Lipstick is a make up essential and as such is the the most popular beauty product in the world.
We express ourselves and sexuality through our lips, thus presenting them in their best light will enhance the effectiveness of their statement.
Lipstick
Lips are best presented moist, subtle, glossy and often red. Dry cracked lips need to be avoided at all costs. Lipstick is available for all type of outlets, ranging from the corner store to the cosmetic counter of one of the largest department stores. It is available in a wide variety of brands, colours, textures and finishes. The secret of creating the picture-perfect lips lies in the choice of colour and correct application.
You can find lipsticks in traditional tubes, pots, pencils, and even wands with innovative designs emerging daily. While colour selection is a personal choice, current fashion trends also play a big part in influencing a woman choice of lipstick.
How to Apply lipstick
- Lipstick goes on after powder, which will help to keep the colour from bleeding upwards into the tiny lines around your lips.
- To create that perfect pair of lips you should start by lining your lips with a neutral coloured pencil following their line.
- Use a lip brush to apply the lip colour of your choice. You need a steady hand and practise, but a brush will give you the cleanest and most accurate line.
- Using a lip brush to blend the liner and lipstick, thereby removing any harsh edges.
- Dap with a tissue and apply a second coat or gloss, remembering not to take the gloss to close to the edge as it will make the lipstick run.
Using lipstick to Change the Shape of Your Lips
- Lipstick can be used to alter the shape of your lips, to improve your overall appearance. If you have :-
- - full lips: use lighter, softer, sheerer colours i) without liner or
- ii) draw a line with a pencil just inside the edge of your lips,
- your lipstick should be a shade lighter than the pencil.
- - thin lips: void dark hard colours. Outline the extreme edge of your
- lips with a liner (do not go outside the natural line) that is the
- same colour as your lipstick. This will maximise your lips making
- them appear bigger.
- - wide lips: avoid shinny lipstick and do not wear lip gloss. You can
- also draw a line with a darkish pencil then fade the lines at the
- outer corners and apply lipstick that is a shade lighter than the pencil
- line
- - crooked lips: use lip liner to create an even line of symmetry.
Lipstick Tips
- To prevent lipstick from getting on your teeth, put your finger in your mouth and close your lips; when you withdraw your finger it will remove excess colour.
- Use Vitamin E application before you apply any type of lipstick.; it will moisturizes and nourishes the lips preventing dryness and cracking.
- To create your own smudge-resistant lipstick blot your lips with tissue. Re-apply lipstick and blot again. This will absorb the oils in the product and leave the pigment and matte waxes.
- If you are over 40 you should avoid wearing matte lipsticks, as your lips will look their best with a little shine. You should also use a lip liner, which will stop ‘bleeding’.
- To remove lipstick from clothing, apply glycerine on the spot, rub lightly and wash as normal.
- If you see any liquid or water coming out of the lipstick, keep it in a refrigerator.
- Avoid using very old lipsticks as they might cause pigmentation of the lips.
Lip-gloss
- Apply lip gloss over lipstick or alone. Remember that gloss would emphasize and therefore make your lips appear to be fuller.
- Women with extra-full lips, should use lip gloss very sparingly.
Lip Liner
- If your lip liner is too dark tone it down with a small amount of foundation then reapply lip liner.
- Always use lip liner before and after applying lipstick to define the lips.
- Always sharpen your lip liner before lining your lips then touch the tip of the pencil gently to warm, soften and smooth the point.
- Do not wear contrasting lip liner and lipstick.
