How To Rock A Bold Lip

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HOW TO ROCK A BOLD LIP

 If you are like most makeup junkies out there, Fall is the season for makeup. The colors are just a bit more bold, trends are a bit more daring and everyone is feeling just a bit more joyous as we near the holiday season.  One of my favorite trends is the bold lip.  Full-on lip color can really make a statement, and when done correctly can brighten just about anyone's day.  Everyone has their own way of doing it, and you should continue to do whatever works for you. However, if you are new to makeup or just want to dip your toes in the water, here are some helpful tips that will ensure a perfect pout:

#1 Choose your weapon: Before we tackle application, you must first make sure you are selecting the right color. Think about the size of your lips, the season, your undertone and what else you will be wearing. For example, if your lips are very thin, a deep lip color might not be the best choice, so you may want to opt for something on the brighter side to help balance things out. In addition to color, you will also want to think about texture.  Are you going for a matte lip, or do you prefer a little bit of shine? After you decide on color and formula, you are ready to move on to step 2.

Stuck?  Here are some bold lip colors that I personally love!:

Starting from top left: Flower Beauty Lip Service Lip Butter in Cherry Chiffon, Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Best Red, Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Flirty Fuchsia, Ilia Lipstick Crayon in Karma Chameleon, OCC Lip Tar in Hoochie

 

 #2 Prep: A bold lip color on chapped lips.....not cute. Don't do it.  I recommend exfoliating lips with a lip scrub, then prepping with your favorite lip balm. My go-to balm is Nuance by Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Balm. I usually apply this first, do the rest of the makeup so it has time to sink in, then blot off any excess before moving on to my lip color. This is such an important step. If you skip it, you may not be happy with how things turn out. Remember, when you are rocking a bold lip, your lips will be the focus of attention, so we want to do everything possible to make them look smooth and ready for color. If you are concerned about lines, or want to make your lipstick last extra long, try a lip primer such as Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer.

 Nuance By Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Balm

#3 Be Precise: Don't worry there are tools you can use to help you get the most precise lip line possible. You will need a lip liner, a lip brush, and some concealer. Depending on the situation, I often prep the lips with a little bit of concealer (if I'm not already using a lip primer).  If you'd rather not, simply line your lips, tracing your natural lip line and filling in slightly. Then, blend inward toward the center of the lip using a lip brush. I'll often apply lipstick directly from the tube to the center of the lips, then use a lip brush to get into the corners of the mouth with more precision. You may also choose to use a light reflecting concealer around the lips to help clean up the edges. Just be very careful about doing this if you plan to take pictures, as you don't want to see a circle of light around the lips due to flash photography.

My favorite lip brush for creating a bold lip?  Bdellium Tools #542 Bold Lip brush from the Yellow Bambu set (also available separately).

#4 Set: This is the step most people skip. If you really want your lipstick to last all day, you have to powder.  There are many different ways to do this. Some prefer blotting papers, some powder over a tissue. I usually just take a very small amount of powder (try RMS beauty "Un Powder") on a sponge and lightly dab over the lipstick.  Be sure to blend around the mouth as well, being careful not to smear the work you've already done.  After you've powdered, reapply your lipstick with a lip brush and blot off any excess. 

#5 Make sure you are in balance: Typically, a bold lip is best when worn with a neutral eye.  You don't want your facial features competing for attention. There are of course exceptions to every rule. If you are intentionally trying to do the dark eye, dark lip thing, that's fine, but just make sure your overall makeup look is in balance.  A safe bet, keep the eye makeup to a minimum.  This fall one of the biggest trends is a bold lip, with a totally naked eye (sans mascara!).  I know not wearing mascara scares the hell out of most people, so if you can't ever imagine leaving the house without coating your lashes, don't worry, you can still mimic the trend by swapping out a brown mascara for your usual black one. 

Want to see the difference between the different looks? See below.

 Above: Bold lip, no eye makeup or mascara at all (just curled the lashes)

 Above: Bold lip with dark eye makeup

#6 Be prepared to touch up: I assume no matter where you are going, you will be doing normal human things like eating, drinking, talking.  Therefore, no matter how much you prep, it is likely at some point your bold lip will need a touch up. You don't have to bring all of the things you used to create the look with you, but at the very least, carry the lipstick along for easy  touch ups. 

Now that you've learned how to rock a bold lip, go out and do it!!!  The most important step is to HAVE FUN!!!  

Finished Lips

What are your favorite bold lip colors? Share below! Tried any of the tips above? Tweet me a photo of your bold lip look @MakeupMatters1