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Lip Blush

Lip blush is a form of semi-permanent make-up, which means it is a cosmetic tattoo. A trained artist uses a fine needle to deposit small amounts of pigment into the upper layers of the lips, softly enhancing their natural colour, defining the border and improving the look of symmetry and fullness. It is not a filler and adds no volume; the effect is a tint rather than a lipstick-strong finish. The shade, intensity and shape can be tailored to your natural lip tone and the look you want, from a barely-there wash of colour to a more defined finish. Because pigment is placed into the skin, this is a skin-piercing procedure that carries the same hygiene and infection considerations as any tattoo, and in England and Wales the artist and premises must be registered with the local council. Results usually settle over a few weeks and typically last one to three years before a colour refresh is needed. Most people have two appointments a few weeks apart, as the true colour only shows once the lips have healed. Choosing an experienced, registered, insured artist is the single most important factor in a safe, even result.

Service

Lip blush

Book a consultation first so the artist can review your medical history, discuss the shade and shape, and check for anything that makes the treatment unsuitable. If you have ever had a cold sore, even years ago, tell them, because the needling can reactivate the herpes virus; many artists ask you to arrange antiviral tablets from your GP or pharmacist to take before and after. Avoid blood-thinning substances where safe to do so, including alcohol, and non-essential aspirin or ibuprofen, for around 24 hours beforehand, but never stop prescribed medication without medical advice. Skip caffeine on the day, as it can increase sensitivity and bleeding. Do not have lip fillers in the weeks immediately before, and exfoliate and moisturise your lips in the days leading up to help them heal evenly. Come with clean, make-up-free lips and eat beforehand, as appointments can take a couple of hours.

Expect the appointment to last roughly two to three hours. Your artist will cleanse the area, then draw and agree the outline and colour with you before any pigment goes in, so you can adjust the look while you can still change it. A topical numbing cream or gel is applied to keep you comfortable; unlike cosmetic microneedling, numbing is a normal part of cosmetic tattooing because pigment is worked into the lip. A single-use, sterile needle cartridge should be opened in front of you, and the artist should wear fresh gloves and work on a clean, covered station. Colour is built up in gentle passes until the desired depth is reached, and numbing may be topped up during the session. The lips look much brighter and appear swollen immediately afterwards; this is expected and softens considerably as they heal. Your artist will explain aftercare and usually book a review or top-up in around six to ten weeks.

Follow your artist's written aftercare closely, as good healing protects both the colour and your skin. Keep the lips clean and blot them gently; some artists advise a light, breathable barrier balm, while others prefer a dry heal, so follow the specific instructions you are given. Do not pick, scratch or peel the flaking skin, as this can pull out pigment and cause patchiness or scarring. Avoid make-up on the lips, strenuous exercise, saunas, swimming and hot, spicy or acidic foods for the first week or so. Drink through a straw where practical and wash your hands before touching your lips. Keep the lips out of direct sun and, once healed, use an SPF lip product to slow fading. If you are prone to cold sores, continue any antiviral course as advised. Contact your artist promptly, and seek medical advice, if you notice spreading redness, heat, swelling or pus, which can signal infection.

Lip blush is a skin-piercing tattoo, so hygiene is the priority. In England and Wales the artist and the premises must be registered with the local council for cosmetic tattooing or semi-permanent make-up, and in London a Special Treatments Licence applies; ask to see this. Needle cartridges must be single-use and sterile, opened in front of you and disposed of afterwards, and the artist should wear fresh gloves and work on a clean, protected surface. Choose someone trained, experienced and insured for lip blush specifically, and check their healed portfolio rather than fresh, un-healed photos. A proper consultation with a medical history check should always happen before treatment. Reputable artists will decline to treat when it is not safe, for example over an active cold sore. Good pigment placement and correct depth matter, as work that is too deep can scar or heal an unnatural colour, so competence and training are as important as cleanliness.

Treat lip blush as a medical-adjacent procedure and be open about your health. It is generally not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or on anyone under 18. A history of cold sores is important, as needling can trigger an outbreak; discuss preventive antiviral tablets with your GP or pharmacist beforehand. Tell your artist about diabetes, autoimmune or skin conditions such as active eczema or rosacea on the lips, keloid scarring, bleeding disorders, or if you take blood thinners, as these can affect healing and suitability. Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) users should usually wait several months after finishing treatment. Recent lip filler, cosmetic procedures near the mouth, or a compromised immune system also warrant caution. This treatment does not diagnose or treat any health condition. If you have underlying medical concerns or take regular medication, check with your GP before booking, and never stop prescribed medicine without professional advice.

