HOT WEATHER, HOT LIPS
Make-up Stellar
Red lips are wicked sexy, but they take a bit of an effort.
PREPARATION:
As with any bold lip color, the first step is to make sure lips are properly tended and soft! Gently exfoliate them, I use Korres Lip Scrub, by rubbing the product in circles to shed any dead skin. Then, grab your favorite lip balm, I prefer La Mer Lip Balm or Blistex Lip Medex and let it sit for a minute or so.
APPLICATION:
This is a backstage tip I once read from the legendary makeup artist Val Garland and found it very useful. Apply your lip color with a concealer brush,I like Ecotools Concealer Brush, instead of a lip brush. Think about it!The advantages are plenty:
1. It ensures a speedier application.
2. You won’t layer the color endlessly, causing it to flake or feel heavy.
3. The shape of the concealer brush really allows you to get an even and precise application.
FINAL TOUCH:
For me, red lips, look perfect when they are matte or semi-matte. To achieve that, I use one of my favorite red lipsticks for this season – Kevyn Aucoin in Eliarice or Charlotte Tilbury in Love Bite- and after the application I smear my finger with a little bit of red blush, I swear on Nars Blush in Exhibit A. I then press it lightly over the lipstick. The powder pulls out the oil from the lipstick and I am left with a deep matte stain, which is exactly the kind of effect I want. You can use this tip on any lip color to give a sheer matte finish.
Alternatively, achieve the matte effect by applying pressed powder in between coats or by simply pressing a piece of tissue on your lips after the application.
FANCY TIPS:
Obviously, the key to the look is moderation: Clean, luminous skin and a lashing of mascara are the only additions necessary.
Keep lipstick from marking your glass by discreetly lick your lips before taking a sip. It works!
After applying lipstick, take your index finger and pop it in your mouth, then pull it out. The excess lipstick will come off on your finger rather than your teeth.
