9 Point Guide to Applying the Perfect Lip – Inspired by the 2014 Met Gala

Beauty

The annual Met Gala has always inspired trends, and last night was no different.  From Lupita Nyong’o’s Prada flapper-style dress to Sarah Jessica Parker’s autographed Oscar de la Renta gown, each look was stunning and very unique.

However, there was one similarity between the ladies on the red carpet – Bold lips.  There were many different shades of red, multiple berry hues, and even a beautiful blue tint showcased by Joan Smalls.

Beyonce    Joan Smalls    Liu Wen

Selena Gomez    Rita Ora    Taylor Swift

Just swiping on lipstick before leaving the house won’t create the strong lips that these lovely ladies are sporting.  There is a process to perfect the look and make it last longer than a few hours.

  1.  EXFOLIATE – Run a clean toothbrush under warm water, and gently rub on lips.

  2.  APPLY CHAPSTICK – This step ensures that the lipstick stays in place, and keeps lips soft.

  3.  APPLY LIP LINER – Trace just inside the natural lining of your lips.

  4.  APPLY LIPSTICK – This is where the lipstick applier (looks like a brush) comes in.  You don’t have to use it, but it helps you stay inside the line from the lip liner.  If so, apply in a thin layer but enough to where there’s no “nude” areas.  If you’re going to just use the stick of lipstick, apply in a thin layer.  Make sure to get the inner corners.  It’s easy to see the inner corners of your mouth when you talk and nothing looks worse than having bold red lips and having white corners.  Blot, and then apply a second layer to ensure that color stays for a long period of time.

  5.  IF DESIRED, APPLY CLEAR GLOSS – This gives a shiny appearance.  If you want a matte look, skip this step.

  6.  APPLY A THIN LINE OF WHITE OR BEIGE EYE SHADOW AROUND WHERE YOU APPLIED LIP LINER – Using a small eye shadow brush, get a little bit of the white or beige loose eye shadow (use white if Caucasian, beige if darker skinned).  Put a THIN layer around your lip liner and blend.  This helps prevent feathering and creates a highlight and draws attention to your mouth.

  7.  ANOTHER WAY IS TO CHOOSE A LIP LINER, CLOSE TO THE SHADE OF YOUR LIPS – Outline the edges, then use soft strokes to fill in the gap.  Dab with a sponge.

  8.  START AT THE CENTER AND BLEND OUTWARD WITH A LIP BRUSH – Blot with a tissue and dust with translucent powder, then apply a second coat.  For just a hint of color, dab lipstick on with your finger.

  9.  PAINT THE PERIMETER OF YOUR LIPS WITH CONCEALER SO THE COLOR WON’T BLEED.  A transparent gloss will brighten, and to thin out the color, apply a waxy lip balm.  To make lips look plump and full, apply shimmery gloss to the middle of your bottom lip.

Voilà!  A perfect Met Gala worthy lip! 

 

– For more instructions, http://www.wikihow.com/Apply-the-Perfect-Red-Lip