ikonic studio

ikonic studio is located in Suite 615 at Salon Republic in The Village, 6316 Topanga Canyon Blvd., in Woodland Hills. Clients book lip blush and dark lip neutralization, and the studio also teaches permanent makeup. Questions can be sent by text or email.

Lip blush is a semi-permanent tattoo that adds color and shape to the lips and can give the look of fuller lips without adding material volume the way lip fillers do. Lip neutralization is a separate service using an orange-based pigment to even out undertones and reduce dark spots on the lips, and it is often done before a standard lip blush for clients with darker lips. Neutralization sessions are spaced about 8 weeks apart.

A lip blush visit runs about 2.5 to 3 hours and covers a consultation, color selection and the procedure. Clients are asked to bring inspiration photos or a favorite product to the appointment and to exfoliate and moisturize their lips in the days before. Zensa Numbing Cream with 5% lidocaine is left on the lips for about 20 minutes beforehand. Most clients describe the sensation as light scratches or pinches, though tolerance varies.

Right after treatment the color is visible, but the final shade appears once healing is done, typically within 6 to 8 weeks. The top layer of skin heals within 7 to 10 days and full healing takes 4 to 6 weeks. Swelling, redness, dryness, minor bleeding and mild soreness are the side effects the studio expects. A touch-up can be booked about 6 weeks after lip blush. Lip color fades roughly 30 to 40 percent from its initial hue, and sun exposure is one of the main reasons permanent makeup fades, so the studio suggests an SPF lip balm.

Aftercare for lip blush includes avoiding alcohol for at least 48 hours and avoiding intense exercise, kissing, saunas, swimming and sweating for 2 weeks. Direct sun, laser treatments, chemical peels, lip exfoliators and lip cosmetics are also kept off the lips for 2 weeks.

Clients who have lip fillers must wait at least 4 weeks before or after a lip blush. Clients who had permanent makeup from another artist are treated as new clients and go through the same process. Lip neutralization results can last 2 to 5 years depending on lifestyle and skin type, with occasional touch-ups.

The training side of the business, known as ikonic academy, is aimed at beginners and permanent makeup artists who want to improve their skills or technique. Lip blush courses need no license, prior experience or training. Students complete a Blood Borne Pathogen certification before their training date. Classes include a full kit with a wireless PMU machine, needles, a training manual, artificial skin, pigment, ink cups, numbing cream, healing ointment and mapping supplies.

Treatments are planned around a consultation and color selection, and training is offered at several levels, from an online course to in-person and live sessions.