Give ‘Em Some Lip

The weather has finally begun to turn warmer and its time for us to start thinking of our Spring/Summer makeup looks.

One thing that has been prominent on the Spring/Summer runways over the last couple of seasons is a bright lip and there are many to choose from now on the high street.

 

The beauty of a bright lip is that the rest of the makeup can be kept really fresh and minimal allowing the lip to be the main focus and steal the show. This means our summer looks can be quick and easy.

I usually keep the skin fresh, with a hint of bronzer or blush to warm up the cheeks. Add a sweep of a neutral shadow on the eye and a very thin liner pressed into the lash.

When applying lipstick, I recommend using a lip brush to get a precise edge. MAC has a great retractable one that can then be popped into your bag for touch ups later.

If you have thin lips, or you need to even them out or add definition a lip liner is your best friend. Either match this exactly to the lipstick or use a neutral colour like “Stone” by MAC to contour the lips to create depth at the edges.

Apply the lipstick all over the lip, using a firm sweeping motion when drawing the outer edge to get a straight edge.

Then to define or to touch up use a concealer brush, or an angled eyebrow brush to run foundation/concealer along the edge to neaten and sharpen the line

Another tip is to ensure the outer edges of the lower lip angle upwards, this is much more flattering and is more youthful as it lifts the features. This is something you will see used on most photo shoots and advertising campaigns.

As for the rest of the shape it is up to you whether you prefer a rounded or sharp lip. However the shape should be flattering with your features and compliment the style of your overall makeup look.

Now you know how to apply….you will want to know what to buy. Below is a selection of my favourite tried and tested lipsticks for that bright summer pop of colour.

Lime Crime – Suedeberry

Lime Crime has taken the lipstick world by storm with their new Velvetines Lipsticks. The product comes in a lip-gloss like tube and appears to have the consistency of a stain. However this product dries matte on to the lips with a very pigmented colour.  Despite being matte the Velvetines keep the lips moisturised, which is a great advantage over most other matte colours. The real selling point however is the staying point of this product; it remains intact for hours even through eating and drinking.

Unfortunately at the moment it is only available in 2 colours with Suedberry being my pick for a bright summery red.

Get it whist you can, as these sought after lip colours sell out constantly with demand so high!

 

MAC - Candy Yum Yum

For a perfect pink MAC have recently relaunched a previous limited edition colour to now be part of their permanent collection.

Candy Yum Yum not only has a great name but also a great finish. The colour is very bright and is at the bluey end of the pink spectrum.  This is great on warmer and olive skin tones as the coolness of the blue really pops. Best to keep the rest of the skin very minimal and using warm colours as this can easily look harsh and wash out the skin.

Sleek – Candy Cane

For those who find a blue pink too harsh for their complexion a coral pink is a great option.

Just like the rest of the Sleek range Candy Cane is a great quality lipstick at a really affordable price.  

The finish is sheen rather than matte but the strong pigment gives this the same depth of colour you would get with a matte finish.

MAC – Morange

The best bright orange on the market in my opinion. Morange is almost neon and not for the faint hearted. However if your skin suits orange-based lipstick this is definitely a show-stopping colour. This looks amazing on darker, olive or tanned skin. However this is probably not one to wear with fake tan as the orangey tones in the tan may make the combination a little too overpowering!