The perfect mouth is an illusion

In February, I offered tips on the basics for beautiful lips, and what spring trend was dictating. Today I want to get a bit more specific and write about correcting the shape of your lips for a more balanced look. This information should allow you to determine which description fits you, if any, and what to do to make your pout the prettiest! Let’s see if you can figure out how to make a perfect pucker!



If you have a...

Wide mouth: For balance here, cover the corners of the mouth with a cover stick. Apply lipstick with a lip brush, stopping just a tiny bit before the corners of the mouth.

Small mouth, small lips: This is an easy shape to correct. Simply take the lip liner pencil just outside the natural lip line, then, fill in with primer and finally with the lipstick. Highlight with a dab of frosted lip gloss on the upper lip would also create an impression of fullness.

Large mouth, full lips: Begin by applying a liquid foundation makeup to the entire mouth, then outline with a dark shade of lipstick just inside the natural contours of the mouth. Remember, dark colors provide contour giving the illusion of a smaller lip. Then apply lipstick of a lighter shade carefully and accurately within this outline. Subdued shades work well. Try to use medium toned lip colors avoiding dark browns, plums, brights or pale shimmery shades.

Full upper lip: Again, try a quick application of liquid foundation the upper lip and, with your lip pencil, outline just inside its the natural lip line and apply a dark shade of lipstick. Then outline the lower lip barely outside its natural line and enhance by filling in with a lighter shade of lipstick.

Full lower lip: Try to outline the upper lip just outside its natural line. Apply a light shade of lipstick and in the center add a touch of gloss. Apply liquid foundation makeup to the lower lip. Outline just inside its natural contour. Then fill in with a darker shade of lipstick, with a lip brush.

Here are more things to remember:

n If makeup has to be touched up during the day, only powder makeup should be applied, using a brush. Use gentle patting strokes and blot the excess off.

n  Dark shades will contour and diminish a feature. Light shades will enhance, brighten, and bring out a surface. Frosts will highlight, while matted tones will not.

n  Don’t forget to touch up after a meal ladies.

Lip color does make a big difference, try it, even if it is just lip gloss. Have a beautiful day!