LONG LASTING LIPPIES COURSE

Alright, let’s dive into something that’s a total game-changer for permanent makeup artists: color theory for lip tattooing. If you’ve ever wondered why some healed lip tattoos come out dreamy and perfect, while others... well, not so much, chances are it all comes back to understanding color theory. The lips are a whole different ball game from brows or eyeliner. If you don’t know your color wheel, you might end up with results that neither you nor your client are happy with.

Let’s talk about the good things that happen when you get color theory right, and the not-so-great things that happen when you don’t.

The Beauty of Understanding Color Theory

When you really know color theory, it unlocks a world of possibilities. You can customize shades based on your client’s undertones, ensuring that the color heals exactly how you (and they) envisioned.

• Customizing Lip Shades: Clients come in all shades and undertones—cool, warm, neutral—and their natural lip color matters. When you understand color theory, you can mix and match pigments to complement their skin tone and create the perfect lip blush or tint. You can give your client a color that not only looks great when it’s freshly done, but also heals beautifully over time.

• Neutralizing Dark Lips: Some clients may have hyperpigmentation or naturally darker lips. Knowing your way around color can help you neutralize those tones and then layer on the desired shade. Color theory allows you to use orange or peach-based pigments to lift darker tones before applying your client’s chosen lip color. Without this step, you risk the lips healing too dark or ashy. But remember THIS IS A HIGHLY ADVANCED PROCEDURE PROCESS. PLEASE GET PROPER TRAINING BEFORE ATTEMPTING!

• Long-Lasting Results: Correct color application can lead to better longevity of the tattoo. When you apply the right tones for the client’s skin and natural lip color, the tattoo will fade more predictably and maintain a more even color over time. The last thing you want is your client coming back with uneven, blotchy color after a few months!

The Risks of Skipping Color Theory Knowledge

On the flip side, not knowing your color theory can lead to some disappointing results—and that’s not fun for you or your client. Here’s what can happen when you don’t take the time to understand it:

• Unexpected Healing Results: One of the most common mistakes is choosing a pigment that doesn’t suit your client’s skin tone or natural lip color. Maybe the lips look gorgeous and vibrant when they leave your studio, but if you don’t choose the right shade, they could heal much cooler or warmer than expected, or even look greyish or bluish. Yikes!

• Unwanted Color Changes: Without a solid understanding of how pigments mix and heal, you might apply a beautiful red that turns pink, or a warm shade that cools down too much during the healing process. The lips are particularly tricky because their natural tone plays a huge role in how the pigment looks once healed. And we all know, a client who expected rosy lips isn’t going to be thrilled with purple hues.

• Muddy, Uneven Color: If you’re not careful about matching pigments to undertones, you could end up with lips that heal in patches or fade unevenly. This often happens when the wrong color is done on darker lips. Instead of soft and even, you get a muddy or ashy effect that leaves the client unhappy—and trust me, fixing that is a lot more challenging than getting it right the first time.

How to Master Lip Tattooing with Color Theory

Knowing color theory isn’t just about avoiding mistakes—it’s about leveling up your artistry and offering the best service to your clients. Here are some quick tips:

• Assess Skin and Lip Tone: Always analyze the client’s skin undertones and natural lip color before starting. Are they warm, cool, or neutral? Use this as your starting point when choosing pigment.

• Don’t Skip Neutralization when necessary: For clients with darker lips, a neutralizing pass is crucial most of the time. Apply an orange or peach base to cancel out the dark pigmentation before adding the desired color on top.

• Mix with Confidence: Once you understand how colors work together, you’ll feel more confident mixing custom shades that match your client's expectations and skin tone. This will set you apart as a true artist.

Did you know I have an in-depth lip course called Long Lasting Lippies? CLICK HERE TO GET ACCESS!