lips

How to Apply Lipstick: Lipstick 101: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Apply Lipstick: Lipstick 101: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lipstick is a fun way to enhance your look and express your personal style, but applying it can be tricky. When applied wrong, lipstick may look uneven, might bleed onto your skin, and could fade too soon. Fortunately, there’s a simple yet effective way to apply your lipstick and keep it in place. You’ll be looking your best in no time! Apply a thin layer of lip balm to moisturize and even out your lips. Lip balm nourishes your lips so they’re less likely to get dry and flaky. Additionally, lip balm can smooth out your lips by filling in uneven spots. Swipe the lip balm over your upper lip from your Cupid’s bow to the corner of your lips on each side. Then, apply the lip balm to your bottom lip from the center out to the corners. The lip balm should soak in soon after you apply it. If your lips feel gunky, gently wipe off the excess lip balm with a tissue before you apply your lipstick. 2: race your lips with a lip pencil to prevent bleeding if you like. You don’t have to line your lips, but it can keep your lipstick in place and define the shape of your lips. To apply the lip pencil, position the tip at the center of your Cupid’s bow and slowly trace your lips out to the corner of your mouth on each side. Then, place your pencil at the center of your bottom lip and trace along your lip out to the corners on each side. Pick a clear lip liner or a shade that's close to your lip color for every day use. These shades can go with any lip color. If you prefer, use a lip liner that’s the same color as your lipstick. 3:Smile so your application will be even. As you talk and move your mouth, your skin naturally stretches out, which can make your lipstick appear uneven. To make sure it’s layered evenly, smile slightly while you’re applying the lipstick 'Try thinking of something that makes you happy.' Start applying lipstick in the center of your lips. For the easiest application, apply it directly from the tube. To begin, position your lipstick at your Cupid’s bow on your top lip. Carefully dot the lip color onto your Cupid’s bow and the plump part of your lower lip.If you don’t want to apply your lipstick straight from the tube, use a lipstick brush or your clean finger to apply the lipstick. Wipe the top of the lipstick using the lipstick brush or the tip of your finger, then dab the lipstick onto your lips. Work from the center of your lips out to the corners of your mouth.

Nude Shirt Lipsticks: Shirt-Friendly Shades

Nude Shirt Lipsticks: Shirt-Friendly Shades

When it comes to curating the perfect makeup bag, there are a few staples that everyone needs regardless of whether you prefer a natural look or full glam. At the top of the list: a nude lipstick. But, that doesn’t mean that any nude lipstick you find in the makeup aisle will do. In fact, finding the right nude lipstick for you can take some time. (And can require lots of swiping and swatching– try our Virtual Try-On tool to take out some of the guesswork.) If you choose a nude lipstick that’s too light it can appear ashy or wash you out, depending on your coloring. With that in mind, it’s important to consider your skin tone in order to choose the nude lipstick that best suits you. Read on for tips to find the best nude lipstick for every skin tone from fair to dark. BEST NUDE LIPSTICKS FOR FAIR SKIN TONES : Matching your skin tone to a nude lipstick isn’t necessarily the way to go. Imagine this: you have fair skin and pick the palest lipstick available to you– it’s basically like putting concealer on your lips, which you probably already know will make you appear ghostly. Instead, look for something with some pink to it to help warm up your skin. Nude pink lipsticks are some of the most popular shades, so you will have plenty to choose from. A good one to try: Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Poet. But, if you want to stay on the cooler side, Super Stay Matte Ink in Loyalist has a hint of pink in it that doesn’t feel too warm. Prefer a high-shine finish rather than matte? Go for Super Stay Vinyl Ink in Captivated or Charmed, depending on how cool or warm you want to go. For medium skin tones, a pinky nude is still a good choice, but incorporating peachy tones can also benefit you– it’ll also add more warmth. You definitely don’t want to go too light in your lipstick choice, but you do have some wiggle room to go slightly lighter or darker than your skin tone. If you have cooler undertones, stick to dusty pinks, but for warmer tones, look for a richer hue, maybe even with some gold in it. To stay in the pink family, we like Super Stay Matte Ink in Seductress, but for a good mid-tone nude, we recommend Super Stay Ink Crayon Lipstick in Trust Your Gut. And you can always add a gloss topper such as Lifter Gloss in Moons for extra. Olive skin tones are characterized by its green undertones, which play beautifully with contrasting shades of peach and even deeper tans and browns. For a nice contrast try a deep-toned beige like Color Sensational Ultimatte in More Buff. If you prefer something more brown-toned, go for Super Stay Matte Ink in Amazonian. We also love Lifter Gloss in Stone if you want to add some subtle peach tones to your nude lip look. Darker skin tones are going to want to look for richer, deeper shades as anything too light will give a frosted effect. Opt for chocolate browns and even rosy browns if you want a hit of pink, but it’s really based on preference– darker skin tones can handle a heavier pigment load without being overpowered. For a pink-toned nude that flatters darker skin tones, look no further than Super Stay Ink Crayon in Lead the Way. To keep it neutral, Color Sensational in Mauve for Me is considered a universal brown lipstick that stuns on all skin tones, but especially those deeper complexions. For a cooler-toned hue, try Super Stay Vinyl Ink in Punchy. If you prefer something more sheer with a touch of shimmer, we love Super Stay 24 in Constant Cocoa.

Lined and Loved: Pink Lipstick Pairings

Lined and Loved: Pink Lipstick Pairings

Have you ever asked yourself: What is lip liner for, anyway? If you feel seen right now, you are not alone! Though lip liner is a common makeup-bag staple, not everyone knows how to use the handy tool to its fullest advantage. That's why we called in the pros. Below, makeup artist and Byrdie contributor Ashley Rebecca has written a step-to-step guide to applying lip liner like a pro. Keep reading for her guidance, along with other lip-lining tips from top makeup artists. Meet the Experts First things first: Don't neglect your lips. It's common to have chapped lips from time to time and to experience dry, flaky skin. Yet focusing on keeping your lips smooth and hydrated will go a long way. There are some simple ways to ensure your lips look and feel hydrated. Start by exfoliating to rid yourself of any excess dead skin, and follow up with a hydrating lip balm (we love Sun Bum's Lip Balm SPF 30). If you're in need of a gentle lip exfoliant that still gets the job done, check out Fresh Beauty's Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator.Prepping your lips at night is also an incredibly easy way to ensure your lips are on point 24/7. Slather on a lip mask before bed so you wake in the morning to a super-soft pout. (Check out some of our favorites here.) And a great thing about lip masks is that you can wear them at any time of day to give yourself a nice hydrating treatment. If you apply too much, just blot away the excess with a tissue or your finger. Everyone has their own unique lip shape, so the best thing you can do is to assess your own and really understand the shape before applying lip liner. Look in the mirror and ask yourself a few questions. What do I love about my lips? and What would I like to change about them? are two great places to start. You might have a fuller bottom lip and want to enhance the top lip shape, or you might want to create more fullness all around. Identifying what you already like, and what you'd like to tweak, is key when understanding how to get the most out of your liner.