The cheek blush tattoo is finally getting some attention: good AND bad. TikTok trends have made 2024 the year of flushed cheeks, and all that craze has spilled over into the PMU world. It’s made its way into Vogue’s beauty section – and that says a lot!
Work by @_savannahmarienyc
If you’re sensitive to different makeup ingredients or are just looking for a hassle-free beauty routine, a cheek blush tattoo might be the solution for you.
“Clients want this procedure done to look like they have a healthy natural glow” explains Savannah Messenger, an experienced NYC PMU artist who is pioneering this technique (and the woman behind the viral TikTok blush you’re about to see if you keep scrolling). “In the beauty industry in general, the no makeup movement is becoming increasingly popular. Clients want to feel their best without anything on and I don’t blame them!”
But how exactly does cheek blush tattooing work?
Cheek Blush Tattoo Facts
- A micropigmentation AKA cosmetic tattoo treatment that recreates the look of wearing blush
- Done by lightly implementing rosy pigments into the surface layer of the skin on the cheeks with a needle and permanent makeup machine
- Results are layered over 2 sessions
- Totally customizable in terms of shape, saturation and color
- The results last up to 2 years, gradually fading out
- Works best on fair to medium skin tones, simply because it’s more visible on a lighter canvas
The technique originally emerged in Italy. Over the years, it was perfected into modern-day micropigmentation, and now it’s getting its 5 minutes of fame.
There’s also a spin-off that’s been popular in Korea: cheek blush BB Glow, an-add on to BB glow contouring.
Work by @makeupbyalinenemer
Sounds Great! What’s the Catch?
The trigger that made the cheek tattoo go viral was Grace Clarke, former ELLE and Allure editor, documenting her procedure on TikTok. At the time of writing this article, her video had 4.2 MILLION views!
And some hate. The biggest touchpoint for haters was the fact that so many people go out of their way to hide the natural flushness of their cheeks – and there’s Grace, getting it TATTOOED on!
And yes, we admit that the intense post-procedure redness looks a bit much. The TikTok is no longer available, so you’ll have to take our word for it.
But here’s the thing: this is not the final look. The skin was just poked over and over again with a needle – of course it’s gonna get irritated.
Over the next few weeks, the skin heals and the actual results emerge. “When I created this service I envisioned a healed result similar to Cloud Paint from Glossier. And that’s what we got – a perfect cheek tint” says Savannah.
The look is finalized after the second session which perfects the results, as you can see in Grace’s healed pics:
This treatment is not for everyone. It does involve tattooing the skin of the face, it is technically permanent, and as Grace admits, it comes with “unknowns and risks.”
We asked Savannah what those risks are: “The procedure is safe if it’s performed properly and if the client is warned about laser services of all types. You must never laser the area that’s been tattooed even if it’s just a laser facial. The tattoo can be removed, change weird colors, or create a horrible skin reaction altogether.”
And there are certain skin-related contraindications: “Clients must also be free of skin issues like acne or rosacea.”
But like any permanent makeup treatment, if it’s the right thing for you and you can live without laser facials, it can simplify your routine and make your life at least a tiny bit easier.
A Bit About the Procedure
Cheek blush tattoos are done with an electric PMU device through a process called micropigmentation.
This means that specialized cosmetic pigments are injected into the surface layer of the skin with thin needles.
To achieve the desired shade, your artist will probably use lip tattoo pigments (or special tinted serums in the case of BB glow blush).
The procedure itself lasts about an hour and includes a consultation with your tech about skin concerns and expectations. Most artists, including Messenger, stretch out the color implementation over at least 2 sessions. “I like a watercolor finish that could be buildable through the course of sessions.”
Right afterwards, you will feel a slight burning sensation on your cheeks and the pigment will be quite opaque but don’t worry, after the healing process is over the color will lighten and blend in.
Work by @parlourdala
The Key Is in Customization
PMU skeptics keep pointing out the fact that makeup trends change and the way we wear blush now is very different from how we wore it as little as 6 months ago. But is this point valid?
Like all permanent makeup, cheek blush tattoos are not supposed to look like makeup. The goal is not to recreate a specific makeup look, but rather to give some color to otherwise pale cheeks, contour them slightly, and refresh the face.
The results are never a copy/paste of a trendy makeup look. They’re created based on what the client generally wears, their facial morphology and skin tone. That’s it.
Color Choice
The color is chosen based on your preference, but always adapted and modified for your skin tone and undertone.
“We have to think about what the client wants, what they have, and how we can create a sheer version of the color as a healed result.”
Face Shape
Cheek blush tattoos can do some light contouring and bring out the natural beauty. So the shape is chosen based on bone structure and facial features, not trends.
That said, some very general guidelines are:
- Round face shape: blush is tattooed in a straighter line from the ears down toward the outer corners of your mouth, ending at the center point of the cheeks to make the face appear more narrow and elongated.
- Oval face shape: blush is tattooed along the uppermost part of the cheekbones (but not too close to the eyes) to add height and definition. It should end just below the cheeks.
- Diamond face shape: cheek blush tattoo should be applied on the tops of the cheekbones and faded out toward the ears.
- Heart face shape: the goal with a cheek blush tattoo is to minimize the sharpness of the cheekbones and make the face look more oval, so the effect should be brought up toward the temples to give balance.
- Square face shape: permanent blush should be applied at the center part of the cheekbones, gradually fading out toward the ears to emphasize the cheekbones.
- Rectangular face shape – the cheek blush tattoo should be applied along the center of the cheekbones, toward the ears. To soften the features, it should go in a semi-circular shape, hugging the curve of the cheeks to shorten the face.
Cheek Blush Tattoo Aftercare – Dos & Don’ts
A cheek blush tattoo requires following the correct aftercare routine in order to properly heal and give long-lasting results.
Dos
- Follow all the aftercare rules prescribed by the tech
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight
- Avoid sweating, going to the sauna, or drinking alcohol
Don’ts
- Don’t wet your face 24 hours after the procedure
- Don’t wear makeup at least 2 weeks after the procedure
- Don’t touch or pick at scabs during the healing process
Work by @beautyboulevard_ca
Final Word of Caution
This technique is not that wide-spread and not many technicians do it (right).
There are only a handful technicians across the US who really market this procedure, and finding one in your area may be difficult.
“To do a procedure like this definitely requires experience,” Messenger warns. “Artists have seen this on my page and made attempts to recreate it without training with me and ended up in bad situations. It requires training to be able to do. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to say this to other artists. Of course it can be done, but you need to be trained, as with anything.”
And you definitely don’t want to find yourself under the needle of an untrained artist!
Want to hear more about Savannah’s cheek blush tattoos? Here’s our full-length interview!
Cover image source: Freepik
