Please note: Your lower face will be cleansed and sanitized during your treatment. It’s always easiest if you come with no makeup, but if you arrive with makeup on, no stress—just know some of it will be removed during prep.

Hydrate Your Lips

• Start applying a hydrating lip product several times a day, beginning one week before your appointment. If you’re unsure what to use, Aquaphor is a great, reliable option.
  Dry or chapped lips won’t retain pigment well and may require an additional session (not included), so keeping them moisturized is key.

Exfoliate (If Needed)

• If your lips are dry or flaky, gently exfoliate them before your appointment. This helps remove dead skin and improves healing and colour retention. A simple sugar + olive oil scrub works perfectly.

Drink Lots of Water

• Hydration makes a noticeable difference. Well-hydrated lips heal better and retain pigment more beautifully, so drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.

Optional: Bring Inspo

• If you have a lip colour or inspo photos in mind, feel free to bring them. If you want a natural “My Lips But Better” result and aren’t sure what shade to choose—don’t worry. We’ll pick your most flattering colour together. You can also browse my IG for inspo: @topcosmeticartistry

What to Avoid Before Your Appointment

• Caffeine & Alcohol
  Avoid both for 24 hours prior—they can increase sensitivity and affect pigment retention.

• Blood Thinners. Avoid Advil, aspirin, fish oils, Niacin, Vitamin E, and Ibuprofen for 48 hours before your appointment (unless medically necessary).
  You can take Tylenol if you want some pain relief.

Other Procedures

• No chemical peels or laser resurfacing for 4 weeks prior.

• Avoid retinol around the mouth for 4 weeks before.

• Leave at least 4 weeks between lip fillers and lip blush (in either order).

Cold Sores / Herpes Simplex Virus

• If you carry the herpes simplex virus (even if you rarely get cold sores), this procedure can trigger an outbreak. To prevent this, I strongly recommend contacting your doctor to get an antiviral medication such as Valtrex, and begin taking it before your appointment. If you arrive with an active cold sore, we’ll need to reschedule (please refer to the policies on my website).

If a cold sore develops after your appointment:

• Apply Abreva as directed

• Avoid touching your lips

• Allow the area to heal naturally