Semi-permanent lip makeup in Seocho: dark lip tone at Lamoon Brow

Why I chose semi-permanent lip makeup for dark lips

Because I rarely touch up my makeup when I go out, I was always conscious of the color in my lips. I also wanted to consult about the lip asymmetry that had been bothering me, so I had my first semi-permanent lip makeup session at Lamoon Brow (라문브로우) near Gangnam Station.

Booking consultation and getting there from Gangnam Station

When I contacted them on KakaoTalk before my visit, they sent available appointment times and pre-treatment instructions. I also sent a bare-lip photo, and they explained my lip shape and current color based on it. I knew about the asymmetry and lack of color, but during the consultation I was told my lips were darker than I had thought. I transferred a deposit to book the treatment for lip color and asymmetry correction.

I received directions with photos through KakaoTalk, so it was not difficult to find. I used public transit, and since it is near Gangnam Station, I felt that public transit would be more convenient than driving. The studio was on the fourth floor of an officetel building; after checking the business name at the door, I rang the bell and went in. Inside, it felt neat and cozy.

How I chose my lip color

Once seated, we first looked at colors that would suit me. They explained which shades would look natural based on my skin tone and current lip color. I felt that bringing along lip products I usually wear would help when comparing colors.

During the consultation, I was told that a Summer Cool Light palette without coral tones and with a whitish cast suited me best.

The color I usually wore felt closer to an Autumn Mute palette. I was told it was not bad because it was fairly light, but it was not the best match for me. Cool burgundy also suited me fairly well.

Orange-red, on the other hand, did not suit me well.

When too much plum was added, my face looked dull.

Coral with a whitish cast did not work well either, and a brown burgundy mixed with coral made the color seem to stand out separately from my face.

I had never received a personal color analysis, so the explanation that I was Summer Cool Light was unexpected. Thinking of the light gray, sky blue, and pastel shades I usually like, it felt like I was learning which colors suit me.

Treatment space and pain during the procedure

The treatment bed appeared to be kept clean, and disposable pillow sheets were used. The surrounding area was also tidy, giving me the impression that hygiene was taken seriously.

Before starting, pain-relief cream was applied to my lips and I waited. For me, they began to feel numb in less than five minutes. I was worried about pain, but it was more manageable than I expected. Perhaps because I was tired that day, I even became sleepy during the treatment, so I could not take photos while it was underway.

Lip color and swelling right after the treatment

When I looked in the mirror after the treatment, my lip color looked clearer than before.

I was told there could be temporary swelling immediately afterward, and my lips did look a little fuller than usual. I liked that look too.

The color change was the part I liked most. A clear color came through on lips that I had felt looked muted and dark, and I found myself looking in the mirror often.

Aftercare guidance I received

After the treatment, I was also recommended lip products in the Summer Cool Light range to match my color. Receiving guidance on everyday products to use for my lip color made me feel that the care was thorough.

I bought a few of the recommended products. However, I was told it would be best not to apply lip products for about a week after the treatment, so I had not been able to use them properly at that point.

Color and peeling about five days later

About five days after the treatment, I wore only lip balm and no tinted lip products. As the peeling was nearly over, the color felt a little more naturally settled than it had right afterward.

Even with only lip balm, people around me asked whether I had applied lip tint. I was happy that adding color to lips I had felt looked dull from a lack of color made my face look a little more lively too.

I received aftercare instructions, healing cream, and jojoba lip essence, which I used for moisture. I applied them often so my lips would not become dry, and in my case the peeling process seemed to pass without difficulty.

After the first treatment, the best part was being able to see healthier-looking color even with only lip balm. However, I still have a second touch-up remaining. It is difficult to judge the final result of the asymmetry correction from this experience alone.