There is no universally standardised patch test for cosmetic tattoo pigments, and a negative test does not guarantee you will not react, as sensitivities can develop over time. Even so, some artists offer a pigment patch test, particularly if you have a history of allergies or reactive skin, and it is reasonable to ask. The more important safeguard is a thorough face-to-face consultation covering your full medical history, medication, cold sore history and any previous pigment reactions, plus a clear contraindication check. This protects you and reduces the artist's liability, since proceeding without properly recording suitability can leave an insured practitioner found at fault in a claim. If you have known pigment, dye or metal allergies, raise this early so the artist can decide whether to test, adapt or decline.

Be cautious if the artist cannot show local council registration for cosmetic tattooing, or a London Special Treatments Licence where relevant, or is reluctant to discuss insurance and training. Reusing needles, not opening a sterile single-use cartridge in front of you, working without fresh gloves, or a visibly unclean station are serious warning signs; leave if you see them. Skipping a consultation or medical history, pressuring you to book on the spot, or dismissing your cold sore or medication history is a red flag. Prices that seem too good to be true, only showing fresh un-healed photos, guarantees of a permanent or exact lipstick colour, or a refusal to explain aftercare all suggest you should look elsewhere. Trust your instincts and do not proceed if anything feels rushed or unhygienic.

A good artist is registered with the local council for cosmetic tattooing, insured, and happy to show proof and healed-result portfolios rather than only fresh photos. They offer a proper consultation, take a full medical history, and ask about cold sores, medication and allergies before agreeing to treat. Single-use sterile needle cartridges are opened in front of you, gloves are changed, and the workspace is clean and protected. They explain what lip blush can and cannot do, including that it is a tint not a filler, agree the shape and shade with you before starting, and set realistic expectations about healing and fading. Clear written aftercare, a planned review or top-up appointment, and a willingness to decline treatment when it is not safe are all signs of a conscientious, professional practitioner.

Are you and your premises registered with the local council for cosmetic tattooing, and do you hold insurance specifically for lip blush?
Can I see photos of your healed lip blush results, not just images taken straight after treatment?
What training and experience do you have, and how many lip blush treatments have you carried out?
Do you use single-use, sterile needle cartridges, and will you open them in front of me?
I have a history of cold sores; do you recommend antiviral tablets, and how should I arrange them?
How many sessions will I need, how long should the colour last, and what does a top-up cost?

With numbing cream applied, most people find lip blush more comfortable than expected, describing it as a scratching, vibrating or tingling feeling rather than sharp pain. The lips are sensitive, so you may notice more discomfort at the outer border and in the first few minutes before the numbing fully takes effect, and the artist can usually top it up during the session. Some pressure and warmth is normal. Straight afterwards the lips feel swollen, tight, dry and tender, a little like sunburned or chapped lips, and this eases over a few days as they heal. Everyone's tolerance differs, so tell your artist if you need a break.

Most people carry on with daily life straight away, though the lips look bolder and feel swollen, dry and tight for the first two to four days. Over the first week the colour darkens, then the lips flake and lighten, often losing up to half of the apparent intensity before the softer, true shade emerges. Full healing of the surface usually takes one to two weeks, with the final colour settling over about four to six weeks. Because the colour looks patchy while healing, many artists plan a second session once this has fully settled. Plan around any events, as the first few days are not photo-ready.

Lip blush is semi-permanent, so it fades gradually rather than lasting forever. The colour you see on the day is much stronger than the healed result; expect it to soften considerably and settle over about four to six weeks. Most people need a second session a few weeks after the first to perfect the colour and even out any patchy areas, as skin takes pigment differently across the lip. Once settled, results typically last one to three years, though this varies with your skin, lifestyle, sun exposure and smoking, all of which speed up fading. A colour refresh keeps the look fresh when it starts to soften. Daily SPF lip balm, staying hydrated and gentle lip care help the colour last. The final shade and intensity can be adjusted at your top-up, so it is fine to start subtle and build up if you are unsure.

