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Does Cosmetic Tattooing Hurt? What You Really Need to Know
- Jordanna Leigh
- Jun 16
- 5 min read
If you're thinking about getting your brows, lips or freckles tattooed and you're worried it might hurt, you're not alone.
"Does it hurt?" is one of the most common questions we get asked here at Honey Cosmetic Tattoo. And honestly? We get it.
Cosmetic tattooing involves a needle and your face. But the good news is — it’s nowhere near as painful as people expect.
This guide breaks down exactly what it feels like, what affects the pain levels, and what you can do to make your experience super manageable.
✨ First of All: Does Cosmetic Tattooing Actually Hurt?
Short answer? It depends, but it's usually very tolerable.
Most clients describe the feeling as a light scratching or buzzing sensation. It’s more of a weird feeling than a painful one.
Some areas, like lips, are naturally more sensitive due to nerve endings, while others, like brows or freckles, are surprisingly gentle.
We use machine-only techniques, which is much softer on the skin and far less painful than old-school microblading.
📊 Pain Level by Treatment Area
Here’s what most clients report when it comes to how cosmetic tattooing feels:
Treatment | Pain Level (1–10) without Numbing Cream | What It Feels Like | Do Clients Use Numbing Cream? |
Ombre Brows | 1–2 | Light scratching, often barely noticeable | 50% of clients choose to numb, but not essential |
Nano Combo Brows | 2–3 | Slightly more sensation due to using 2 techniques | Recommended, especially for more sensitive skin |
Lip Blush | 5–7 | More sensitive area with mild to moderate sting | Yes, almost all clients pre-numb and re-numb during |
Faux Freckles & Beauty Spots | 1 | Mild tingling or tickling, very surface-level | No, not needed. All clients skip numbing. |
Pain is personal. Some people nap through their entire brow appointments, others like to chat and distract themselves. Either way, we’ll support you the whole time.
💡 What Affects Pain Levels?
A few things can make your treatment feel more or less intense:
The area being treated – Lips are naturally more sensitive than brows or cheeks
Your own pain tolerance – Some clients feel nothing, others feel more
Your cycle – Our skin and pain tolerance are very sensitive around your period
Stress & hydration – Tired, stressed or dehydrated bodies = more sensitivity
Numbing cream – This one’s a game changer (more on that below)
🧴 What About Numbing Cream?
Under New Queensland law's, you the client, are 100% responsible for purchasing and applying your own pre-numbing cream prior to any cosmetic tattoo procedure.
This applies to all QLD businesses unless the provider is a registered doctor or nurse.
Honey Cosmetic Tattoo cannot and will not provide numbing cream under any circumstance. If you arrive without applying your own numbing cream, we will proceed without it.
✅ Why Use Numbing Cream?
While cosmetic tattooing is generally well tolerated, pre-numbing is recommended to increase comfort and reduce sensitivity, especially for more delicate areas like the lips.
The cream must be applied correctly and within the correct time frame to be effective.
🛍 Where to Buy Approved Numbing Cream
DO NOT use cheap over-the-counter creams like EMLA, TKTX, or NUMBIT. These can damage the skin, alter healing, and may cause infection or textural changes. If these are used, we reserve the right to cancel or decline treatment.
Instead, please order from a reputable compounding pharmacy.
These are specialised pharmacies that create very high-quality numbing creams fresh specifically for you.
We recommend ordering at least 7 days before your appointment.
💡 Trusted Suppliers:
Tugun Compounding Pharmacy (07) 55982411
ACPHARM QLD (07) 55265422
💰 Cost ranges from $25–$35 and you’ll also be able to use the same cream again for your future visits.
📌 How to Apply Numbing Cream Properly
Apply 45–60 minutes before your appointment
Use an extremely thick layer – it should be so thick that you cannot see the skin colour underneath
Do not rub it in – leave it sitting on the surface like a big blob of cream
Cover the entire area with small cut out of cling wrap to keep it moist and active
Arrive to your appointment with the cream and cling wrap still on
We’ll assess whether it was applied correctly before starting.
❌ Do Not Use:
Emla
TKTX
NUMBIT
Any non-compounded, cheap numbing creams (especially if they are off Shein or Aliexpress 🤢)
These brands may cause:
Poor pigment retention
Skin trauma with causes scarring
Infection
Uneven healing
Rejection of the pigment
🧘♀️ Tips to Make Your Appointment More Comfortable
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and blood-thinning painkillers for 48 hours before
Stay hydrated and have a big meal beforehand (this makes a HUGE difference to your pain tolerance)
Let us know if you’re anxious, we’re here to make you feel calm and in control
Wear comfy clothes and bring headphones if you like to zone out
🗓 Numbing Cream Prep Timeline – Step by Step
Book your appointment online→ You’ll instantly receive a confirmation email.
Check your email for your digital forms→ Two quick forms to complete before your appointment.
Order your numbing cream at least 7 days before→ Either ring or order online from your closest compounding pharmacy for the best quality, see links above.
Apply your numbing cream 45–60 minutes before your appointment→ Use a thick layer and cover with cling wrap. Do not rub it in.
Arrive at your appointment with the cream and cling wrap still on→ We’ll check it before beginning your treatment. ❓ Quick FAQs
Is lip tattooing more painful than brows?
Yes, lips are more sensitive, but numbing makes a big difference. The discomfort is short-lived and totally worth the results.
Does it feel like a normal tattoo? No, cosmetic tattoos use finer needles and don’t go as deep into the skin. It’s a lot gentler overall.
How long does the pain last after the session? You may feel a bit tender or puffy for 1–2 days. Most clients describe it as more annoying than painful, and it fades quickly. Have you ever had someone not be able to handle the feeling? Nope, not once! In over 5 years and thousands of clients, I’ve never had anyone tap out mid-appointment. Most clients say the feeling is way more manageable than they expected.
In fact, people usually struggle more with staying still than with the actual sensation 😅
I had an appointment years ago and the numbing was supplied at the appointment, is that still the case? Not anymore! Queensland laws have recently changed—and under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019, only doctors and nurses are legally allowed to supply or apply numbing agents.
That means ALL cosmetic tattoo artists like me are not allowed to provide or apply numbing cream for you anymore—even if we wanted to. It’s not just a policy, it’s the law.
It keeps everything legal, safe, and in line with Queensland Health guidelines.
You can read more here if you’re curious.
💬 Final Thoughts
Cosmetic tattooing is not 100% pain-free, but it’s nothing to fear. With the right numbing cream and technique, most clients are shocked by how easy it feels. And honestly? The results speak for themselves.
At Honey, we create a calm, relaxing space where you can feel safe and looked after the whole time. Your comfort is part of the service.
👉 Book Now or Learn More
Curious to see if it’s right for you? Book your appointment here or check out our services to learn more about Ombre Brows, Lip Blush, and more.
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