Let Mallory Get A Monroe Piercing!

I want a monroe. Now.

A Monroe piercing is a lip piercing placed off-center, above the upper lip and is meant to resemble a beauty spot; it is also known as a 'Madonna' or 'Crawford'. The three name variations of the piercing bear their names from famous female icons: Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Cindy Crawford.

The Monroe piercing has a recent history, unlike others that were popularized in the late 70s and 80s. Seen in the mid/late 90s on Rayna, the bassist of the band Coal Chamber, the Monroe piercing can also be seen on celebrities such Amy Winehouse, Ashley Massaro, Christine Dolce, and Mutya Buena. Although more favoured by women, this piercing is seen increasingly on men; male celebrities who wear this piercing include Travis McCoy and Trace Cyrus.

This piercing is typically fitted with a 14, 16, or 18 gauge labret, the bars of which are usually shortened after healing. A variation on this piercing is Angelbites - a double version of a Monroe piercing with piercings worn on both sides of the upper lip. Also called a Double Madonna, Crayfish, Angel Bites, or Anti Bites, being the anti version of snake bites. When long barbells are worn in this piercing, they look similar to the antennae on a crayfish, hence the name. Most people with a Monroe piercing favor a metal ball or a jewel on the outer-end. The lip can often swell considerably after the piercing and will need both facial and oral aftercare to keep both sides of the jewellery clean at all times. Monroes, like all piercings, are prone to infection and it is vital that the piercing is cleaned regularly. Scarring is minimal to none if properly taken care of.