Microblading

Microblading is a form of semi-permanent make-up in which a trained technician uses a fine, hand-held blade of tiny needles to deposit pigment into the upper layers of the skin, creating hair-like strokes that mimic natural brows. Because it breaks the skin and implants colour, it is a cosmetic tattoo procedure rather than a simple beauty treatment, and hygiene and technique matter a great deal. It is popular with people who want fuller, more defined brows, who have sparse or over-plucked hair, or who have lost brow hair through age, medical treatment or a condition such as alopecia. Results typically last around one to three years before fading, as the pigment sits more superficially than a traditional body tattoo and the skin naturally renews. The finished look can be tailored to your face, from a soft, natural enhancement to a more defined, structured shape, and the colour is matched to your hair and skin tone. A good technician will always begin with a consultation, map and draw the shape for your approval, and check that the treatment is suitable for you before any skin is broken.

Service

Microblading

Book a consultation first so your technician can assess your skin, discuss the shape and colour, and check for anything that makes the treatment unsuitable. In the weeks beforehand, avoid anything that thins the skin or affects healing: many practitioners ask you to stop retinols, acids, brow tinting, waxing and strong exfoliation around the brow area, and to avoid Botox, fillers, chemical peels and laser near the brows for a few weeks. Stay out of strong sun and avoid fake tan on the area. On the day, it is sensible to avoid alcohol, caffeine and blood-thinning painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen unless prescribed, as these can increase bleeding and affect how the pigment settles. Tell your technician about any medicines, medical conditions, allergies, or whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you take isotretinoin (Roaccutane) or blood thinners, or have any doubt, speak to your GP or technician first, as treatment may need to be delayed.

Your appointment usually starts with a consultation and a medical history form, so the technician can confirm you are suitable and understand what you want. They will then measure and map your brows and draw the proposed shape on with a pencil, adjusting until you are happy, as this is your chance to agree the outcome before any skin is broken. Colour is chosen to suit your hair and skin tone. A numbing cream is normally applied to keep you comfortable. Using a sterile, single-use hand tool, the technician makes fine strokes and works pigment into the upper skin, often building up in layers and reapplying numbing part-way through. The process typically takes around one and a half to two and a half hours in total, most of which is preparation and mapping rather than the blading itself. You will usually be shown the result and given detailed aftercare instructions before you leave, along with a date for your top-up.

Good aftercare protects both the result and your skin, so follow your technician's written instructions closely. For the first day you may be asked to gently blot the brows with sterile water and apply a thin layer of the recommended balm, keeping the area clean but not saturated. For roughly the next one to two weeks, keep the brows dry and avoid getting them wet in the shower, and steer clear of saunas, steam rooms, swimming, heavy sweating and the gym, as moisture and heat can lift the pigment and raise the risk of infection. Do not pick, scratch or rub the flakes as they form, as this can pull out pigment and cause patchiness or scarring. Avoid make-up, sunbeds and direct sun on the brows while healing, and use a clean pillowcase. Once healed, protect the colour with SPF, as sun exposure fades pigment over time. Contact your technician promptly if you notice spreading redness, swelling, heat or pus.

Because microblading breaks the skin, hygiene is the single most important safety point: every needle or blade must be sterile and single-use, opened in front of you, and never reused between clients, as shared or improperly handled equipment carries a real risk of infections such as hepatitis. The premises should be clean, and your technician should wear fresh gloves and use disposable or properly sterilised tools. Choose a technician who is trained, qualified and insured for cosmetic tattooing, and check whether your local council requires them to be registered for skin piercing or special treatments, as many areas in England, Wales and Scotland operate a registration scheme for tattooing and semi-permanent make-up. A responsible technician will carry out a full consultation and medical history, refuse to treat where it is unsafe, and give you clear aftercare. If anything about the cleanliness or paperwork feels wrong, do not go ahead.

Some conditions and medicines mean microblading should be delayed, adapted or avoided, so an honest medical history matters. It is generally not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or on people prone to keloid scarring, with poorly controlled diabetes, active skin conditions or infections around the brows, certain autoimmune or bleeding disorders, or a known allergy to tattoo pigments. If you are taking isotretinoin (Roaccutane), treatment is usually postponed until well after you finish, as the skin is fragile and heals poorly; blood thinners can increase bleeding and bruising. Those undergoing chemotherapy or with a compromised immune system should get advice from their medical team first. If you have had cold sores, a flare can sometimes be triggered by work near the mouth, though this is more relevant to lip treatments. This information is general and not a substitute for personal advice, so if you have any underlying condition or take regular medication, check with your GP or specialist before booking.

