This weekend I attended a tutorial on how to wear a statement, bold lip at my local John Lewis. I definitely learned a few things (which I'll share here) but it was interesting listening to a few of the other attendees there. Many were keen to be a bit braver when it came to their lipstick but felt there were various obstacles in the way. So it got me thinking that this is obviously something many of us feel is a stumbling block and what better time to overcome that but in party season. As a personal stylist, I love a bold lip and often recommend it to my clients as a great way to inject a bit of body confidence when we're needing a bit of a boost.
Wearing a bold lip can feel intimidating but with these 6 tips you'll be much better prepared to pull this off and own the look. Remember, us women are all rooting for each other so when you get that extra glance, it's another woman admiring your look and thinking she must get her red lippie out too!
Find "Your" Colour
Unsurprisingly, I'm starting with colour! This is probably the most important step. There is a huge selection of colours available now at make-up counters and I know it can feel overwhelming if you don't even know what suits you. Think what you're drawn to or what would suit your wardrobe. Personally, I very rarely wear red so my lipstick colour of choice is nearly always a pink of some description. You can ask the professionals at the make-up counters - that's what the staff at these counters are there for. Ask their advice and try on something that feels like it might be a good starting point but don't buy it there and then. Have a wander around the department store or pop to the loo and see how you feel about the colour in different lighting. Do you like the feel of the lip product? Do you like the finish?
If you have not had your colours analysed but have an inkling of your seasonal palette a rough rule of thumb is:
- Autumn and Spring will suit warmer tone lipsticks. Think corals and warm red tones.
- Summer and Winter will suit pinks and reds with a blueish undertone. So think crimsons, cherry or plums.
Use Lipliner
This was a tip brought up at the tutorial and certainly something I needed reminding of. A lipliner is invaluable when rocking a bold lip. It allows you to define and shape your lips - even exaggerate a barely there cupid's bow if you want. But it also stops your lipstick from feathering at the edges as well as providing some lasting power to your colour. There are some great waterproof ones out there now to really add to that lasting effect - this Lancome one was recommended at the event I was at.
And if the lipliner you have has been in your make-up bag since 2002 (no judgement here), sharpen it ;-)
Symmetry
Again another tip I learned was using your liner to add symmetry to your lips. Most, if not all, of us do not have lips which are exactly the same size. So you can carefully use your lipliner to add symmetry to your lips. For example, if your top lip is slightly narrower than your bottom lip, carefully delineate your top lip very slightly outside the edge of your lip. This can take practice and don't forget, you can always wipe it off and start again - so have a play and practice.
The Finger Trick
Hear me out! When rocking this fabulous bold lip colour, the last thing you want is lipstick on your teeth. So to avoid this happening, once your colour is applied place your index finger just inside your mouth in the centre of your lips. Then, close your lips around your finger and pull your finger out. This really works. Any excess from just inside your lips will be removed by your finger and your teeth will remain lipstick-free for all that smiling you'll be doing.
Bold Lip v Bold Eyes
Many make-up artists advise to go one or the other - i.e. a bold eye with a nude lip or a neutral eye and a statement lip. If a statement, bold lip is feeling like new territory for you or something you've to find your confidence with perhaps go fairly neutral with the eye so you don't feel too far out of your comfort zone. But ultimately this is up to you and your style. If you want to own a strong look, go for it.
Lipstick Finish
There are so many finishes out there now in lipsticks, so again it's a case of finding what works for you and your style. Matt, satin, gloss, frosted....
Matt lipsticks are a non-shine formula and tend to last longer on the lips. If you are wanting reduce the appearance of the size of your lips, matt may be a good option. However, some people find matts can be drying so this might be something to be aware of.
Gloss is the other extreme. It gives a high gloss finish, so often very moisturising but the trade off is that these don't always have the staying power of matts.
Satins are what fall in the middle. They are pigmented to give great colour and a hydrated look - you just might need to top it up occasionally.
So, what are you going to go for? A pillar box red or a beautiful deep raspberry? Either way, remember to own the look because you look fab. Hold your head high and tell yourself you look amazing. Let's enjoy that fabulous feeling of body confidence and rock your perfect, bold lip.
Lou x
P.S. If you're feeling like you'd need a little more of a helping hand discovering your best red, pink or other colours for that matter remember I can help you by analysing your colours with you. It's a really useful tool - not just for make-up - but for your everyday wardrobe too so that you can feel comfortable and like yourself in the colours you're wearing. I can do this online or in person and you will receive your personal swatch wallet of colours following your consultation (worth £34). Read here for more info and email lou@stylegalore.co.uk to arrange a no obligation chat.
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