Is the beauty procedure just another Hollywood beauty gimmick, or can it deliver real results?

Everyone’s non-negotiable makeup product is different: for some people, it’s never leaving home without their eyebrows filled in; for others, it’s never being seen without blush. Now, I get it; the right blush can make your cheekbones pop, sculpt your face, etc., but what if you didn’t bother with the daily application? Well, it’s what some people are resorting to in the latest semi-permanent makeup trend: cheek blush tattooing.

Now, if the sound of that scares you a little, that’s fair. Still, if you’re intrigued, we asked semi-permanent makeup artist and PermaLine Cosmetics founder Emilia Berry and cosmetic tattoo artist Savannah Messenger to tell us everything they know.

Why get a cheek blush tattoo?

Before we dive in, Berry (who has been doing semi-permanent makeup tattoos for over 20 years) says it’s important to understand the appeal of semi-permanent makeup: it’s an enhancement that saves you lots of time getting ready. It’s part of why microblading was such a huge trend, and cheek blush tattoos are no different.

Berry has found that the technique is especially popular in Germany and France, but she’s seeing more interest in the United States recently, too. A quick search on TikTok also further indicates that more people are experimenting with permanent blush. “This treatment is ideal for those who want a consistently radiant look without the daily application of makeup,” she explains. Berry’s had it done herself, too and was happy with the results. “It added a subtle warmth to my appearance,” Berry says.

@sthetiquesacademie Permanent Cheek Blush is great for someone who wants to add a natural glow to their skin. It gives a light shade of pink/peach to the cheeks without being too noticeable. It’s a soft and subtle look. Lasts about 2-3 yrs #semipermanentblush #blushtattoo #secretblush #rosycheeks, #blush #permanentmakeup #pmuartist #pmu #orangecountypmu #injector #aesthetic #esthetique #masters #nurseinjector #surgery #peau #skincare #fillers #lips #lipsfiller #lipsaugmentation #lips #botox #perfectlips #mtl #belotero #voluma #stylage #dysport #bestnurse #beauty #levreparfaites #augmentationdeslèvre #augmentationdeslevres #international #dubai #blush #lipblushtattooed ♬ Small Biz Glow Up – TikTok For Business

Sounds easy breezy, but unlike patting on some blush with your brush or fingertips (that can be rinsed off if you’re unhappy with a color or finish), cheek blushing has to be approached with a lot of care, and not everyone is an ideal candidate, Berry says. “People with skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, acne, or other sensitivities are not ideal candidates, as the treatment could exacerbate their issues. Similarly, pregnant people and individuals with diabetes are not suitable for this procedure,” she explains.

Messenger also says laser face treatments don’t play well with cheek blush tattoos, so keep that in mind if you have any professional treatments lined up. “Laser treatments can react poorly to the pigment in the skin, so you should avoid having this procedure if you plan on using lasers,” she says.

Of course, if you’re on the fence, your provider will likely err on the side of caution. “We do a simulation of the cheek blush to ensure clients can visualize the application area and chosen color. If a client is hesitant, we will not proceed with the treatment,” Berry says, so in other words, you’ve got to be totally sure before you take the plunge. 

How cheek blush tattoos work

If you’re curious how a cheek blush tattoo differs from a tattoo of a tiny rose petal on your ankle, it’s important to note they don’t work like regular tattoos. “Tattoos penetrate down to the seventh layer of the skin, whereas semi-permanent makeup, when performed correctly, is applied in the upper second layer (dermal-epidermal junction). This shallow application is crucial for achieving a natural, soft look that enhances features without appearing heavy,” Berry explains.

The pigments used are also different. Regular tattoos use pigment designed to last indefinitely, whereas semi-permanent makeup pigments are formulated for lighter, softer applications. “They are meant to fade over time, allowing adjustments to the face’s appearance as needed.”

What to expect

Initially, a cheek blush tattoo is a time investment, and you should expect to have at least two sessions, though there’s some wiggle room. “Semi-permanent makeup treatments are typically a two-step process. However, about 30–40 percent of our clients find they don’t need a touchup and are satisfied after the first application,” says Berry. “I always recommend two sessions for all cosmetic tattoos. Truly, it’s up to the person,” says Messenger. “The formula is buildable, so it just depends on how much color you want to see as your result. I prefer a softer look, so I wouldn’t exceed three sessions.”