A patch test is worth having, as the pigments and numbing creams used can occasionally cause an allergic reaction, and a small trial dab of pigment behind the ear or on the inner arm 24 to 48 hours ahead can flag an obvious sensitivity. It is not fully conclusive, though, because allergic responses can develop later or build up over time, so a clear patch test is reassuring rather than a guarantee. Just as important is a proper consultation and medical history that screens for contraindications, confirms you are not pregnant, checks your medicines and skin condition, and agrees the shape and colour before anything is done. Framing this around risk and liability, an insured, careful technician records this process and can decline or delay treatment where needed, which protects both you and them. If you have a history of reactions to tattoos, cosmetics or hair dye, mention it before booking.

Walk away if a technician cannot show training, qualifications or insurance for cosmetic tattooing, or is not registered with the local council where that is required. Be wary if needles or blades are not single-use and opened in front of you, if gloves are not worn or changed, or if the room and surfaces look unclean. Other warning signs include no consultation or medical history being taken, pressure to skip a patch test, no shape mapping or approval before blading begins, and reluctance to answer questions about hygiene, pigments or aftercare. Prices that seem too good to be true, vague qualifications, or a refusal to provide written aftercare are all reasons for caution. Trust your instincts: if anything feels rushed, unhygienic or unprofessional, do not go ahead, as an infection or a badly placed tattoo is hard to undo.

A good technician is transparent and unhurried. Look for recognised training and a qualification in micropigmentation, up-to-date insurance, and registration with the local council for skin piercing or special treatments where your area requires it. The premises should be visibly clean, with sterile, single-use needles opened in front of you and fresh gloves worn throughout. Expect a thorough consultation and medical history, an offer of a patch test, and careful mapping and drawing of the shape and colour for your approval before any skin is broken. They should explain the procedure, realistic results and healing honestly, welcome your questions, and provide clear written aftercare plus a top-up appointment. A portfolio of healed results, good reviews and a willingness to decline treatment when it is not suitable are all reassuring signs of a responsible, experienced professional.

What are your qualifications and training in microblading, and are you fully insured for cosmetic tattooing?
Are you registered with the local council for skin piercing or special treatments, if that is required in this area?
Do you use sterile, single-use needles and blades, and will you open them in front of me?
Will you carry out a consultation, medical history and a patch test before treatment?
How long will the results last, and is a top-up appointment included in the price?
Can I see photographs of healed results you have done, and what does the aftercare involve?

With numbing cream applied, most people find microblading well tolerated rather than genuinely painful, often describing it as a scratching or light stinging sensation as the blade passes over the skin. Some feel more discomfort than others, particularly in the first few strokes before the anaesthetic takes full effect and around the more sensitive inner brow. Your technician usually reapplies numbing cream part-way through to keep you comfortable. You may hear a faint scratching sound and feel light pressure. Afterwards the brows can feel tender, tight or slightly swollen for a day or two, similar to mild sunburn, and may itch a little as they heal. Sensitivity can be higher around your period. If discomfort feels sharp or excessive at any point, tell your technician.

Microblading involves little social downtime, and most people return to normal activities straight away, though the brows go through a visible healing process. Expect them to look darker and bolder for the first few days, then to scab or flake lightly over roughly one to two weeks, sometimes appearing patchy or as though the colour has faded before it settles. Full healing of the skin usually takes around four to six weeks, which is why a top-up or perfecting session is normally booked at about six to eight weeks to fill any gaps and adjust the colour. Some redness, mild swelling or tenderness in the first day or two is normal. Avoiding sweat, swimming and heat during the first couple of weeks helps the result heal evenly.

Microblading is semi-permanent, and results typically last around one to three years before fading, as the pigment sits fairly superficially and the skin renews over time. How long yours lasts depends on your skin type, age, lifestyle and sun exposure: oilier skin and regular sun tend to fade the strokes faster and blur them sooner. A top-up or perfecting session at around six to eight weeks completes the initial result by filling any gaps and adjusting colour once healed. After that, most people have a colour refresh every twelve to eighteen months to keep the brows looking crisp. Protecting the area with SPF, avoiding harsh exfoliants and retinols directly on the brows, and following aftercare all help the colour last. The look can be kept subtle or made more defined at each visit, and the colour can be adjusted as your hair or preferences change. If you decide not to maintain it, the pigment simply fades gradually.

