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About Lipstick Tattoos
Lipstick is far beyond vanity at this point. Today, the coveted red tube symbolizes old-school Hollywood glam, 90’s style femininity, and movie-type montages.
It’s a statement of confidence and beauty. Plus, it’s grounded in rich history involving the Suffragette movement in the early 20th century. Considering that lipstick is intrinsic to our cultural makeup (no pun intended), cementing it with permanent ink makes perfect sense.
Here, we’re counting down 40 of the best lipstick tattoo ideas you can currently get. From simplistic line art to the pink, big, and bold, we’re confident that you’ll walk away with one idea to take to the local parlor.
What Does Lipstick Tattoos Mean and Symbolize?
The iconic napkin kiss is commonly understood as a sign of love and sensuality. On the other hand, the meaning behind lipstick tattoos is largely ambiguous.
It could represent a love for makeup, self-expression, or as a symbol of femininity. Of course, it all depends on how you interpret the classic red tube. Who knows? Maybe you’re an avid lipstick collector.
Lipstick in pop culture is usually linked to materialism. If you’re thinking of Barbie movies, Legally Blonde, and Miss Piggy, then you’re definitely on the right track.
Where to get a Lipstick Tattoo
Lipstick or not, tattoo designs can vary in terms of place. The most common areas to get inked are the forearm, shoulder, back, and calf.
It’s important to consider where you’d like to get your tattoo, given that they’re permanent. According to our research, it seems that the hands, wrists, and arms are the most popular places to get a lipstick tattoo.
How Much Do Lipstick Tattoos Cost?
The cost to get a lipstick tattoo depends on size, color, and the intricacy of the design. Obviously, small line-art tats are considered more affordable due to their simplicity.
On the other hand, those involving many decorative elements are usually more expensive. We suggest reaching out to your local tattoo artist to see what their prices are.
40 Best Lipstick Tattoo Designs
#1:
Nothing’s more beautiful than a Hawaiian pink sunset. But, a close second is a fresh tube of lipstick. This gorgeous tat features a gold-tinted stick of red gloss complimented with a flurry of flowers.
Inked with a background of blue and green leaves, it embodies a sort of exotic vibe you’d get at a Luau. We definitely recommend getting this design if your heart belongs to Maui and Maybelline.
#2:
While some opt for big and bold colors, simplicity is often overlooked in the makeup department. Whatever happened to subtle glosses and mattes? If you prefer demure over daring, we suggest getting this lipstick tattoo.
This adorable illustration showcases a tube of red drawn in line art. Finished off with a red heart, it’s a subtle way to express your love of cosmetics.
#3:
This lipstick tattoo definitely screams, ‘I’m a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world.’ Pretty pink in design, this playful illustration features a bright rose tube surrounded by a flurry of flowers. It’s somewhat cartoonish in design, but it’s charming nonetheless.
In fact, it reminds me of Polly Pocket, Claire’s, and those bright Lip Smacker glosses. High on 90’s nostalgia, this is the tat to get if you love the Y2K aesthetic.
#4:
Got a thing for MAC cosmetics? Cement your love with this iconic lipstick tattoo. There’s no guarantee that the company will offer you a lifetime supply of cosmetics if you get this tat, but hey, the effort counts!
Designed to look as realistic as possible, the illustration showcases a classic tube of MAC red. If the tattoo isn’t enough to signal your devotion, then I’m sure that the complimentary kiss will do the trick.
#5:
Inspired by style icon David Bowie, this retro lipstick tattoo embodies all the pomp and circumstance of this 80s singer-songwriter. This design features a bright red tube embellished in Bowie’s signature colors. Complete with his written name and an encircled heart, it’s the tat to get if you live and breathe his discography.
#6:
One-dimensional in design, this unique lipstick tattoo is simplistic but intricate if you care to look closer. It’s shaded in classic red and complemented with black ombre. For added detail, it also comes with a beautiful floral pattern for the tube. This tat is rather large in size, making it ideal for makeup lovers.
#7:
If you still can’t get enough of MAC cosmetics, try this lipstick tattoo on for size. Instead of classic red, this design features bright pink as another alternative.
It’s rather detailed when it comes to shading, which is oddly reminiscent of those vintage makeup ads you’d see in magazines. Considering that MAC debuted in 1984, it can very well symbolize your years of devotion attributed to this cosmetic company.
#8:
Lipstick symbolizes femininity, and what better to showcase its significance than getting this design inked on. This expressive tattoo showcases the words ‘life is beautiful’ with a tube of red lipstick hitting the ground.
On the contrary, it could also represent unattainable beauty standards due to the state of the damaged cosmetic. Your guess is as good as mine.
#9:
The classic tube of red lipstick doesn’t need any improvement. If you consider yourself a makeup traditionalist, this simplistic tattoo goes back to the basics.
Small in size, this design showcases an ordinary swatch of Maybelline red. It’s not entirely plain, as it also comes with slight shading and highlights to add some dimension.
