LIP BLUSHING

At Le Kitsuné in Manhattan, lip blushing costs $675 for full lip color enhancement. Touch-ups within 3 months are $450. Free no-fee 10-minute video consultations are available to discuss your goals before booking.

Most clients are pleasantly surprised. Professional-grade topical numbing cream is applied before and during the procedure. While the lips are more sensitive than brows, most people describe the sensation as tolerable pressure or light scratching. At Le Kitsuné, Renée reapplies numbing throughout the session so you can relax.

Lip blushing is semi-permanent — results vary from person to person depending on skin type, sun exposure, skincare products, and lifestyle. Lips naturally exfoliate faster than other areas of the face, so lip pigment fades more quickly than eyebrow work. As a general guide, where we typically recommend eyebrow touch-ups every 6 months or so, lip blushing clients tend to benefit from a refresh closer to every 3 months to maintain optimal color. During your free consultation, Renée can give you a realistic expectation based on your specific skin and goals.

Lip blushing healing is a rollercoaster — don't panic. Days 1–2: lips appear 40–60% darker and slightly swollen. Days 3–7: peeling begins and color looks uneven and patchy. Days 7–14: this is the infamous "ghost phase" where color may seem to disappear entirely. Weeks 2–6: the true color gradually "blooms" back as pigment settles into healed skin. Unlike brows, lip pigment commonly fades and returns during this window — this is normal. Full results aren't visible until week 6–8, and that's the earliest point to evaluate whether a touch-up is needed.

If you've ever had a cold sore, we strongly recommend getting an antiviral prescription (typically Valacyclovir/Valtrex) from your doctor before your appointment. The lip blushing procedure creates minor trauma to lip tissue, which can reactivate the HSV-1 virus in carriers — and over 90% of people carry it, often without knowing. An outbreak during healing can cause pigment loss and uneven results. If you're unsure whether you've ever had a cold sore, taking the antiviral as a precaution is a simple, well-tolerated step that protects your investment.

Ideal candidates include those who want a natural lip tint without daily lipstick, have pale or uneven lip color, desire subtle fullness without filler, have active lifestyles, or have lost natural lip color due to aging. You may not be a candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking blood thinners or Accutane, have active cold sores or skin conditions on your lips, have autoimmune conditions without physician clearance, or are prone to keloid scarring. A free video consultation helps determine your candidacy.

Lip blushing enhances color, definition, and the illusion of fullness through semi-permanent pigment — it does not add physical volume. Lip filler uses injectable hyaluronic acid to add actual volume and plumpness. They address different goals and can complement each other beautifully. If you want color and subtle definition, lip blushing is ideal. If you want volume, that's filler territory.