How to Wear Bright Lip Colors for Winter

Bright lipsticks

If you favor bright and lively lip colors, don't despair just because winter is here. You don't have to give up your playful summer lipsticks in exchange for deep reds and purplish browns. With a bit of compromise, you can look winter-ready while still sporting your lipsticks from warmer seasons. Read on to find an assortment of tips on wearing stand out lip colors during the frosty season.

Things You'll Need

• Lip moisturizer
• Foundation
• Silicone-based makeup primer
• Nude lip pencil
• Artist's palette
• Bright and light lipstick
• Sheer deep brown lip gloss
• Lip brush
• Bright lipstick in a mid tone
• Creamy lip liner that matches the mid tone lipstick

Instructions

1. Begin always with a clean base. Exfoliate and moisturize the lips prior to makeup application.

2. Apply a foundation that matches your skin tone all over lips. This will help the color to show up on your skin closer to the way it does in the package. On your lip line, pat a silicone-based makeup primer to help keep bright lipstick in place.

3. Give summery and spring brights a second run. Line and fill lips in with a nude lip pencil for a base the lipstick can stick to. On an artist's palette, mix a light and bright lipstick that was fashionable during the warmer months--such as an electric light pink--with a drop or two of a sheer deep brown gloss. Spread evenly on lips with a lip brush. The finished product should still appear bright, but have more depth to make it winter worthy.

4. Match a light bright lipstick with eyes and cheeks that are evidently winter or holiday-themed. If you want to stay with the times, yet absolutely must wear an undiluted warm-weather lip color, at least make up your eyes and cheeks in the spirit of the season. For instance, a bright coral lipstick would look stunning with gold eyeshadow, a touch of red mixed in with a soft coral blush on cheeks and a subtle gold highlighter on the tops of cheekbones.

5. Pair a bright mid tone lipstick, such as a vivid true red, with bare eyes and barely rouged cheeks. Before applying the lipstick, line and fill lips in with a creamy lip pencil in a matching color. Use a lip brush to evenly distribute the product for a professional finish. You may use a black or dark brown eyeliner and mascara to define your eyes, but allow your lips to take center stage by not wearing any colored eyeshadow.

Tips & Warnings

• Once a bright lipstick hits the mid tone level of intensity, it is better suited to winter fashion than its lighter counterpart. Feel free to wear bright mid tone shades other than red during the cold months, especially if you have a personality that likes to get noticed.

Resources

• eHow article "How to Update Classic Red Lips in the Winter"