Lipstick is a cosmetic product containing pigments, oils, waxes, and emollients that apply color, texture, and protection to the lips. It comes in different colors. The lip being an extension of the inner mouth and a tactile sensory organ, lips serve many different functions apart from the application of color. These include expressions (smiling and making funny faces), along with verbalizing sounds.
Lip coloring started to gain some popularity in 16th-century England. During the time of Queen Elizabeth, bright red lips and a stark white face became fashionable. At that time, lipstick was made from a blend of beeswax and red stains from plants. Only upper-class women and male actors wore makeup. Lipsticks get their colors from a variety of pigments and lake dyes including, but not limited to Bromo acid, D&C Red No. 21, Calcium Lake such as D&C Red 7, and D&C Red 34, and D&C Orange No. 17. Pink lipsticks are made by mixing white titanium dioxide and red shades. Both organic and inorganic pigments are employed.
Matte lipsticks contain more filling agents like silica but do not have many emollients. Creme lipsticks contain more waxes than oils. Sheer and long-lasting lipsticks contain more oil, while long-lasting lipsticks also contain silicone oil, which seals the colors to the wearer’s lips. Glossy lipstick contains more oil to give a shiny finish to the lips.
Do you know there are ways in applying lipstick? Some think it’s just about getting lipstick and rubbing it on one’s lip, for a perfect finish it’s a bit more.
Let’s begin with what we need:
1. A nourishing lip balm/ lip conditioner
2. Primer
2. A lip liner
3. Concealer
4. Compact powder
5. Your favorite lipstick
6. X3 fine lipstick brushes
Table of Contents
STEPS TO FOLLOW
1. EXFOLIATE YOUR LIPS
This is the first thing to be carried out. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells from the lips. This process can be carried out simply by using a toothbrush to brush your lips in a circular movement.
Exfoliate with a soft, damp toothbrush and hydrate by applying a nourishing lip balm to make those lips soft, supple, and healthy-looking.
Leave the lip balm on for a few minutes afterward and you can wipe it out if you desire.
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2. APPLY A BASE
It’s crucial for your lipstick to have a base to hang onto. Apply a primer; this will help the lipstick color stand out well. Primer lays the foundation for a great lip day.
3. USE LIP LINER
To define your natural lip line and to prevent your lipstick from getting messy, use a good lip liner to define, reshape and perfect the contours of the lips. This way you will achieve a more defined, precise and polished look.
- If you are going to wear a bold color lipstick, choose a lip liner that is a bit darker than the lipstick color. This will help deepen the color of the lipstick and make it more opaque.
- If you primed your lips with foundation, or if you want a more neutral look, match the color of the lip liner to your lips.
- To make your lips appear smaller, apply the lip liner to just inside the lip line. Apply some concealer around your lips to hide your natural lip line.
- To make your lips appear bigger, apply the lip liner to just outside your lip line; it should still be touching your natural lip line.
- To make your lips appear wider, apply the lip liner along your natural lip line, but then extend it just past the corners of your lips.
- To make them appear narrower, do the same thing, but apply the lip liner to just inside the corners. Conceal your natural lip line with some concealer.
- To make either the upper or bottom lip appear fuller, apply the lip liner to just outside the lip line. Stay within the lip line for the rest of your lips.
- For a softer, more natural look, tap the lip liner on the corners of your lips with your finger. This will help soften any sharp edges.
5. APPLY LIPSTICK
Use either a lipstick brush or apply the lipstick directly, start from the center of your lips and brush the lip outward. Apply your lipstick over the top of the base that you have created. Apply gloss over the top of your lipstick if desired.
6. CLEAN UP THE EDGES
To clean up the edges and give sharpness to your lip line, apply a small amount of concealer (matching your skin tone), using a fine tip brush to the outer edges of your lips, and feather outwards with the use of your brush.
Make your lipstick last longer by dusting it with powder. Gently pull a tissue apart so that you end up with two, thin sheets. Press one of the sheets against your lips and lightly dust it with some translucent setting powder. Pull the tissue away and apply a second coat of lipstick.
Conclusion
Picking a great lipstick is one. However, applying it right is a greater option. Follow us on ladymart Nigeria on Instagram and LadymartNG on Facebook for more insightful tips.