JOIN USLet your lips do the talking
Nothing completes a look like a great lipstick! The right colour, when applied well, can elevate your look and turn you from drab to fab in a matter of minutes. But there’s more to it than just slapping on colour and heading out.
Prepping your lips
Dried lips are parched and tend to shrink. Apply your favourite lip balm and let it sink in. Moisturised lips will instantly soften and look fuller.
Your toothbrush isn’t just for your teeth! After applying lip balm or Vaseline, prep your lips by brushing them gently with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. In addition to removing dead skin and smoothing your lips, this action also draws blood to the lips and plumps them up.
Lipstick that stays on... and on
Is there always more lipstick on your glass than on your lips? Although most people skip applying a primer, Tshering Lama, make-up artist at MAC, suggests incorporating this step into your routine. “Always use a lip pencil to outline your lips, but don’t restrict its use to the outline. Fill in your lips entirely with pencil, and cover it with a matching shade of lipstick. Follow up the lipstick application by blotting it with a light dusting of translucent powder and re-applying the second layer. Your lipstick will stick to your lips like a coat of paint!” she finishes.
Voluminous lips
“If you want your lips to look larger, start by applying a layer of concealer, so you have a larger canvas to work your magic on. Apply liner using soft, feathered strokes, just outside your lip line — making sure you touch your natural lips all the way through,” explains freelance make-up artist Shruti Kapoor. Next, fill in with two shades of a similar coloured lipstick. Shruti suggests nude colours for a magnifying effect. For the perfect pout, ensure you have a deep, well-defined cupid’s bow. A good way to do this is to draw an ‘x’ in the centre of your lips with pencil, before completing the outline. Further, define your cupid’s bow by dabbing on a little concealer or highlighter in the space above.
Lip colour that pops
Make your lipstick stand out with the help of a lip brush. Although you can just as easily swipe it on directly from the bullet, the application is always more even when you use a brush, as it offers more control, and helps blend your lipstick with your liner. A lip brush also prevents lipstick from feathering.
Glossing over gloss
A gloss reflects light off your lips, making them look larger and luminous, so if you’re looking for fuller lips, go in for the shine. However, if you’ve extended your natural lip line, a gloss lipstick is likely to make this obvious. In this case, opt for a deeply pigmented matte lipstick. If you’re keen on the shine, dab a little in the centre of your lower lip to add dimension.
And finally, get nude!
Take a tip from make-up guru Bobbi Brown, and include nude lipstick in your arsenal. If the vast array of shades available makes it difficult to select, Bobbi suggests picking up one that is the exact colour of your natural lips. The wrong colour will make you look washed out. Use it by itself to cover pigmented lips, or to tone down a strong colour.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The right colour can take years off your appearance, while the wrong one can do the exact opposite. Always try it on your lips, not on your wrist, and when you’ve found the shade the works for you, wear it well, and wear it often. This summer, turn the spotlight on your lips — and sizzle.