How to Apply Lipstick Perfectly

There is something very alluring about a woman's mouth. The application of lipstick can really enhance the attractiveness of this feature. The wrong application can destroy what might otherwise be a beautiful image. Knowing when to "go glam" and when less is more can sometimes be tricky and correctly applying lipstick is not always as easy as it seems.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lipliner
• Lipstick
• Lip Moisturizer (optional)
• Lip Gloss (optional)
• Tissue

1. Lipstick is meant to draw attention to your mouth. You want that attention to be positive, not negative. So, you really need to pay attention to how you're applying your lipstick because that can make the difference between "Wow!" and "What was she thinking?"
   
   There are some very basic steps to applying lipstick that work whether you're going to work, a party or the playground. Once you've got those down, you can play up or play down your lipstick to suit the occasion.

2. First, make sure your lips are dry - not dry like they haven't seen water in a week, but dry like you haven't just taken a big drink of water or licked your lips.

3. 
    

   Apply a very thin coat of lip moisturizer to your bottom lip and then press your lips together to distribute it to your top lip as well. Blot with a tissue if you get too much. You don't want the moisturizer to be visible or glossy-looking, it's just serving as a foundation for the color.

4. 
    

   Next, select a lip-liner that is slightly darker than your lipstick (not more than one shade). Steady your hand against your chin and slowly trace the outline of your lower lip from corner to corner. Do the same with your upper lip, paying close attention to the curves of your upper lip and being careful not to make "points" at the top of them. You want a narrow line along your lips, not a thick, marker-like line. Most of the color will come from the lipstick, the lip liner provides a boundary as well as finished look for your lip color.

5. 
    

   When you have your lips lined, begin applying your lipstick. Start first in the center of your bottom lip and apply a stroke of color in a downward motion, basically dividing your lip in half. Then, follow your lip outward to either side with the color, try to do this in one motion rather than dabbing at your lip with the lipstick. Make sure you're staying within the boundary set by the lip liner.

6. Once you've applied color to your bottom lip, press your lips together gently to distribute the color to your top lip. Try not to rub your lips together too much because that will smear the color. Open your mouth slightly and check for any color outside the area of the lip liner and wipe away gently with a cotton swab or a tissue wrapped around the tip of your finger.

7. 
    

   If you think the color is too intense, you can blot it gently by placing a tissue between your lips and closing them briefly.

8. 
    

   If you prefer, seal your color with a small dab of lip gloss, but use this very sparingly. You don't want to look like you just finished eating fried chicken! You want just a hint of shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Proper lip care help make sure your lips are healthy, moist and supple. If you have a tendency to have dry, cracked lips, you may consider using a lip balm before applying lipstick. If so, apply this about 10-15 minutes before you apply your lip color to avoid having a thick film on your lips.
• Choose your lip color carefully. For everyday, select shades that complement your skin tone rather than match your outfit exactly. You can find shades of complimentary colors that will work with specific outfits, but don't try to match your tangerine blouse to your lip color.
• Select a slightly darker shade of your regular everyday color, or a frosted version, for evening. You can intensify the color by applying just a slight bit more and adding a little more gloss to glam it up.

[jadesmom1]

on 8/11/2009 Thanks!

[lezsays]

on 8/11/2009 I love this!!