The way in which you paint your lips, can either become the statement of your look or a subtle complementary feature. However you choose to apply it, it is an important factor in your makeup routine. Here I’ll be answering some of your questions and tackling another makeup trend with you.
Q. How To Create The Appearance Of Fuller Lips?
A. The simplest way to create the appearance of larger lips is to draw outside the natural line of your lips. You should start by creating an “X” over your cupid’s bow. Then, carefully trace just outside of your actual lip line (only go slightly outside the lines).
You can also use highlighter and lip gloss to enhance the size of your lips. To achieve this, you should apply the highlighter to your cupid’s bow – this draws the eye to the high parts of your lips, which is how this trick makes your upper lip look a slightly fuller.
A lip gloss is also effective at making your lips appear larger. This is because the shine of your gloss will reflect light and then draw attention to your lips. I use my favourite BeautyCounter Luminous Powder Highlighter and BeautyCounter Lip Gloss in the shade Opal – Moonstone.
This is a clear lip gloss, so it can be worn over any shade without affecting the colour. My only tip is to ensure you clean the applicator (as it is likely to have lipstick residue on) before returning to the product to avoid the color leaking into the product.
Q. What Is Lip Contouring?
A. We all know that contouring can do wonders for shaping our faces, but did you know it can also help your lips appear fuller?!
A little contour powder or cream placed strategically under your bottom lip will make your lower lip look extra full.
Q. What Are The Benefits Of Using A Lip Liner?
A. Lip liner is a secret weapon when it comes to creating an ultra-defined pout. You can line around the perimeter of your lips to prevent color from bleeding. You can also use a liner as a lip primer, to fill in your entire lips before applying lipstick.
Q. How To Prep Lips Before Applying Makeup?
A. You should start by using a lip scrub to exfoliate your lips. This will remove dry skin, allowing you to apply your lip products smoothly.
I make a homemade scrub that is made up of just three ingredients that you’re likely to find in your pantry. You simply mix together equal parts honey (which is full of antioxidants), coconut oil (very hydrating), and organic raw sugar (a natural exfoliator).
By using a lip scrub you create a smooth and moisturized canvas for your lip look. After using the scrub I then apply BeautyCounter Lip Conditioner in Peppermint. I choose this flavour as I find it clean and refreshing.
Q. How To Wear A Statement Red Lip Without Looking Too Much?
A. When you wear a statement lip colour, this is the main focus of your look. Therefore, the rest of your makeup should be toned down.
Simply compliment your statement lip with barely-there makeup. I apply a light layer of foundation, with subtly highlighted skin and a neutral eye palette.
To create this look I would use BeautyCounter Red Color Intense Lipstick, alongside my BeautyCounter Luminous Powder Highlighter and BeautyCounter Velvet Eyeshadow Palette in Classic.
It is also important that you choose the right statement red shade for your skin. If your skin is fair or has pink undertones, try cooler reds with blue undertones. If your skin has yellow undertones, try reds with a brownish undertone. If you have very dark or black skin, you can try reds with orange undertones.
Taking Care Of Your Lips
Before we embark on another makeup trend, I want to share my tips for looking after your lips. This will help you to create the best results.
Our lips have a lesser amount of oil glands and no ability to create the sun-filtering natural melanin. This means that they have virtually no protection of their own.
This can often cause our lips to become chapped and can occur in any season. So to avoid this, you should use a lip balm regularly.
The BeautyCounter Lip Conditioner is a product that I use on a daily basis. It is made up of avocado oil, shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil, and jojoba oil.
This formula ensures my lips are soft and hydrated. You can also maintain the softness in your lips by massaging your lips for about 5 minutes every day, this will also improve the blood circulation in your lips.
Tackling A Lip Trend
Ombré Lip
Ombré lips are more than just a makeup trend. This lip look is also the ultimate hack for faux full lips.
The lip contouring technique uses highlights and shadows to create fuller looking lips. The lighter lipstick acts as the highlighting shade and the darker one acts as the bronzer to define like you would in face contouring.
What you’ll need:
- Lip Balm – I use the BeautyCounter Lip Conditioner (as previously mentioned)
- Lip Liner
- Two Lipsticks in similar shades
- A precision brush – As you may have seen in my previous posts I use the BeautyCounter Precision Brush – it is one of my go-to applicators as it has a multitude of uses.
- Highlighter and bronzer – The bronzer I use are the BeautyCounter Radiant All Over Bronzer and BeautyCounter Luminous Powder Highlighter.
Creating the look:
- Grab your chosen lip liner —it should be slightly darker than your natural lip color. Start by outlining your lips and shade in the corners to add dimension.
- Using a precision brush, apply your lighter lipstick, ensuring you avoid the outer edge of your lips.
- Next, grab your darker lipstick and apply it to the corners of your lips, where you initially shaded with the lip pencil. Use your precision brush again to blend the area where the two shades meet, being careful not to over blend and make your lips a solid color.
Like all make-up trends, this might take some practice, but you’ll be a pro in no time!
What are your lip tips and tricks? I would love for you to share them with me!