How To Make Lipstick Last Longer
Women of colour have the most luscious lips in the world so why not amplify nature’s gift with lipstick? The mouth is the easiest place to add colour to the face, the problem is to make lipstick last longer.
Lipstick is made up three basic elements; pigment for colour, waxes for structure and oils for slip and moisture. Generally, the more pigment, the greater the coverage and the longer the wear. Pigment also stains lips; what is left is the stain, not the true colour. The challenge is to marry comfort with longevity.
How To Apply
- Start with a clean base, removing all make-up from the lips to avoid a cracking effect.
- Moisturise your lips then blot to remove excess.
- Outline the lips with a pencil for definition. Use a colour similar to your lip tones or use a grey pencil which is a good colour for a natural line. Do not use a dark lip pencil with a light lipstick, it is not only unnatural but passé.
- Take the pencil across the lips, filling them in to create a base. If you have dark lips, go over them first with a pencil which is a shade lighter than your natural tone.
- Use a lip brush to apply an uneven spread of lipstick. The lip brush should be an essential tool in your makeup collection. Since the shape of your mouth determines which one to choose, any old brush will not do. Thin lips needs a pointy brush to define them whilst fuller lips, which needs less precision, requires a flat, square head.
Don’ts
- Touch up your lipstick in public. For many, it is narcism at best. Re-apply in the privacy of a bathroom, a discreetly parked car or even in a changing room.
- Allow lipstick to get on your teeth. After applying your lipstick, form an ‘O’ shape with your mouth as if you are about to whistle. Pop a finger in and slide out. This will remove any lingering excess lipstick.
- Wear frosted lipstick against dark skin. It looks cheap and is unflattering. Use matte peachy/ orangey or light pink tones. Those who do not want to draw attention to large lips should avoid red and light colours. Women can wear more shades of lipsticks than they think. Give yourself a makeover and experiment with different colours.
Main Image: Fournie, Imaxtree
