RI Beauty Insider: The Transformative Power of Lipstick
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Although some women say they don’t have the confidence to try a daring lipstick, it’s actually the lipstick itself that will give them confidence, believes Donna Macdonald.
When given the opportunity, most little girls will grab Mom’s lipstick for a quick swipe across the mouth. The result might be a Kodak moment but there’s more behind it than that. Lipstick is the ultimate feminine cosmetic. It’s womanly in an iconic way and that’s why little female tykes go for it. They know it transforms Mommy into an enchantress. Lipstick-loving women know it too because they suddenly smile more when wearing it. And although some women say they don’t have the confidence to try a daring lipstick, it’s actually the lipstick itself that will give them confidence. Here are some tips:
Skin tones
Choose the right statement color with your skin tone in mind. If you have dark or olive skin, stay with hues that have warm and golden undertones. If you are fair-skinned, go with cool blue undertones. You’ll have a reaction the minute you apply it. The right color will unmistakably brighten up your face.
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If you’re new to real lipstick, start with something creamy. A formulation that’s a little glossy will feel more natural to you. Some companies are also adding treatments to their lipsticks so if your lips dry easily, your choice should have a buttery texture. Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colours are semi-lustrous lipsticks in animated colors. Try Portofino for a great wearable coral red that transcends warm skin. Damask is for fair-toned lovelies.
Application
For long-lasting color, apply the first coat with a lip brush. That’s the stabilizing layer that remains after the top coat is worn off. Next, take the lipstick bullet and really lay it on. This is where the glamour comes in. Blot with tissue gently. The third step is to use a neutral or a light lip pencil and outline where your lip line is fractured a bit. Just a few feathered strokes along the edge will keep your great color from bleeding and will add fullness to thinner lips. Take your time – the right application of lipstick is an art form! Clinique Quickliner in Baby Buff is a great neutral that will blend into your lively color for a really finished look.
Balance
Resist the urge to use a lot of eye makeup when your lips are doing the talking. A smoky eye with heavy-handed shadows will make you look too made up. Eyeliner and a few strokes of inky black mascara will be enough. But to balance your dazzling mouth, your cheeks will need some color. To get shade harmony, hold your open lipstick over your blush compact. You’ll know if they’re simpatico and part of the same color family instantly. Another tip is to apply a smidge of lipstick directly onto your ring finger and then pat it on your cheeks and blend. Now that’s a match.
Remember it isn’t just a simple slick of lipstick. It’s a bold declaration of your femininity. It’s color, glam, and confidence. And what woman doesn’t need that these days?
Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who enjoys covering topics of interest to women, especially fragrance, style, beauty. She has also written marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Donna currently writes her own personal blog, alovelyinconsequence.blogspot.com where she also writes about issues close to a woman's heart. Donna believes that when a woman finds beauty in the world, she will find beauty in herself.
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