BB Glow

BB Glow is a semi-permanent skin treatment that originated in South Korea. It uses a microneedling device to work a tinted, skin-tone serum into the very top layers of the skin, aiming for a soft, even, tinted-moisturiser-style finish that blurs redness and minor blemishes for a few weeks or months. It is often marketed as a way to wake up with a natural, foundation-like glow. It is worth understanding clearly what BB Glow is and is not. It is not a medical or clinically proven procedure, it is not the same as collagen-focused medical microneedling, and it is not FDA-approved. Some skin doctors and aesthetic nurses have raised genuine concerns, because the pigment serums used are not regulated in the way tattoo inks are, and depositing pigment into the skin can occasionally trigger reactions such as inflammation, breakouts or, rarely, granulomas (small lumps the body forms around a substance it treats as foreign). Results and coverage can be tailored to your skin tone and the look you want, but because this is a debated treatment, it is sensible to go in fully informed, choose a reputable practitioner and treat any bold before-and-after promises with healthy caution.

Start with a proper consultation before you book, so the practitioner can look at your skin, take a full history and check that BB Glow is suitable for you. Be honest about allergies, sensitive or reactive skin, eczema, active acne or rosacea, cold sores, any tendency to keloid or lumpy scarring, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any medicines such as Roaccutane, blood thinners or steroids. Ask which serum will be used and to see its full ingredient list, since the pigment is the part that raises the most questions. In the days before, avoid other exfoliating or resurfacing treatments, retinoids, strong acids and sunbeds, and come with clean skin free of heavy make-up. Because sensitivities to pigments can develop, a patch test of the specific serum is a reasonable request. If anything about the product or its safety feels unclear, it is fine to pause and ask more questions, or to seek a second opinion, before going ahead.

Your skin is usually cleansed first, and sometimes a mild peel or prep solution is applied. The practitioner then passes a microneedling pen fitted with a fresh, single-use needle cartridge over the skin, working the tinted serum into the surface layers in sections across the face. Genuine BB Glow is done at a very superficial depth, typically around a quarter of a millimetre, so it should feel comfortable and should not draw blood. Because it is meant to be shallow, it should not require numbing cream, and pinpoint bleeding is a sign the needling has gone deeper than a surface treatment, which is a different, more medical procedure. You will usually see an immediate tinted, more even finish once the serum settles. A session commonly takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Practitioners often advise leaving the skin unwashed for several hours afterwards so the serum can absorb, and a course of several sessions is usually suggested for a longer-lasting effect.

For the first day or so, keep the skin clean, calm and undisturbed. Many practitioners suggest not washing the face for several hours to let the serum settle, then cleansing gently and avoiding hot water, saunas, steam, heavy sweating and vigorous exercise for a couple of days. Skip make-up, active ingredients such as acids and retinoids, and exfoliation while the skin recovers, and keep the area moisturised with something bland and fragrance-free. Sun protection matters, so use a high-factor SPF daily and avoid direct sun and sunbeds, which can affect both healing and how the pigment looks. Do not pick, scratch or rub the treated skin. Drink plenty of water and let your skin rest. If you notice spreading redness, swelling, heat, pus, unusual lumps or a reaction that seems to be getting worse rather than better, contact your practitioner promptly and seek medical or GP advice if you are at all concerned.

Because BB Glow both breaks the skin and deposits a coloured serum, hygiene and product quality are the heart of safety here. A fresh, sterile, single-use needle cartridge should be opened in front of you every time, and the work area, pen and practitioner's hands should be visibly clean. The serum is the bigger question mark, since these pigments are not regulated like tattoo inks and their exact contents and long-term behaviour in the skin are not always clear, which is why some medical professionals advise caution. A reputable practitioner should be trained, insured for this specific treatment and able to show you the products they use and their ingredients. Genuine BB Glow is a superficial treatment that should not draw blood or need numbing cream, so if either is involved you are into deeper, more medical territory that belongs with a suitably qualified practitioner. Ask about the risk of allergic reaction, granulomas and pigment changes so you can make a fully informed choice.

Treat BB Glow as a treatment to approach carefully rather than a medical one to rely on, and never as a fix for a skin condition. It is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and on skin that is not healthy and intact. Tell your practitioner about eczema, psoriasis, active acne, rosacea, a history of cold sores, and any tendency to keloid or raised scarring, as needling can aggravate these. Mention medicines and treatments such as Roaccutane, blood thinners, steroids, immune-suppressing drugs and recent resurfacing, all of which affect suitability and healing. If you are prone to allergies or have reacted to pigments, dyes, make-up or tattoos before, raise this early, because pigment reactions are a recognised concern with this treatment. Anyone with a diagnosed skin condition, a compromised immune system or ongoing skin worries should speak to a GP or dermatologist before booking, and should seek medical advice promptly if a reaction develops afterwards.

