I have a confession. Up until about a month ago, I was a lip liner virgin.
Very strange for a makeup enthusiast I know, but at the mention of lip liner I would immediately imagine a woman with a horrible dark brown colour tracing the outline of her nude lips (thank you, Pamela Anderson).
It wasn’t until my favourite pink lipstick kept running outside my lips that I admitted defeat. I just couldn’t bare saying goodbye to my beloved ‘pinky’.
And now one month later, I am a complete convert. Lip liner is versatile, easy to use and available in as many colours as you can think of. But before you rush out to purchase your own, here are a few tips that Pam didn’t know.
Picking your colour
When choosing your foundation, you choose which one blends in best with your skin. The same can be said for lip liner. You want something that will define your lips, but still blend into your lipstick to get that flawless finish.
An easy way to find a perfect match is by purchasing a lipstick and lip liner from the same cosmetic company. This way you can just look for the matching name or number of the colour you choose.
OR
If you’re trying to match a colour you already have, take it with you and test the liner and lipstick together on the back of your hand.
Top Tip: If you can’t find a liner that will match exactly, it’s perfectly fine to go a shade darker. Just don’t go lighter.
Applying lip liner
Leave your mouth slightly open in a relaxed position so that you’re tracing the natural outline of your lips.
Start at the centre of your upper lip and trace your way to the corners of your mouth and then from side to side on the lower lip.
When using lip liner for the first time you’re bound to make mistakes. So to make things easier the first few times, apply a first coat that’s light enough to be seen, but easy enough to wipe away.
Once you’re happy, go over the lightly traced outline again, using a steady hand and applying more pressure.
Lastly, fill in your lips with your lipstick, making sure to blend it in with the liner. The liner will act as a barrier to prevent your lipstick from smudging and create fuller-looking lips.
Using as a lipstick
Yes that’s right, a lipstick.
Only one makeup product for the purpose of two. Think of the possibilities, including the money you’d save and the range of colours to pick from!
And don’t forget the great matte effect lip liners produce. Simply line your lips with the liner and then fill them in using the same product.
If you’re using a lip pencil, apply lip balm underneath, as they tend to be drier than other liners.
Do you use lip liner? Are you curious to try it?
