Maybe it's the Autumnal colours that have been making their way into my wardrobe, the cosy textures that are wrapping me up warm, or the fact that post hair extensions I've got a whole new mane to deal with, but I'm falling in love with lipstick all over again. Every day I'm reaching for a matte texture, a bold colour or a deep berry red to spice up my look - but with the introduction of lipstick comes a number of problems and dilemmas. Not only can lipstick be drying if you don't get the right one, but it can transfer and wear off so easily it makes you wonder if it's worth the effort. However, with a few tips you can ensure your lipstick is both comfortable and long-lasting... Taking you right into the next season with ease. Here are my top five, just for you.
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1. Prime: Like with your foundation or base, the key to keeping everything in place is a really good primer. Although you could use a traditional primer on your lips before applying makeup, you can also use a touch of balm to ensure lips are hydrated and smooth - this will help lipstick to look flawless and prevent it from 'clinging' to dry bits of skin. Take a tiny amount of something such as Dr Lipp, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream or Lanolips, massaging it into the lips and blotting away any excess that will prevent lipstick from sticking.
2. Line: Although lip liners may be associated with episodes of Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and 90's copies of Just Seventeen, a perfectly matched shade can really provide longevity. Not only does a great liner help to frame the lips and ensure perfect application, but it can provide a base on which to build colour. Even if your lipstick wears off a little, your liner will help to create the illusion of a fuller lip - tiding you over until you can get to the bathroom and re-apply.
3. Layer: You may be tempted to wack on a layer of lipstick and rush out of the house, but taking the time to layer 2-3 applications of colour will help keep it in place for longer. Blotting your lipstick with a piece of tissue will also help remove the excess colour and moisture from lips, minimising the amount of transfer and locking colour in place. Swiping lipstick, blotting, swiping a little more and blotting further will help to cover your lips in pigment and ensure it's embedded into the skin rather than sitting on the surface and waiting to be smudged away.
4. Powder: In a similar way to locking your foundation in place, adding a touch of translucent powder over the surface of lips will help to finish the look. Don't overdo it, but buff a little powder into the lips once you've finished applying colour - it will help prevent any transference and ensure you lipstick feels as comfortable as possible.
5. Balm: It may sound a bit strange, but adding a touch of balm over lipstick throughout the day can help to refresh the colour and hydrate your lips. If your pout looks dull, dry and tired then your lipstick will look horrendous too; use a tiny amount of balm to add moisture, fullness and a touch of shine. Make sure it's not excessively greasy, shiny or sticky so as to blend into your colour.
Do you have a love of lipstick too? Do you have any tips for helping it last longer?![]()
1. Prime: Like with your foundation or base, the key to keeping everything in place is a really good primer. Although you could use a traditional primer on your lips before applying makeup, you can also use a touch of balm to ensure lips are hydrated and smooth - this will help lipstick to look flawless and prevent it from 'clinging' to dry bits of skin. Take a tiny amount of something such as Dr Lipp, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream or Lanolips, massaging it into the lips and blotting away any excess that will prevent lipstick from sticking.
2. Line: Although lip liners may be associated with episodes of Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and 90's copies of Just Seventeen, a perfectly matched shade can really provide longevity. Not only does a great liner help to frame the lips and ensure perfect application, but it can provide a base on which to build colour. Even if your lipstick wears off a little, your liner will help to create the illusion of a fuller lip - tiding you over until you can get to the bathroom and re-apply.
3. Layer: You may be tempted to wack on a layer of lipstick and rush out of the house, but taking the time to layer 2-3 applications of colour will help keep it in place for longer. Blotting your lipstick with a piece of tissue will also help remove the excess colour and moisture from lips, minimising the amount of transfer and locking colour in place. Swiping lipstick, blotting, swiping a little more and blotting further will help to cover your lips in pigment and ensure it's embedded into the skin rather than sitting on the surface and waiting to be smudged away.
4. Powder: In a similar way to locking your foundation in place, adding a touch of translucent powder over the surface of lips will help to finish the look. Don't overdo it, but buff a little powder into the lips once you've finished applying colour - it will help prevent any transference and ensure you lipstick feels as comfortable as possible.
5. Balm: It may sound a bit strange, but adding a touch of balm over lipstick throughout the day can help to refresh the colour and hydrate your lips. If your pout looks dull, dry and tired then your lipstick will look horrendous too; use a tiny amount of balm to add moisture, fullness and a touch of shine. Make sure it's not excessively greasy, shiny or sticky so as to blend into your colour.
Do you have a love of lipstick too? Do you have any tips for helping it last longer?