Lip Tattooing · St Kilda, Melbourne
Brighten dark, uneven or purple-toned lips. We neutralise the cool, dark tones first, then layer soft colour on top for lips that look even, fresh and naturally pigmented.
Looking for a different finish? Compare all our lip tattooing styles.
Lip neutralisation, also called dark lip neutralisation or neutralising melanin lip correction, is an advanced and highly specialised procedure for clients with olive to deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types 3–6) who have dark, uneven or purple-toned lips due to higher melanin in the lip tissue.
Using a carefully selected combination of orange-yellow, bright pink and bright red corrector pigments, we neutralise the cool and dark tones in the lips before layering your chosen final colour on top. This multi-step process takes real expertise in colour theory and an in-depth understanding of how pigments behave in deeper skin tones.
The result is lips that look more even, brighter and naturally pigmented: a life-changing treatment for clients who have felt self-conscious about their lip colour for years.
If you are unsure whether this treatment is right for you, please book a consultation first and we will talk you through it.
Real CTM clients. Every result is designed for the client’s own skin tone and lip colour, and results vary with skin type and aftercare.
See more of our healed work on Instagram.
Your lip neutralisation is created by one of our senior artists, in our private St Kilda salon.
Owner · Principal Cosmetic Tattooist
17 years in the beauty industry, with regular advanced masterclasses here and overseas. Shelley uses only premium pigments and works to the highest clinical standards.
Cosmetic Tattooist
An internationally recognised artist with over 10 years of experience in permanent makeup, known for precise, natural-looking brows, lips and eyeliner.
Lip tattooing is always a two-step process: your first appointment and a perfecting session 6–8 weeks later. With neutralisation, colour assessment is everything, so we take our time.
We look at your natural lip tone and skin, then choose the corrector pigments and the final shade that will heal best for you. Bring your favourite lipstick if you have a colour in mind.
A topical anaesthetic is applied before and throughout. Your artist works the corrector pigments into the lip, then layers soft colour on top, blended so there is never a harsh line.
Expect mild swelling for up to 24 hours and dry lips for the first week. The colour looks much stronger at first, then softens to your healed result.
At 6–8 weeks we check how the colour has healed and adjust tone and depth where needed, the Baby Steps way.
Good aftercare is what makes your lip colour heal soft and even, and last. Here is what we ask of you.
At CTM, we guarantee satisfaction through our Baby Steps Method. Rather than rushing to create the boldest colour in one session, we take a measured, considered approach, building the result gradually so there is no room for error. It is always easier to add to a tattoo than to remove it, and this philosophy ensures every client leaves happy with a result they can grow into confidently.
When you visit Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne, you can feel confident knowing you’re in experienced, professional hands.
Extensive experience in cosmetic tattooing, beauty and advanced treatments.
Thousands of clients have trusted us for their cosmetic tattooing and beauty treatments.
Proudly backed by hundreds of Google reviews from our valued clients.
Specialising in eyebrow tattooing, nano brows, powder brows, ombré brows, combination brows, lip blush tattooing and eyeliner tattooing in Melbourne.
We follow strict hygiene and infection-control procedures so you can feel comfortable and confident throughout your treatment.
Professionally trained, licensed and certified, with a strong commitment to safe and high-quality treatments.
We are constantly upskilling our techniques, attending advanced masterclasses and travelling overseas to learn the latest cosmetic tattooing methods and industry innovations.
Our extensive range of techniques allows us to tailor each treatment to your individual features, skin, style and desired result.
Every cosmetic tattoo is carefully designed to enhance your natural features rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
With 17 years of industry experience, more than 8,000 clients serviced and nearly 580 Google reviews, Cosmetic Tattooing Melbourne is proud to provide professional cosmetic tattooing from our St Kilda, Melbourne salon.
Spread the cost of your treatment with interest-free payment plans.
Lip neutralisation is $790, and touch-ups are $150. Save when you book two or more treatments; contact us for a personalised package quote.
Dark or purple tones in the lips come from higher melanin in the lip tissue. We use warm corrector pigments (orange-yellow, bright pink and bright red) to neutralise those cool, dark tones, then layer your chosen final colour on top for an even, natural result.
No. The correctors are there to cancel out the dark tones, and your final colour is layered over them. Like all lip tattoos, the colour looks stronger in the first few days and softens as it heals, and we fine-tune the tone at your perfecting session.
Lip neutralisation is designed for olive to deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types 3–6). If you are unsure whether it is right for you, book a consultation and we will assess your lips and talk you through it.
Most clients find it very comfortable. A topical anaesthetic is applied before and throughout the procedure. Lips can be more sensitive than brows, especially towards the inner lip; taking Panadol 45 minutes beforehand can help.
Lip tattoos generally last 2 to 3 years, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure and colour choice. Your perfecting session at 6–8 weeks is essential, and we recommend a touch-up every 1–2 years.
Yes, but please tell us before your appointment. Any lip procedure can trigger a cold sore in people who carry the virus, so we strongly recommend a course of antivirals first: Valtrex (prescription, usually taken 2 days before and 2 days after), L-Lysine (over the counter, daily for 4 weeks before), or Zovirax mixed with your aftercare balm while healing. If you have an active cold sore on the day, we’ll need to reschedule.
Please contact us before booking if any of these apply to you:
Between 6 and 8 weeks after your first appointment, and no sooner. This is where we make all adjustments to colour, shape and symmetry. Skipping or delaying it affects how long your result lasts, and bookings outside the 8-week window may incur an additional fee.
Book your lip neutralisation at our St Kilda salon, Suite 2/179 Barkly Street, or call us on 0412 144 015 for a chat first.
