There are many different brands of lipstick available today, which makes picking out the perfect shade a little tricky. When applying red lipstick, make sure you apply it along the entire width of your upper lip, from one side to the other. If you want to go bolder, apply it along the entire lip line. Just make sure you don’t overdo it; too much lipstick can look heavy and unflattering. You also want to avoid applying it directly onto your teeth because it could transfer onto your clothing. Instead, use a lip liner pencil to help define your lips. Then, apply a small amount of lipstick to your lips and blend well. Remember to keep your lips moisturized throughout the day.
1. Exfoliate
If you want to look like a million bucks, start with your face. “Exfoliating regularly helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Steven Lamm, board certified dermatologist and founder of New York Dermatology & Laser Center. “The best way to do it is with sugar scrubs.” These products contain natural ingredients such as oatmeal and glycerin, which gently slough off dry skin without irritating sensitive areas.
2. Moisturize
Another step you can take to improve your complexion is to apply a lip balm. “Lip balms provide moisture and protect against chapping and cracking,” explains Dr. Lamm. He recommends choosing one containing shea butter, which is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. This ingredient also helps prevent dehydration and keeps skin soft and supple.
3. Apply Lipstick
When it comes to color, stick to neutral shades. “Neutral colors tend to go better with most complexions,” says Dr. Lamm. Avoid bright reds, pinks, oranges, purples, blues and greens because they may make your skin look blotchy. Instead, opt for neutrals such as browns, taupes, grays, golds and even black. If you’re feeling daring, try a bolder hue, but don’t overdo it. “Too much pigment can accentuate pores and cause dark circles under the eyes,” warns Dr. Lamm.
4. Smooth Out Skin Tones
While we love our makeup, sometimes there’s no getting around the fact that our faces just aren’t perfect. “Skin tone imperfections are caused by sun exposure, aging and genetics,” says Dr. Lami. To minimize discoloration, he suggests using a tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 or above. A good choice is Neutrogena Hydro Boosting Daily Moisture SPF 15+ ($7).
2. Prime
Your Lips Before Applying Lipstick
Prime your lips before applying any lipstick to extend the life of your lipstick and prevent it from bleeding into your mouth. This step is crucial because once you apply lipstick, your lips become drier and less pliable. So, prime your lips by moisturizing them with a balm like Vaseline, Chap Stick, or petroleum jelly. You don’t want to use oil based products since they’ll make your lips feel greasy.
3. Line
Lip liners are an essential part of applying a full range of lipsticks. They help define the shape of lips and add color without making them look too thick. A good tip for lining lips is to use a bright shade of red. This creates a bolder statement and prevents feathering. To avoid bleeding, apply the liner before you fill in the center of the lip.
4. Blot
Blotting helps keep your lipsticks look fresh throughout the day. This step is essential to achieving a perfect pout every morning. To do it, just apply a small amount of powder onto your fingertips and gently pat over your lips. You can use either a brush or your finger tips. Once done, let the makeup settle for about 10 seconds and then carefully wipe away excess product with tissue paper.
A dab and twist application will give you maximum color payoff. When applying your lipstick, make sure to start with a clean surface such as a mirror or a white sheet of paper. Then take a tiny amount of lipstick and place it on the center of your lower lip. Next, place your index finger on top of the lipstick and press down firmly. Now, move your ring finger around the outside edge of the lipstick while twisting slightly. Repeat steps 2-3 until you reach the corners of your mouth.
5. Powder
A little goes a long way, especially when it comes to lip products. Powder helps keep your lipstick looking vibrant and shiny throughout the day. This tip works best for matte formulas. If you want a dewy finish, try a liquid lipstick instead.
1. Exfoliate
If you want to look like a million bucks, start with your face. “Exfoliating regularly helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Steven Lamm, board certified dermatologist and founder of New York Dermatology & Laser Center. “The best way to do it is with sugar scrubs.” These products contain natural ingredients such as oatmeal and glycerin, which gently slough off dry skin without irritating sensitive areas.
2. Moisturize
Another step you can take to improve your complexion is to apply a lip balm. “Lip balms provide moisture and protect against chapping and cracking,” explains Dr. Lamm. He recommends choosing one containing shea butter, which is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. This ingredient also helps prevent dehydration and keeps skin soft and supple.
3. Apply Lipstick
When it comes to color, stick to neutral shades. “Neutral colors tend to go better with most complexions,” says Dr. Lamm. Avoid bright reds, pinks, oranges, purples, blues and greens because they may make your skin look blotchy. Instead, opt for neutrals such as browns, taupes, grays, golds and even black. If you’re feeling daring, try a bolder hue, but don’t overdo it. “Too much pigment can accentuate pores and cause dark circles under the eyes,” warns Dr. Lamm.
4. Smooth Out Skin Tones
While we love our makeup, sometimes there’s no getting around the fact that our faces just aren’t perfect. “Skin tone imperfections are caused by sun exposure, aging and genetics,” says Dr. Lami. To minimize discoloration, he suggests using a tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 or above. A good choice is Neutrogena Hydro Boosting Daily Moisture SPF 15+ ($7).
2. Prime
Your Lips Before Applying Lipstick
Prime your lips before applying any lipstick to extend the life of your lipstick and prevent it from bleeding into your mouth. This step is crucial because once you apply lipstick, your lips become drier and less pliable. So, prime your lips by moisturizing them with a balm like Vaseline, Chap Stick, or petroleum jelly. You don’t want to use oil based products since they’ll make your lips feel greasy.
3. Line
Lip liners are an essential part of applying a full range of lipsticks. They help define the shape of lips and add color without making them look too thick. A good tip for lining lips is to use a bright shade of red. This creates a bolder statement and prevents feathering. To avoid bleeding, apply the liner before you fill in the center of the lip.
4. Blot
Blotting helps keep your lipsticks look fresh throughout the day. This step is essential to achieving a perfect pout every morning. To do it, just apply a small amount of powder onto your fingertips and gently pat over your lips. You can use either a brush or your finger tips. Once done, let the makeup settle for about 10 seconds and then carefully wipe away excess product with tissue paper.
A dab and twist application will give you maximum color payoff. When applying your lipstick, make sure to start with a clean surface such as a mirror or a white sheet of paper. Then take a tiny amount of lipstick and place it on the center of your lower lip. Next, place your index finger on top of the lipstick and press down firmly. Now, move your ring finger around the outside edge of the lipstick while twisting slightly. Repeat steps 2-3 until you reach the corners of your mouth.
5. Powder
A little goes a long way, especially when it comes to lip products. Powder helps keep your lipstick looking vibrant and shiny throughout the day. This tip works best for matte formulas. If you want a dewy finish, try a liquid lipstick instead.
