Aquarelle Lips in Melbourne

Let’s start with the basics — what is Aquarelle Lips? In simple terms, it’s a modern cosmetic lip tattoo that enhances your natural colour and shape with a translucent wash of pigment rather than a heavy painted-on layer.

During the procedure, we use a precise tattoo machine with an ultra-fine needle R1 to implant coloured pigments into the top layer of the lip skin. We build soft layers — like painting with watercolours — rather than packing pigment deep into the skin. That’s where the name “Aquarelle” comes from.

The goal is a diffused finish: no harsh lines, no block colour, no thick outlines. Just a subtle blush that heals beautifully into your natural lips. The pigment fades gradually towards the edges, creating a gentle gradient that gives the illusion of fullness.

Because the colour sits in the superficial layers of the skin, it’s considered semi-permanent makeup, not truly permanent. Most clients enjoy their results for 2–3 years before considering a refresh.

The Aquarelle Lip Tattoo is all about subtlety. Rather than strong outlines or dense coverage, this lip tattoo procedure is about creating an even wash of colour across the lips.

Here’s what defines the technique:

• Soft edges: No defined lip liner — just a diffused fade towards the border.* Layered colour: Colour is built up in layers to achieve the right level of transparency.
• Natural gradients: Colour is lighter in the centre and richer at the edges for a 3D effect.
• Organic pigments: We use luxe-certified pigments with natural colouring components free from heavy metals and toxins.
• European methods: Inspired by advanced European cosmetic tattooing techniques for precision and minimal trauma.

At Microblading Eyebrows Melbourne Studio Face Figurati, we customise every treatment to your undertone, facial structure and personal style — because there’s no one size fits all when it comes to your lips.

Melbourne’s climate and lifestyle sure make Aquarelle Lip Blush the absolute perfect – even necessary – treatment. The constant battle between dry winter heat, cold winds, and sweltering summer sun takes a serious toll on those poor lips of yours. And I see it time and time again: clients arrive with dull, dry or sun-faded lips.

Aquarelle Lips permanent makeup is basically the answer to all those lip woes. This treatment simply adds a healthy dose of natural colour and definition back into the mix, and lets you get on with your life, no daily lip TLC required. Plus it works a treat on just about every skin tone, from the palest of fair skins to warm olive complexions to deeper skin types too.

• Giving yourself a youth-swap: Your lips instantly look softer and plumper – no injections needed.
• Colour correcting: Fixes any uneven pigmentation and helps even out those pesky cool or bluish undertones.
• Results that last: A Permanent makeup lip treatment like this will last you up to three years – but of course, how long that lasts is down to your skin type, how you live your life and how much sun you get each day.
• Low-maintenance beauty at its best: No smudges, no lipstick stains – just a naturally defined lip shape.
• Gives you a confidence boost: I’ve had loads of clients tell me that they feel like themselves even when they have no makeup on, thanks to Aquarelle Lip Tattoo.

In a 2024 survey of my regulars, a whopping 90 percent of respondents said their Aquarelle Lip Tattoo gave them the confidence they needed to walk around without any makeup on – which to me is the ultimate goal in beauty: effortless, natural beauty that just lets your own features shine.

Now, while Aquarelle Lips permanent makeup is a very safe treatment, there are situations where it’s best to put off getting a treatment.

So if you:

• Have a cold sore or a history of herpes outbreaks (check in with your doctor about antiviral meds).
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Have ongoing skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis around the mouth area.
• Are on blood thinners or Accutane (that’s the brand name of the medication isotretinoin).
• Have recently had lip fillers – I recommend waiting at least 4 weeks before booking in.

And if any of this applies to you, or you’re unsure, we can book a consultation. I’ll take a good look at your skin type, health history and how well your skin heals before deciding if you’re a good fit for the treatment.

Aquarelle lip blush is going to suit just about anyone – whether you’ve got naturally pale lips or you’re after lip correction to even out the tone or restore the colour that’s been lost due to ageing.

You’ll be a great fit if you want to get your lips looking naturally fuller without having to resort to fillers.

You want to get rid of uneven pigmentation and need a bit of colour correction.

You’re tired of constantly reapplying lip tints or lip gloss.

You’re keen to restore the definition in your lips after filler or sun damage.

You’ve got healthy skin and hydrated lips.

I also use the Fitzpatrick scale to pick out the perfect pigment shades for you – ones that won’t turn all ashy or fade unpredictably.

Healthy, hydrated lips are crucial for a smooth tattooing process, and good preparation really does lead to better pigment absorption and an even easier healing to follow.

A week before your appointment:
Get lots of water into you each day to keep your body nice and hydrated.
Gently exfoliate with a sugar scrub or soft toothbrush to get rid of those annoying dry flakes.
Slather on a nourishing balm several times a day – I mean, leave the petroleum-based stuff in the cupboard.

