Come Makeup Free (if possible)

Your lower face will be cleansed and sanitized before and during the appointment. It’s best to arrive with little to no face makeup and cleansed skin (brows, eyes are ok as I will not be working around those areas).

Hydrate Your Lips

Starting one week before your appointment, apply a hydrating lip product several times a day. If you’re not sure what to use, Aquaphor is a great option. Dry or chapped lips don’t retain pigment as well, so keeping your lips moisturized is one of the most important things you can do before your appointment.

Gently Exfoliate (If Needed)

If your lips are dry or flaky, gently exfoliate them before your appointment to remove dead skin. This helps create a smoother canvas and can improve healing and pigment retention. A simple sugar and coconut oil scrub works perfectly.

Drink Plenty of Water

Hydrated lips heal better and generally retain pigment better. Be sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.

Bring Inspiration (Optional)

If you have a lip colour or inspiration photos in mind, feel free to bring them along. If you’re after my signature “Your Lips But Better” look or aren’t sure which colour to choose—we’ll select the most flattering shade together.

You can also browse my Instagram for inspiration:
@topcosmeticartistry

Avoid 24 Hours Prior

Avoid caffeine and alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment, as they can increase sensitivity and may contribute to bleeding during the procedure.

Avoid 48 Hours Prior

Avoid the following for 48 hours before your appointment (unless prescribed by your physician):

• Advil (Ibuprofen)

• Aspirin

• Fish oil

• Vitamin E

• Niacin

If you’d like to take something beforehand, Tylenol is okay.

Avoid 7 Days Prior

• Retinol

• AHAs (glycolic acid, mandelic acid)

• BHAs (salicylic acid)

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Exfoliating scrubs

• Waxing or threading around the mouth

Avoid 4 Weeks Prior

• Avoid chemical peels, laser resurfacing, microneedling and dermaplaning treatments.

• Avoid using retinol around the mouth.

• Avoid lip injections and dissolving.

Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Virus)

If you carry the herpes simplex virus (HSV) even if you rarely get cold sores, lip blush can trigger an outbreak. To help prevent this, I strongly recommend contacting your doctor to obtain an antiviral medication (such as Valtrex) before your appointment. If you arrive with an active cold sore, your appointment will need to be rescheduled.

Please refer to my website for my cancellation and rescheduling policies. If you have any questions, please reach out emily@topcosmeticartistry.com