#10:
Are you a fan of the moody and macabre? If so, then boy, do I have a lipstick tattoo idea for you. This spooky illustration displays a tube of red decorated in spindly spider webs.
Accentuated with a black rose for an up in goth factor, I’m sure this tat appeals to aspiring Morticia Adams. Just be sure to match your fresh ink with a slinky black dress and painted nails.
#11:
For those who live for the late 80s prom scene, this lipstick tattoo will make you reminiscent of big poofy gowns and teased hair.
This nostalgia-inducing design displays a fresh tube of pink beside a pretty-pink eyeshadow compact. It’s also embellished with a turquoise ribbon, which helps ‘tie’ the whole look together.
#12:
Spicy, exotic, and unique in design, this lipstick tattoo is reserved for makeup lovers only. It’s a splash of colors, as this design features hues of blue, purple, pink, white, and beige.
In terms of the illustration, this tat showcases an elegant hand holding a tube of pink lipstick. Its significance is largely debatable, but it could represent a love for self-expression.
#13:
Is it just me, or are you getting Cheetah Girls vibes from this lipstick tattoo? Featuring an angular tube of blush-pink gloss, this cosmetic is further embellished with animal print.
Of course, we can’t forget the complimentary flower at the bottom. It’s an excellent tattoo to get if you’re a lipstick lover or a Cheetah sister.
#14:
By far, this lipstick tattoo is the most cartoonish in design. It largely reminds me of elementary school doodles due to the tat’s rounded lines.
Speckled with hearts, confetti, and pink roses, this vibrant design is catered for those nostalgic for Barbie. We suggest opting for a smaller size if you want to add more childhood-themed tattoos.
#15:
Demure and dainty, this adorable tattoo keeps things simplistic through its careful, contoured lines. This tat also features a heart at the very top. Shading is optional, but we suggest sticking to the original design.
#16:
Lipstick is intrinsic to ballerina culture. If you happen to be ‘en pointe’ with your makeup skills, this is definitely the tat to get. Showcasing rough shading in colors black and red, this tattoo reminds you to remain poised during hard times.
#17:
If you consider yourself a ‘treat-yourself queen,’ this tattoo can help signify your love of cosmetics and self-care. This show-stopping tat features a mini collection of a lipstick tube, a makeup brush, and an eyelash curler. It’s further accentuated with a cheetah print for a dash of spice.
#18:
Drawn to the sea? If so, there’s a 50% chance you were a mermaid in your past life. Arguably, there’s no science to back this claim up—but you can at least cement your love of ocean myths with this lipstick tattoo.
Decorated with scales and colored in pinks and blues, this tat is giving off some major ‘Barbie in A Mermaid Tale’ vibes.
#19:
Bold in color and design, this full-coverage tat emphasizes your love of cosmetics. It’s also complemented with a flurry of flowers in case you’re an April baby. Basically, this lipstick tattoo combines the best of both worlds.
#20:
Considered another take of the classic flower and lipstick combo, this design keeps things classy by fusing red and pink hues together. Need sparkles? Sure. Every trendsetter knows that everything can be improved with a touch of glitter.
#21:
Lipstick can either be interpreted as sexy or cute. If you prefer the latter, this adorable tat keeps things playful and bright by introducing a blend of pastel blues and pinks.
Sugary in design, it also comes with a candy heart, a purple ribbon, and sparkles if you’re looking to up the sweetness factor. What’s not to love?
#22:
Boss babes give zero f*cks. If someone dares to question your authority, this tat can help signify your ‘thug life status.’ Written in blood red, this lipstick tattoo is placed at an unusual spot along the hand. It’s an intimidating design to get, especially if it’s paired with stiletto nails.
#23:
Almost vintage-inspired, this lipstick tattoo surely gives off ‘Golden Girl’ vibes due to its antique-like tube. What’s especially remarkable about this tat is that it’s designed to look somewhat 3D. Lipstick lovers can only dream of owning a matte shade that big.
#24:
Do you prefer gold over silver? If so, this lipstick tattoo invokes all the elegance of 14k carat jewelry. Just to be clear, it’s not inked with genuine gold, but it does provide the illusion through intricate shading. This tat also features an unusual shade of pink for a pop in color.
#25:
Pink is a wonderful color. If you agree to disagree, perhaps it’s best to get this tat in blue instead. Colored in subtle hues of rose, this unique design features a lipstick tube decorated with ribbon, leaves, and an adorable heart as the background. In our opinion, it gets a 10 out of 10 in overall cuteness.
#26:
If Sephora is your second home, it’s best to immortalize your love for cosmetics by getting this tat inked on. Realistic in design, this head-turning tat showcases a classic tube of red with a heart written in lipstick.
We’re guessing that the ‘E’ stands for the person’s name, but you can personalize this tattoo by implementing your own set of initials.
