Lips are always in season. Lipstick can take your look from dull to wow in a matter of seconds (given you know what color to use).
Don't know where to start? We've compiled some of our top tried and true tips and tricks (that you can actually do without help from a professional) to help your pout look its best. Want kissable lips all season long? Follow these four tips and you'll be ready to pucker up.
1. Start with Fresh, Smooth Lips
Take care of your lips. Revitalize them at least once a week with your favorite lip scrub. Exfoliating your lips helps remove dry, dead skin, leaving you with fresh, soft lips. This also helps dry lips stay moist and kissable all day long.
Don’t have a lip scrub handy? Try this DIY lip scrub with ingredients around your kitchen:
Kissable Sugar Lip Scrub
1 part vaseline (or coconut oil)
1 part sugar
1 medium rosemary sprig
Peppermint oil (optional)
Method:
Mash together vaseline (or coconut oil) with sugar until paste-like consistency forms. Chop rosemary fine and mix gently into paste. Use by rubbing a small amount onto lips. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
2. Pick the Right Color
There are no set-rules for how to pick the right color. Lipstick pigments these days are more vibrant and reflect light better. Others work for most anyone because they are transparent. Here are a few tips to think about when choosing a color:
- Start your color search by playing it safe
This means choosing colors only a few shades darker or lighter than your natural lip color. From here you can expand to bolder, extreme colors based on what you like. - Think about more than your lips
It’s all about the overall look; make sure you consider things like your hair color (the lighter your hair, the brighter your lip color will appear), teeth shade (if you have any yellow tones, plum and pink tones may help - while coral and orange will make it worse) and skin tone (fair skin is most flattered by roses and pinks, while dark skin tones can pull off deep crimsons). - Consider texture
Creamy lipsticks are ideal if you have time to touch-up during the day. Matte lipsticks will last longer, with little need for reapplying throughout the day. Sheer lipsticks help lips appear fuller and more plump, but the reflection will appear more subtle and natural unless you choose a deep color.
3. Prep and Prime
Start with a light undercoat of balm. This will improve lipstick color and will prevent dryness; ultimately helping your lipstick last longer.
4. Start in the Center
Using a lip brush is the secret to great lips. Start in the middle/center of your lips and work your way out, making sure to extend strong colors all the way to the extreme edges of lips for a beautiful finish.
Is there a tip or trick we missed? Leave it below in the "comments" section so others can try it out!