Get the Look: Applying Lipstick

Applying lipstick is one of the most overlooked skills in putting on makeup, most people just grab a tube, put it on and go. While that is ok for touch ups, applying lipstick takes more time.

Choose a lipstick. You can go with whatever works with the rest of your makeup or you can choose something fun and new and work around that color. Remember that if you want your lips to look bigger, go for glossy, light shades and if you want to minimize them go for dark, matte shades. I never let that rule eliminate any lipstick from consideration though, I mainly just go for what I like.

Prep the lips. Exfoliate them, using a store bought lip scrub, a home made one like Aquaphor and sugar, or gently use a washcloth. After, be sure to apply a balm or lip primer.

Most people do not have to do this next step, but it can help. Apply a flesh colored lip eraser, or in a pinch, concealer to the lips and pat in with your finger. This is to neutralize the natural lip color. Pat a little along the line around your lips if you are going to redraw the lip line.

Line the lips. Some people say to go for a flesh-toned shade always, and while I reach for my flesh-toned a lot, I also like to experiment with using different liners, sometimes to match my lipstick, sometimes to change the appearance of lip colors. While some say the latter is a huge no-no, I say have fun, if everyone followed every makeup rule life would be boring! I think it looks fine as long as it is not really dark liner with light lipstick. When using a different color lip pencil than liner, though, you might want to fill in the lips lightly so if the lipstick wears off you don't have a big line around your mouth. When lining the top lip, define the cupids bow, then work out each side to the corners of the mouth. When lining the bottom, starting from the center is easier. Make sure you use a sharp pencil.

Apply lipstick. Some people prefer from in the tube, some people prefer with a lip brush. I prefer with a lip brush, especially with dark colors because it gives you more control over where the lipstick goes. Make sure everything goes on even and stay in the lines. Blot with a tissue. If you want (and it looks good) just leave it at that. If not, apply a little more after you blot.

Apply finishing touches. If you would like gloss over the lipstick, apply at the center of your bottom lip and the center of your top lip. Blend outward towards the corners. By emphasizing the center, you make lips look plumper. You can also highlight the area above the cupids bow with a highlighter to make lips look big if you do not want gloss. Don't forget to touch up throughout the day/night!