A patch test of the exact serum is a sensible step, because the pigment is the part most likely to provoke a reaction and these products are not regulated like tattoo inks. Testing a small area a day or two ahead can flag an obvious sensitivity, but it is not a cast-iron guarantee, since reactions can still occur and sensitivities can build up over repeated exposure. Just as important is an honest consultation and contraindication check covering your medical history, allergies, skin condition, medicines and pregnancy status. Framed around reducing risk and UK liability, skipping these checks can leave even an insured practitioner exposed if a claim follows, so a practitioner who insists on them is protecting you both. If a salon is reluctant to patch test or take a proper history, treat that as a reason to look elsewhere.

Be wary if the practitioner cannot or will not show you the serum's full ingredient list, or is vague about what is being put into your skin. Reusing needle cartridges, skipping fresh single-use needles or a generally unclean set-up are serious hygiene warnings. Numbing cream or any pinpoint bleeding suggests deeper, more medical needling than genuine BB Glow should involve, and in a non-medical setting that raises real scope and insurance questions. Other red flags include no consultation or patch test offered, no medical history taken, no insurance for this specific treatment, pressure to buy a course on the spot, and bold promises of permanent, flawless coverage. Dismissing your questions about granulomas, allergies or safety is also a sign to walk away.

A good practitioner takes time over a proper consultation, asks about your health, allergies and skin, and is happy to patch test the actual serum. They are trained in microneedling, insured specifically for BB Glow, and open about the products they use, showing you sealed, single-use needle cartridges opened in front of you and a clean, professional set-up. They explain honestly what the treatment can and cannot do, acknowledge that it is debated and not a medical procedure, and set realistic expectations about coverage and how long results last. They give you clear written aftercare, tell you what reactions to watch for and how to reach them, and are comfortable saying BB Glow is not suitable for you if that is the case, rather than simply taking the booking.

Can I see the full ingredient list for the exact serum you use, and where is it made and regulated?
Are you trained and specifically insured to carry out BB Glow, and how long have you been doing it?
Will you patch test the serum on me first, and take a full medical and allergy history?
What depth do you needle at, and should this treatment ever draw blood or need numbing cream?
What are the realistic risks for my skin, including allergic reactions, granulomas and pigment changes?
How many sessions will I need, how long do results last, and what does the aftercare involve?

Genuine BB Glow is meant to be a comfortable, superficial treatment. Most people feel a light scratching, tingling or gentle vibrating sensation from the microneedling pen as it passes over the skin, sometimes a little more noticeable around bonier areas like the forehead and jaw. The serum can feel cool. Because the needling is shallow, it should not be painful and should not need numbing cream, and your skin should not bleed. Afterwards the face often feels warm, slightly tight or sensitive, a bit like mild sunburn, for a day or so. Sharp pain or bleeding is not normal for a surface treatment.

Downtime is usually short. Most people have some mild redness, warmth or a slightly tight, sensitive feeling that settles within a day or two, and some see minor flaking as the skin renews. Because the needling is shallow, many return to normal activities quickly, though it is best to avoid make-up, heat and sun for the first day or two. Everyone heals differently, so give your skin time. Reactions such as persistent lumps, breakouts or prolonged irritation are less common but do happen, and if anything unusual appears or lingers, have it checked rather than waiting it out.

BB Glow gives an immediate tinted, more even look, but the effect is temporary and builds with a course rather than one visit. Results typically last somewhere around three to six months and fade gradually, though this varies a lot with skin type, how oily your skin is, sun exposure and your skincare routine. Practitioners usually recommend a short course of several sessions spaced a week or more apart to reach a longer-lasting finish, followed by occasional top-ups to maintain it. Coverage and depth of tint can be tailored to your skin tone and the look you prefer, from a barely-there glow to a fuller tint. Protecting your skin with daily SPF, keeping it well moisturised and avoiding harsh exfoliation help the result last. Keep expectations realistic, as this is a soft, semi-permanent effect rather than full, permanent foundation, and remember it is a cosmetic finish, not a treatment for any underlying skin concern.