Lip Blushing in Highland Park

Your lip blushing is done by DK Abduli, founder of DK Aesthetics. She is Swiss Color certified and a Swiss Color Licensed Trainer: she trains other permanent-makeup artists in Illinois and New York, and she has also given trainings in Switzerland, directly at Swiss Color in St. Gallen.

It deposits soft, semi-permanent tint into your lips to enhance their natural color, even out tone and subtly define the border — a 'your-lips-but-better' flush that doesn't wash off. It's natural-looking, not a bold lipstick line.

It's semi-permanent — commonly 2 to 3 years — and fades gradually depending on your skin, lifestyle and aftercare. A color refresh keeps it looking its best. A perfecting touch-up 4–6 weeks after your initial session is part of the process, and it is included.

Lips are sensitive, so we use a numbing product for comfort. Most clients find it very manageable, describing a vibrating or scratching sensation rather than sharp pain.

They do two different things: lip blushing is a semi-permanent tint that enhances color, tone and definition, while lip filler (hyaluronic acid) adds actual volume and shape. Many clients love how they pair — color from blushing, fullness from filler. If you're considering both, we generally space them apart and let any filler settle first; we'll map out the right timing and order at your consultation.

Plan for a bold first few days. Right after, lips look darker and fuller than the final result, with swelling that’s usually mildest by the next morning — many people feel comfortable returning to work within a day or two, though it varies. Over the following week the color softens by up to half as the lips flake and heal to a natural tint. Individual results vary.

Wait until your lips are fully healed — about ten to fourteen days — before wearing lipstick or gloss again, so the fresh pigment isn’t disturbed or exposed to bacteria. During healing, keep them clean and balmed with what we provide. Once healed, you may reach for lipstick far less often, since your natural tint is already there.

With a certified artist and sterile, single-use tools, lip blushing is generally very safe. As with any cosmetic tattoo, risks like allergic reaction or infection exist, and PMU pigments are regulated as cosmetics — none are FDA-approved for injection into the skin. If you're prone to cold sores, let us know, as the procedure can trigger a flare and we may advise prophylaxis. Not suitable during pregnancy.

We'll give you a full prep list, but in short: arrive well-hydrated and skip blood-thinning items like alcohol, fish oil and non-essential aspirin for a couple of days beforehand (never stop prescribed medication without your doctor). The most important step is for anyone prone to cold sores — even an old, one-time outbreak — because the procedure can trigger a flare. In that case we'll ask you to get a prescription antiviral from your doctor and start it shortly before your appointment, since this is something we plan in advance rather than treat on the day.

It isn't recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or if you have an active cold sore, infection or irritation on or around the lips. Certain health factors — such as some autoimmune conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, a tendency to form keloid scars, or use of blood thinners or isotretinoin (Accutane) — may mean it's not suitable or needs timing around. We always review your health history first, and if lip blushing isn't right for you, we'll say so.

Lip blushing is $699 for the initial session at DK Aesthetics in Highland Park. Color is built across two appointments: the perfecting touch-up 4–6 weeks after your initial session is included. Results are semi-permanent, commonly 2 to 3 years, and fade gradually; a color refresh later on is planned with you when you want one. Individual results vary.