#27:
Glitter-aholics, we’re 100% sure that this lipstick tattoo speaks to your needs. Embellished in a series of sparkling hues, this cosmetic tube is half makeup and half jewelry. If anything, it needs the help of body jewels to further accentuate the look.
#28:
Compared to the lipstick tattoo designs we’ve featured so far, this illustration is less about the cosmetic and more about a love for color.
It features a sunflower, a jeweled heart, and a ribbon-tied lipstick as the finishing piece. In regards to significance, this tat could symbolize a passion for jewelry, nature, and cosmetics.
#29:
Pink, pretty, and intricate in design, there’s a pretty good chance that cosmetic lovers already have this tat on their bucket list. It features the classic illustration of lipstick on a bed of flowers. Not a fan of the colors? If so, you can always switch it out with purple, blue, or black.
#30:
Alright, we lied. This is, by far, the cutest lipstick tattoo in our top 40 lineup. Featuring a dainty tube of red embellished with hearts, flowers, and sparkles, this tat may earn an involuntary ‘aww’ from the get-go.
#31:
Lipstick goes hand-in-hand with other cosmetics, including eyeshadow, falsies, and of course—nail polish. For those who frequent these two beauty products, this is definitely the tattoo to get. It also features a filled-in heart for a pop of color, in case turquoise gel and red lipstick weren’t enough.
#32:
If you’re not familiar with Alicia Silverstone during her prime years, this tattoo might leave you ‘clueless.’ Featuring the iconic, yellow plaid print and the infamous ‘ugh, as if!’ quote, this retro tattoo hits all the right spots for those nostalgic about the 1995 sitcom.
It also comes with Cher’s signature pink pen as a finishing touch.
#33:
In the mood for sparkly blues and pinks? Of course, you are! This lipstick tattoo showcases a stunning image of a tube of rose dressed in mermaid scales. It’s further highlighted by a series of gold and silver dots. Complemented with a seasonal flower at the bottom, it’s the perfect tat to get if you’re feeling extra.
#34:
‘Sashay’ can mean a number of things: the literal definition, the makeup brand, or someone’s name. Whatever the significance, this lipstick tattoo features the traditional design of flowers mixed with cosmetics. Standard, colorful, and bold, it’s a vibrant way to show off your love of beauty products.
#35:
Honestly, the only thing missing in this lipstick tattoo is Usagi’s iconic wand. It’s giving off major Sailor Moon vibes due to the wash of pinks, blues, and purples.
Girlish, vibrant, and seemingly inspired by 90s pop culture, this detailed tat can help you remind you of the good ol’ days of cartoon reruns.
#36:
For those who frequent Sephora night and day, this loud-and-proud tat is the true signifier of a cosmetic connoisseur. It features a giant lipstick tube and a vibrant red heart as the background. Accentuated with sparkles for added detail, I’m sure nobody will ever question your love for makeup again.
#37:
Birthdays are a yearly reminder to treat-yo-self. If you prefer cosmetics over cake, make your intentions known with this lipstick tattoo idea. Provided in a confetti tube, this makeup stick comes in a bright red shade decorated with stars, sparkles, and pink clouds.
Oh, and if anybody asks you what you want on your b-day, just point to your arm. It’s a ‘funfetti’ design, don’t you think?
#38:
Vanity aside, lipstick acted as an important symbol during the women’s suffragette movement. It represented female empowerment and freedom. If you still vibe with this belief, this is the tattoo to get.
Detailed with flowers and a lipstick tube, it features the words ‘war paint’ written on the front. This tat serves as a small reminder that you’ve got this—go get em’ girl.
#39:
Not a fan of diamonds? How about pearls? This lipstick tattoo trades Swarovskis for ocean jewels, as it features a decorated lipstick amongst a bed of pearl-studded flowers. Offered in hues of red, turquoise, green, gold, and orange, it’s giving off some subtle exotic flare due to its color palette.
#40:
Tattoos, for some, must be symbolic. If you want to signify the ‘light at the end of the tunnel,’ this sentimental design features the words ‘don’t give up yet’ written in lipstick. Embellished in blue flowers, it’s a bold yet subtle illustration that’s motivationally tear-jerking.
History of Lipstick Tattoo
As far as lipstick tattoo meanings go, it usually symbolizes a love for cosmetics and female empowerment. Unfortunately, our history books tell us nothing about the origin story behind this iconic design.
In relation to lipstick, kiss tattoos are quite popular. They’re usually associated with sexual connotations since they’re typically located on the neck.
At the end of the day, you can apply your own meaning to your lipstick tattoo. That’s the beauty of creating an original design.
Which Celebrities Have a Lipstick Tattoo?
If you’re looking for lipstick tattoo ideas, chances are that you’ve turned to celebrities for inspiration. So far, there seem to be no starlets who have this particular design. But who knows? Perhaps VIPs like Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez are just hiding their lipstick tattoos from the paparazzi.
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