Lip Sheer vs. Lip Blush: Finding Your Perfect Enhancement

Understanding the Difference

When it comes to semi-permanent lip treatments at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics, you have options to suit your personal style and comfort level. While both Lip Sheer and Lip Blush use the same cosmetic tattooing technique, they differ significantly in intensity, coverage, and final appearance—allowing you to choose the level of enhancement that feels right for you.

Think of it this way: Lip Sheer is your "barely there" option—a whisper of colour that enhances what you already have. Lip Blush is your "confidently beautiful" option—a more noticeable transformation that replaces the need for daily lipstick. Both are natural-looking, but they serve different aesthetic goals and lifestyles.

Lip Sheer: The Subtle, "No Makeup" Enhancement

What is Lip Sheer?

Lip Sheer is the most subtle form of lip tattooing, designed for clients who want to enhance their natural lip colour without anyone noticing they've had a cosmetic procedure. It adds a delicate wash of colour—just enough to neutralise pale or cool-toned lips and create a healthy, fresh appearance.

The result looks like you're wearing a sheer lip balm with a hint of tint, or like you've just been lightly biting your lips. It's the ultimate "your lips, but slightly better" treatment.

Who is Lip Sheer Perfect For?

  • Minimalists who prefer an understated, natural look and rarely wear bold makeup
  • First-timers who are nervous about permanent makeup and want to start conservatively
  • Professionals in conservative industries where subtle enhancements are preferred (corporate, healthcare, legal fields)
  • Mature clients (50+) who want age-appropriate enhancement without looking "done"
  • Anyone with naturally rosy lips who simply wants to even out colour or add slight definition
  • Active individuals who want to look fresh-faced at the gym, pool, or during outdoor activities without appearing made-up

The Benefits of Lip Sheer

✓ Maximum subtlety – Most people won't realise you've had a treatment; they'll just think you look refreshed and healthy
✓ Perfect for those afraid of commitment – Because it's so natural, there's minimal risk of regretting the result
✓ Ideal for testing the waters – If you're curious about permanent makeup but cautious, this is your entry point
✓ Complements a minimal makeup routine – Works beautifully for clients who prefer the "no-makeup makeup" aesthetic
✓ Less intimidating healing process – The subtle colour means any temporary darkening during healing is less dramatic
✓ Easy to layer – You can still wear lipstick or gloss over lip sheer when you want more intensity for special occasions

What Lip Sheer Won't Do

Lip Sheer is designed for subtlety, which means it won't dramatically transform very pale lips or provide significant colour payoff on its own. If your lips are extremely washed out or you're hoping to completely eliminate the need for lip products, Lip Blush may be a better choice.

Emily's Expert Guidance at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics

The beauty of working with Emily is that you don't have to make this decision alone. During your personalised consultation, Emily will:

  • Assess your natural lip colour, shape, and skin undertone
  • Listen to your lifestyle, makeup habits, and aesthetic preferences
  • Show you healed examples of both Lip Sheer and Lip Blush results
  • Recommend the best option for your unique features and goals
  • Create bespoke blended pigments tailored specifically to you

Whether you choose the whisper-soft subtlety of Lip Sheer or the confident beauty of Lip Blush, Emily's renowned expertise ensures you'll achieve results that feel authentically you—never overdone, always natural, and absolutely transformative.

Lip Sheer treatments is priced at £325, and Lip Blush at £350, and include your essential top-up appointment 8-10 weeks later, with annual top-ups recommended to keep your results looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.

Ready to Discover Your Perfect Lip Treatment?

Stop wasting time and money on lipsticks that smudge, fade, and disappear. Stop feeling self-conscious about pale, undefined lips. Whether you're craving subtle enhancement or a confident transformation, Nixie Permanent Cosmetics has the solution.

Book your consultation with Emily today and let her guide you toward the lip treatment that will make you feel beautiful, confident, and effortlessly put-together every single day.

Your perfect lips are waiting—will they be softly natural or beautifully bold?

Frequently asked questions

What is Lip Sheer?

Lip Sheer is a lip tattoo.

I offer a range of different techniques within the world of Lip Blush. I use different shading & ombré (two tone) techniques to deliver your desired outcome.

Lip Sheer is a minimal invasive procedure whereby your choice of colour is tattooed on to the lip for a long-lasting & beautiful outcome.

Lip Sheer is suitable for all ages from 18-80+ & is the new trend to rejuvenate your lips without injecting filler.

Lip Sheer can balance asymmetry, add volume, make your lips look healthier & revitalise your look!

Where are you located?

My clinic is in Retford, 108 Carolgate, DN22 6AS 📍

How long does it last?

If applied by a highly skilled PMU Artist, & your lip sare properly cared for, Lip Blush can last in excess of 2 years.

When will I need a top up?

I recommend a top up between 10-18 months, but Lip Blush can last for in excess of 2 years.

How much does it cost?

In the UK, Lip Blush prices range from approx £200 - £450. This depends on your location & other factors such as the Artisits overheads, level of skill & more.

The total cost for Lip Blush treatment with Emily at Nixie Permanent Cosmetics is £350.

How many appointments will I need?

The process is split over 3 appointments for your complete lip transformation, & over 2 appointments for your top up.

How long does it take?

I usually allow 30 mins for your Consultation, 2-3 hrs for your Application & 1-2 hrs for your Top Up.

If you're having a full lip transformation (3 appointments), you will need to book in 6-8 weeks from your Application for your Top Up.

What happens at my Consultation?

Your first appointment will be your Consultation. I usually allow in the region of 30 mins for this appointment. Your Consultation is your time to ask questions, tell me your desired finished result & to receive a patch test. Your Consultation is completely free. If you wish to proceed with booking an appointment, I'd take a deposit of either £25 or £50 depending on the application you're booking for.

What happens at my Application appointment?

Your second appointment will be your Application. I usually allow 2-3 hrs for a full transformation, or 1-2 hrs for a touch up. We would discuss this at your Consultation, so you can plan your time out. Your application consists of completing consent forms, mapping out your new brows or lips, choosing your desired colour & the application itself. You will also receive your complimentary aftercare pack, & we will thoroughly discuss your responsibilities for aftercare, so you get the best results from your treatment. We would use your deposit to reduce the cost of this appointment. We would have already discussed your cost breakdown at your consultation. For full services, the cost for this appointment would either be £175 or £195 depending on your application type. For top up services, this appointment would be £125 or £175 if the initial application was done by me. If your initial application was done by another artist, the price would vary, please reach out to me for your bespoke price.

What happens at my Top Up appointment?

Your third appointment will be your Top Up. I usually allow 1-2 hrs for this appointment. Your Top Up will take place 6-8 weeks after your initial Application. This is to ensure the area has healed fully. Your Top Up consists of discussing the healed results & touching up any areas in which we feel require it. This appointment will cost £50.

How do I best care for my new lips?

By following the aftercare instructions that I provide to you on your Application appointment. Aftercare is so important & will be the make or break of your new lip tattoo. Your body needs time to heal, without proper healing, your results won't be as good (been there, done that!)

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

You're welcome to bring a companion to your Consultation appointment, but unfortunately, you must attend your permanent make up appointment alone. Also, due to insurance reasons, under 18's are not permitted in my clinic at any time.