Straight after your appointment
The colour looks darker and more intense at first. That is expected, so please do not judge the shade on the first day. Before you start, Nhu matches the pigment to your natural lip tone and talks you through how it is likely to change.
Swelling and tenderness are among the things that can happen, and she goes through those with you beforehand. Less common risks include infection, an allergic reaction to the pigment, uneven fading and, rarely, scarring. If something worries you while your lips are healing, contact Nhu.
The first one to two weeks
The colour settles over one to two weeks and softens as your lips heal. Keep the area dry and free of make-up while it heals, and follow the aftercare instructions you are given.
The healed colour can vary with your skin type and your aftercare, so two people can have the same shade and see different results. Some areas may fade more than others during healing. That is what the top-up appointment is for.
The top-up
The booking menu lists the lip blush top-up as a 6 to 8 week appointment. It lets Nhu look at how the colour has healed, adjust the pigment if it is needed and refine any areas that have faded. It costs £100, and Nhu confirms your date with you, so ask at your first appointment.
Colour softens and fades over time, and top-ups are needed to keep it looking the way you want. The Colour Boost Top Up is a separate appointment for returning clients, within twelve months, at £150.
Getting ready before the first session
Good healing starts before the appointment. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and blood thinners, including ibuprofen, for 48 hours beforehand, unless they are prescribed, in which case speak to your prescriber and tell Nhu. Keep your lips moisturised, and gently exfoliate them a day or two before. Avoid waxing, laser and facials around the lips for a week.
If you get cold sores, tell Nhu before you book. Her guidance is to take antiviral medication before and after your appointment, so ask your pharmacist or GP. Please do not book during an active outbreak.
What it costs
A first lip blush session is £215 at both clinics and takes about two and a half hours. A deposit secures your time, and the booking menu always shows the current price and deposit.
Everyone's skin is different, so talk to Nhu before you decide.
Questions
Why does my lip blush look so dark?
The colour starts darker and more intense, then settles over one to two weeks as your lips heal.
Can I wear lipstick while it heals?
Keep the area dry and free of make-up while it heals, and follow the aftercare instructions Nhu gives you.
How long does lip blush last?
It typically lasts between one and three years, depending on your skin, lifestyle and aftercare.
Written for Nhu Le Aesthetics. Published 2 November 2026.