For years you’ve been pulling glosses out of your bag and swiping them on without a second thought. Your love affair with gloss was blissful; it just felt so natural.
And then things started to change. Your go-to gloss started letting you down, things started falling between the cracks (of your lips that is) and before you knew it, that matte lipstick in the window caught your eye. You even started day dreaming about bringing home that little red number you spotted at Sephora. For all the ladies ready to take a break from gloss but not sure how to make a new relationship with lipstick really work, here’s all you need to know to kiss the sticky stuff goodbye, or at least start seeing other products.
Misconception #1: Lipstick Will Emphasize “Flaws”
I think your lips are perfect. But some women shy away from lipstick because they assume it will emphasize perceived lips flaws such as wrinkles and dryness. And while gloss is the worst culprit when it comes to falling between the cracks of your lips, a bit of preparation is all one needs to ensure that lipstick goes on smooth and doesn’t head south.
Start by caring for lips nightly with a light exfoliating treatment and application of a generous moisturizer. (Bonus: lips will be oh-so-kissable at bedtime.) You can make a quick sugar scrub at home by combining a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of water or opt for one of my favorite store-bought scrubs such as The Lip Scrub by Sarah Happ ($24 at sarahapp.com).
Follow up exfoliation with an application of hydrating lip treatment such as Blistex Deep Renewal or Neosporin Overnight Renewal Therapy, both available at drugstores. In the morning, after eating and brushing your teeth, slick on a coat of the aforementioned moisturizer before you begin your makeup routine. Allow it to sink in while you apply your other makeup first — think powder, mascara, etc. — and then blot lips before applying lip primer, lip liner and your lipstick of choice.
Misconception #2: Lipstick is Too Bold for Day
An informal survey of my girlfriends unearthed the fact that some women eschew lipstick for fear it is just too much for daytime wear. I suppose if your days are destined to be dull and void of color, this could be true. Otherwise, it’s how makeup is combined that really makes it “too much.” For example, a fuchsia lip and smoky eye may appear overdone while a classic red lipstick and neutral eye demands attention and commands authority.
Misconception #3: The Color Won’t Last
I hold the unofficial title for longest lipstick wear so, not only can I assure you that even the most vivid hues will last on your lips, I can show you how it’s done.
Assuming lips are prepped in advance, begin by applying a lip base to enhance lipstick wear and banish color bleeding. I like a product called Lip Spackle by Laura Geller ($24 at Macy’s).
Lip liner is a must; I wear lip liner with every color of lipstick in my collection – and I own nearly a hundred lipsticks. If you don’t have the matching liner, opt for a neutral shade. I like Milani Easyliner for Lips in Most Natural; get it for less than $5 at local drugstores.
Experts always seem to recommend applying lip liner first but novices know that leads to chalky, overdrawn lip lines. I recommend applying one coat of lipstick after Lip Spackle, and then blotting lips with a tissue. Next, apply lip liner of choice and then reapply lipstick once more.
If the change from sparkly lips to matte is too much for you, add some shine by dotting a touch of eye shadow in gold or silver to the center of your bottom lip to add shimmer without slickness.
And no, I’m not really advocating the end of gloss, just recommending a fling with lipstick once in a while. You may just fall in love.
Tags: best lipstick, Blistex Deep Renewal, how to wear lipstick, Jordana Easyliner, laura geller, lip spackle, Lip Spackle by Laura Geller, Milani Easyliner for Lips, Neosporin Overnight Renewal, Sara happ, the sugar scrub
love the pink ice on u!