Game-changing investment or just a fad? Lierge Perey and Nate Javier share their honest thoughts and experiences on lip tattoo
The pitch is simple: wake up with perfectly tinted lips without the need for a liner, lipstick, or extra effort. That’s the promise of lip tattoos. Once a niche procedure, they’ve gradually moved into the mainstream as more people have grown comfortable with getting it done. But as with anything that involves a needle (even a minimal one), there’s still more to it than convenience. Beauty influencers Lierge Perey and Nate Javier talk to MEGA about their honest and firsthand experiences about getting their lips tattooed, so if you’re still on the fence—or simply curious—here’s what to consider before making the semi-permanent leap.
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The Full Lip Upgrade
Often synonymous with lip blushing, it’s a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure where pigment is deposited onto the lips to enhance color. It mimics the effect of your favorite lip stain with a more natural tint—except it’s there all day. It’s also not quite as intense as traditional tattoos but works similarly, giving your lips a fresher look without constant reapplication.
Despite its name, it does more than add color. Nate Javier says it’s a full lip upgrade, having experienced other benefits since getting his first procedure done almost three years ago. “People would be surprised to find out that a lip tattoo also improves the shape and texture of your lips,” the beauty influencer shared. “It makes it more plump by defining the outer borders of your lips and removing discoloration.” The texture is improved as the procedure exfoliates the lips and reduces the lines on it.
The above means the following: fewer touch-ups, better color payoff, and an effortlessly fresh look. Lierge Perey echoes this, saying that it’s certainly streamlined her beauty routine. “Sometimes, all I need is a bit of lip liner and balm, and I’m good to go,” she gushed. “Plus, I love waking up looking fresh—it’s such a great feeling. As a beauty creator, it’s also a nice way to save time when prepping for content or events.”
The Fine Print
Results aside, it’s worth talking about the unexpected. First-timers like Lierge talked about “immense dryness” post-procedure.
“When I had mine done, I remember constantly applying lip balm—like every five minutes—because my lips felt so dry. Smiling was out of the question at first because the dryness made it uncomfortable,” the influencer shared. While the dryness fades as healing progresses, the initial aftercare might be a bit of a hassle for some—especially if you’re not keen on a high-maintenance lip routine every few hours.
Another risk is the color. While not fully permanent, it does linger for quite some time, which means selecting the perfect shade comes with its own gamble. Lierge cautions that the color you see immediately after the procedure won’t be the one that sticks. “It fades and sheers out a bit,” the influencer explained. “That’s why it’s so important to trust your technician. They know the pigments will settle over time, and they can help you pick out the best shade.”
The Challenge for Content Creators
For Lierge, getting lip tattoos has a practical downside regarding her content. “My lip tint makes lipstick swatches less accurate. It’s a bit tricky when I want to show true-to-color swatches,” she admitted. Her content mainly revolves around product try-ons and first impressions, so struggling with this makes total sense. However, the convenience outweighs the occasional swatch struggle. “It’s a small price to pay for it.”
On the contrary, this works to Nate’s advantage. “As a creator, I love how I get a more accurate color payoff from products I try because the lip tattoo has minimized the discoloration on my lips,” he shared. “I also don’t need to use a lot of product to get the color payoff I want.” It means better content with less effort—a win for Nate.
Investment or Fad?
The influencer consensus is clear; both Lierge and Nate believe it’s more than a fad. Lierge, in particular, is a fan of the convenience. “It’s one less thing to think about, and I look great even without makeup,“ she shared. Nate also talked about the timeless appeal. “Smooth, luscious, and well-shaped lips are a universally attractive trait that can be traced back to the earliest civilizations,” Nate explained.
“It’s definitely worth the investment—enhancing the shape, texture, and color of your lips will never go out of style.”
– Nate Javier on the timelessness of lip tattoos
But then again, they’re both influencers, so isn’t it almost instinctual to be influenced? It’s tempting to trust they know best, to throw caution to the wind and consider them all-knowing. Luckily, Lierge and Nate are on the responsible side of the spectrum, pointing us in the direction of the true experts rather than claiming to have all the answers themselves.
“Consult a trusted professional. It would be a good opportunity to bring up all your hesitations and have them reviewed,” Nate advises. “There’s a lot of artists out there but I would urge everyone to be very picky when it comes to choosing an artist.”
Lierge agrees with this, advising readers to “do your research and choose a reputable professional.” In fact, both influencers got theirs done by the same professional, Whena Pino of Pino Beauty Lounge.
The Verdict
If you’re on the fence, it should be clear by now that lip tattoos are more of a commitment rather than a quick fix. They take time—healing, patience, and a solid trust in your artist. But if you’re ready for a long-term solution that simplifies your routine and gives you instant confidence, the payoff can be huge.
That said, this isn’t a decision to rush. If you’re not fully convinced after reading this or haven’t found the right professional, it’s better to wait. After all, this is your face—something incredibly personal—so there’s virtually no room for a trial run.
Featured Image and Photos: MEGA ARCHIVES, NATE JAVIER, and LIERGE PEREY (via Instagram)