Intrigued but have low pain tolerance? Messenger assures that the application process generally doesn’t hurt (but, of course, that all depends on the person). “You’d be surprised; it’s actually extremely mild for most people, and I sometimes don’t even use numbing for this one.”

After your initial consultation, your tattoo artist will clean and prep your service area (and apply numbing cream if needed). You’ll most likely be lying down on your back for this one, and from there, they’ll start etching the formula into your skin. The pigment will look super opaque (and kind of jarring) during the process, but it’ll look more natural as it settles in.

TikTok user Grace Clarke recently went viral and detailed her cheek blush tattoo experience in a video with 4.5 million views. Immediately after, Clarke’s cheeks were super rosy, and the treated area was super defined. However, in Clarke’s update, the swelling settled, resulting in a natural, blushed finish.

There’s no one-size-fits-all for cheek blushing, and your cosmetic tattoo artist should work with you on the right color and placement (it’s important to research to pick a skilled, experienced artist). Again, if you want a bolder pigment, you should talk to your artist before getting started, but both Berry and Messenger say their clients tend to request a naturally flushed finish. “My style is more of a tint, and I designed it with Glossier’s Cloud Paint in mind—just a soft watercolor finish,” Messenger says. Berry also goes for the less-is-more approach. “The current trend emphasizes a very soft, pinkish cheek blush applied delicately over the cheekbones,” she says. “The focus is on achieving an exceptionally subtle effect.”

What to expect after your cheek blush tattoo

Don’t panic when it’s freshly applied. “The results evolve,” explains Berry. “Initially, the application may appear prominent and decorative. As it fades, it becomes more natural. The fading process is finalized after four to seven days. After fading, the color oxidizes and develops over approximately three weeks.”

That’s when you’ll know whether you want a touchup for bolder pigment. “A touchup is generally recommended six to eight weeks after the initial treatment. If a touchup is required, we revisit the same areas to enhance the blush, depending on the skin’s healing process and pigment retention.”

Some swelling is normal after your service; you can expect it to disappear in one or two days. You may also feel a sensation similar to a mild sunburn or microneedling, says Berry. Expect your results to last a few years—for Berry, two to three years is the norm, depending on skin type, daily skincare routines, and lifestyle choices.

Messenger says she’s seen blush tattoos last three to five years for some clients, with a touchup needed in a year or two. “Its appearance will fade or disappear entirely, but there will always be some presence of the tattoo there on the skin,” Messenger says. “You can maintain it with a refresh session, which can be done anywhere between one to two years, depending on how well your skin holds onto the ink. It’s different for each person.”

And if your usual skincare routine includes vitamin C serums, retinoids, and glycolic treatments, those will likely to contribute to premature fading since all those ingredients promote cell turnover, FYI.

Caring for your cheek blush tattoo

You’ll want to take extra care of your cheeks in the days and weeks after your cheek blush tattoo for the best results. Messenger recommends the following aftercare:

• No cosmetic products on the cheeks for at least 10-12 days.
• No vitamin C serums, retinoids, and glycolic treatments for at least two weeks after your service (Messenger also recommends skipping them for two weeks before cheek blush application).
• You can wash your face daily with a mild cleanser, but don’t excessively wet your cheeks—no pools or saunas, sorry—and make sure you’re patting (not rubbing) them dry when they get wet.
• You may experience some peeling. When that happens, you can apply a very thin, fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer.
• No heavy exercising for five days after the procedure.
• No picking or exfoliating during the healing process.

The bottom line on cheek blush tattoos

Cheek blush tattoos are not for everyone—but the “set it and forget“ appeal is high. If you’ve had the same go-to blush look forever, committing to a blush tattoo might be a little easier. However, just like with a regular tattoo or any semi-permanent enhancements, make sure you do your research when it comes to picking a qualified artist that understands your visioon (especially with blush tattoos because, come on, it’s on your precious face!).