate of moments.
Indeed, a voluminous set of lips is thought to hold a thrall over the opposite sex like no other part of the body. But how can you maximise this asset if your own lips are lacking in colour and definition?
The procedure that’s on a lot of people’s lips these days is makeup tattooing, a semi-permanent alternative to traditional makeup. We spoke with Rita Porreca, a Sydney-based aesthetic practitioner well known for her artistry in permanent makeup, aka makeup tattooing.
In her Five Dock clinic she offers a range of cosmetic tattoo services designed to aesthetically enhance the appearance of features such as the eyes and lips, or disguise skin complaints such as vitiligo and alopecia.
‘Cosmetic tattoo treatments have really grown in popularity,’ says Porreca. ‘They offer hassle-free mornings to those whose lifestyles don’t allow the luxury of free time between work and kids. Being able to ‘wake up made up’ is very appealing to a lot of women. There’s also the group who want to add a punch of colour or a more defined lip line to effectively make their lips look fuller and more prominent.’
‘When performed by an experienced practitioner and tailored to the facial proportions and symmetry of each patient, cosmetic tattooing can really transform and enhance a client’s features,’ she adds.
Cosmetic tattooing differs from regular tattooing in that it uses pigment, rather than ink. It also won’t last forever like a normal tattoo. Depending on the area treated and other factors, permanent makeup tattoos will last several years before the pigment gradually fades away.
Lip tattooing techniques
LIP LINER: Ideal for subtle definition and the look of fuller, more ‘Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’ lips. It can add shape and definition to sun-damaged lips, uneven lips and lips that have lost shape as a result of cold sores or injury.
LIP LINE/BLEND: Great for small lips or an uneven lip shape and for lips that are uneven or lacking in definition and volume. This treatment achieves fuller lips whilst at the same time providing a softer lip shade.
FULL LIP: This ultimate lip treatment is to achieve full lips. It’s great for busy people – no more lipstick touch-ups! There’s a wide range of colours to choose from, ranging from lightest to darkest shades. Wake up in the morning with perfect lips, all day, every day. It’s the lip colour that won’t smudge off.