24 – 48 hours before:
Cut back on the booze and caffeine, which can make your blood thinner.
Put your fish oil and vitamin E supplements on hold for now.
Take antiviral meds if you have a tendency to get cold sores, okay?
Turn up to your appointment with lips that are nice and moisturised, but still balm-free.

On the day, we’ll kick off with a colour consult and design mapping. You and I can thrash out your ideal result – do you want soft blush, peachy nude, or a berry stain maybe? I’ll then use some pre-drawn guides to get the symmetry just right.

The whole thing usually takes 2 – 2 and a half hours, including the numbing bit – most clients find it just a mild scratch.

Here’s what’s involved:

• Colour chat and design: We discuss what you want and get your design ready to go.
• Getting numbed up: I’ll apply some topical anaesthetic to make sure you’re comfortable.
• Layering on the colour: I’ll build up the colour little by little, focusing on the middle to get that natural gradient look.
• Final check: We double-check everything is spot on – symmetry, depth, tone.
• Aftercare guidance: You’ll get a detailed guide to healing and a balm to help it along.

Every tattoo at Face Figurati is done using single-use sterile needles and top-quality medical-grade pigments, which meet the highest hygiene standards here in Australia.

Healing is the most misunderstood part of the process — and where clients sometimes panic unnecessarily. Let’s set realistic expectations.

Day 1–2: Lips appear slightly swollen and darker than expected.
Day 3–5: Light flaking or dryness begins. Don’t pick!
Day 6–10: Pigment appears lighter — it’s normal for up to 40% of the colour to fade before it resurfaces.
Day 10–14: Colour stabilises into its final shade.

Here’s a quick reference table you can bookmark:

Melbourne’s dry air can extend the flaking phase slightly, so using a humidifier or balm with hyaluronic acid can help speed recovery.

Aftercare really is key to how those gorgeous Aquarelle Lip Blush colours heal up – and I always make sure my clients know that for those first ten days it’s all about taking it easy.

• In the first 24 hours, keep those lips spotless and dry – no messing around.
• 3-4 times a day, apply a good dollop of that healing balm, but make sure your hands are squeaky clean first.
• Give those three days a miss for spicy food, a drink or two, and any heavy exercise – your lips will thank you.
• And for goodness sake, don’t even think about slapping on any makeup, gloss or lipstick til the peeling’s stopped.
• And don’t forget to slap on some SPF balm to protect your lips from the sun.
• And no swimming or Saunas til you’re fully healed up – no sense taking any risks.

  At Face Figurati, I always make sure to send my clients on their way with a little Lip Treatment pack that includes all the good stuff – aftercare balm, Sterile wipes and a set of guidelines so you never have to wonder what to do.

Pigment choice is both science and art. Every lip tone reacts differently to coloured pigments, and each blend behaves uniquely once healed.

Each pigment is mixed with luxe-certified pigments and organic components. These fade evenly and naturally over time without going ashy or orange — a big plus of high-end colour formulas.

For clients with darker or uneven lips, I may recommend a colour-correction session before applying your chosen shade.

Expect your Aquarelle Lips permanent makeup to last around 2–3 years, depending on your skin type, sun exposure and aftercare.

Fairer skin may retain pigment slightly less due to faster exfoliation.
Smokers or those using strong skincare acids may notice quicker fading.
Using SPF balm daily extends the vibrancy of your colour.
Colour boosts every 18–24 months, keep your tone fresh and your lips looking naturally defined.

A follow-up appointment is essential. Around 6–8 weeks post-procedure, you’ll return for your perfecting session to refine the results.

During this visit, I’ll:

• Touch up any faded areas.
• Adjust colour or tone for balance.
• Check overall healing and shape retention.

  Skipping this step can affect the evenness and longevity of your results — think of it as the finishing touch to your new permanent lip makeup.

When performed by a licensed artist using safe Permanent Makeup practices, Aquarelle Lips are very low risk. Still, as with any tattooing, minor side effects can occur.

Mild swelling or tenderness for the first 24–48 hours. A bit of dryness or tightness is normal as the lips heal. Some clients experience temporary tingling, especially if prone to cold sores. That’s why antiviral medications before treatment are highly recommended.

Serious reactions are rare. All pigments and materials used at Face Figurati are sterile, and all tools are disposable. Our workspace meets the strict hygiene and Infection Control standards for Cosmetic Tattooing in Victoria.

Ombre lips create a gradient fade from centre to border for a softly diffused look that enhances natural fullness.

Lip blush offers a sheer wash of colour across the full lip for a natural, hydrated appearance.

Lip liner tattoo refines and defines the natural border to improve symmetry and shape without a heavy outline.

Dark Lip Neutralisation Tattoo balances cool or uneven tones using warm corrector pigments to reveal a more even, natural hue.