How to Prep Lips for Flawless Lip Color
Keep Lips Healthy and Smooth for Perfect Lipstick, Gloss, and Stains
Nov 5, 2009
Lips are always exposed to the elements but are often neglected when it comes to skin care. Lips, like the face, need to be exfoliated regularly and moisturized daily. Facial care preps the skin for flawless makeup, just as lip care preps the lips for flawless lip color.
Exfoliate the Lips Weekly
Lips should be exfoliated at least once a week. In the cold winter months it is best to exfoliate twice per week due to excess flaking and dryness caused by exposure to cold temperatures, wind, even snow and ice. Apply an exfoliating lip treatment, such as Smashbox Emulsion Lip Exfoliant, to the lips, rub gently, and then remove with a tissue or washcloth.
Lip exfoliants can also be made at home using white or brown sugar combined with enough olive oil or honey to make it easily spreadable. Apply to lips, rub gently, and remove with a tissue or washcloth.
Moisturize the Lips to Prepare for Lip Color
The lips should be moisturized before every lipstick application. Benefit Cosmetics makes a duo product, Dr. Feelgood's Lipscription. One tube contains the lip exfoliant and the other tube contains the lip conditioner. A lip balm, such as Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm can also be used.
Apply lightly to the lips with fingertip, lip brush, or straight from the tube. Allow to set for a minute or two. Blot off excess gently with a tissue.
Apply Lip Gloss, Lip Stain, or Lipstick
The lips are now ready for color. There are many choices available. Lip gloss, such as bareMinerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss gives the lips a natural hint of color. Some glosses are very subtle with only a trace of color while others provide full color. Lip gloss will need to be reapplied throughout the day.
Lips stains give the lips long-lasting sheer lip color without the stickiness of gloss. Benefit Cosmetics pocketpal benetint + gloss offers a rosy, natural lip stain that can also be used on the cheeks as well as a clear lip gloss to add shine. Stila Lip & Cheek Stain comes in three shades that complement any skin tone.
Lipstick comes in about any color imaginable with finishes from sheer to matte to shiny. Urban Decay Cosmetics makes a wide range of creamy lipstick colors that are always on top of the current makeup trends. Some lipstick colors are formulated to last throughout the day, needing minimal touch-ups.
Conceal the Natural Lip Color for Bold Lips
For bright, bold lips that make a statement, such as 1940s inspired red lips, dark berry lips which are one the top winter 2010 makeup trends, or edgy orange lips, it is best to conceal the natural lip color first. This step also provides a strong base for the lip color to hold onto.
Using either a concealer or foundation matched to the face's skin tone, dab onto to the lips with fingertip, cosmetic sponge, or concealer brush until the natural lip color is covered. Gently blot any excess with a cosmetic sponge or makeup brush. Set the concealer or foundation with a light dusting of powder.
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