Lips, along with eyes, are the most noticed area on the face, therefore smeared and faded red lipstick is clearly out of the question. The most obvious way to make one’s lipstick endure the challenges of an average day is to have quality makeup.
Rarely will one find a three dollar lipstick that won’t later be relocated onto a coffee cup or wine glass in the form of an unsightly red smear. But quality and price tags aside, there are still certain steps one can take to make that bright red pout last longer.
Step 1 – Base your lips. Dust on a translucent face powder or foundation; creating a base for your lips helps the lipstick adhere better, and creates a more vivid red to really make the color pop.
Step 2 – Line your lips. With a nude lip pencil, rim your lips carefully. It is essential to outline your lips with a lip liner each time you apply lipstick, especially the red shades. This prevents feathering of the lip color.
Step 3 – Apply the first layer. Preferably using a small lip brush for accuracy, start in the middle of your mouth and work outwards, being especially careful on the narrow outer corners. Always apply to the top lip first, and use even, firm strokes. Retouch if needed with a cotton swab and dab gently with a napkin or cotton ball to make sure the coat is even.
Step 4 – Recoat. This is one of the most important steps, as the second coat both makes the color strong and bright, and helps to make it last longer. In the same manner as the first coating, apply the red over top of what you have on, and retouch as needed.
Step 5 – Add final touches. You may want to apply gloss when finished, or go with lip balm, which creates a more natural look. Both methods seal in the color and add a smooth touch. Also, another run-over with your nude lip liner may be ideal, to keep the look crisp and clean-cut.
Useful Lip Tips…Be sure to cover blemishes, if any, for red lipstick tends to emphasize these. If you have blotchy skin, be generous with foundation application, as it could also bring unwanted attention to these.
– If you want to wear red lipstick, keep the rest of your makeup as natural as possible
– Don’t wear pink or orange nail polish with red lips; stick with red polish or neutral colors.
– Don’t attempt red lips or other heavy colors if you have chapped lips.
– If you must wear blush, keep it extremely light, the red lips should be the main feature of your face.
– Red lipstick should be avoided if you have yellow teeth.
– Never apply red lipstick straight from the tube. Use a medium to small lip brush.
– Cream lipsticks go on more easily and are better for moisturizing your lips.
– Avoid using red lipstick if you have wrinkles around your mouth, as red lips pull attention towards your mouth area.
– Lipstick should be the last thing applied during your makeup routine.
Finally, remember to be confident in your look. Red is a bold, sexy color, and having the attitude to match is the finishing touch to your look.
About the author: Cindi Lewis writes for glossy.com a hair care and beauty products online retailer.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Julita B.C.