Don’t neglect your smile maker

Time and time again I see woman who are dressed well, have a great hairstyle and accessories to boot, even great makeup except one thing... lip color. Either they have eaten it with breakfast or just forgotten it all together. Some gals just don’t like it.

Well, my friends, I have done the same thing unintentionally. So one of my new habits I am working on this fall is this exact thing. My lips!

Remember, your mouth and lips are a focal point of your face, and some of the outer beauty that you portray to others. Too many of us women forget to pay attention to our lips and end up with an unfinished look. Keep in mind that whenever you speak you draw attention to your smile maker. It’s really quite simple to add a bit of pop to your pout. Here are some lip tips that just might help:



Lip liner

Lip liner should be used to define the shape of your lips. If your lips are too large in some areas, add the liner just inside the natural line. This will make your lip appear smaller. If your lip is too small, add the liner just on the crest of the natural lip line. This will give the appearance of a larger lip. Even if you don’t have to change the shape of your natural lip line, liner is great to keep lipstick and gloss in its place. I also like to use liner to fill in color on the lip before lipstick and gloss. That way when your lipstick fades away, your liner color is still there!

Lip liner should always be the same shade as your lipstick or gloss color or just a tiny bit darker. Always blend in the line. If you apply your lip liner from the outside of the lips in, you will achieve a soft, rounded effect at the peak. If you apply it from the center of the lip to the outer corner, your peaks will be sharper and pointier. You can choose.



Lipstick

There are many different types of lipstick on the market now and they all serve a purpose. Some are long lasting. These will tend to be dryer, so be careful to condition your lips at the same time. Some are glossy, soft and shear. These usually will not last as long, but they do feel good on your lips. I like a combination of the two. That way I have color all day, and can reapply a shear gloss after lunch etc…



Lip conditioner

Lip conditioner is pretty important. It will keep your lips from peeling and cracking. Lipstick is not attractive on dry lips. Some will even add a bit of gloss for those of you die-hard no-color girls.



Lip color

The sky is the limit, but keep your skin tone in mind. You want a color that will compliment your skin not add to drab, ruddy or redness. Don’t be too concerned with matching your nail color or your outfit much.

If you are looking for a dramatic look it is usually advised to do the eyes or the lips not both at the same time. This does not mean to leave all makeup off one or the other. Whatever you do add a bit of color to your lips today put the tube of lipstick in your handbag and don’t forget to reapply through out the day.

Have a beautiful day!