Lipstick holds an incredible amount of power in its little bullet. It can completely transform a look, give you immediate confidence, brighten the whole complexion and even make teeth appear whiter! But it’s also pretty intimidating. When it’s sitting so prominently front and centre, you need to get it right.
In honour of National Lipstick Day today, we asked Australia’s top makeup artists to share their secrets of the trade.
“Lips! One of my favourite features to work with as a makeup artist. Lips can drastically change your look, here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way.”
Ashlea Penfold, makeup artist and founder of Base Camp Beauty
How To Choose The Best Lipstick Shade
“The right shade of lipstick can complement your eyes, making them appear brighter and more vivid. Cool-toned eyes could go for warm lipstick shades like coral and red, whereas warm-toned eyes could opt for cool lip colour shades such as plums.” Cait Provan, makeup artist for Eye of Horus
Lipstick Prep Hack
“This is an old school tip I learnt from some of the top artists when I was learning; Mix a sprinkle of bi-carb soda and water to make a paste and massage into lips. This will leave the perfect exfoliated smooth base for lipstick application.” Ashlea Penfold, makeup artist and founder of Base Camp Beauty
The Best Brush For Applying Lipstick
“Apply lipstick using a lip brush for more of a defined shape and clean up any mistakes with a little foundation, if needed.” Christina Sikalias, makeup artist
“Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to soften out your lipstick edges if it’s too intense. This will give you a more wearable look.” Ashlea Penfold, makeup artist and founder of Base Camp Beauty
"I love using a fluffy brush to blend in lipstick. It always looks more beautiful; it softens the look for a lived-in vibe." Holly Fraser, makeup artist
“For a more subtle lip look, try applying a wash of colour by using your finger to dab the lipstick on. Then use the same finger to dab the lipstick onto your cheeks for a matching blush.” Cait Provan, makeup artist for Eye of Horus
“Be careful with lining your lips. Overlining your lips can be great to enhance the shape but don’t go past the white border around your lips. If you go over that, you’ve gone too far!”
Holly Fraser, makeup artist
Advice For Getting Lip Liner Right
“If you’re going out to dinner or an event, make sure you wear a lip liner under your lipstick. This will really prolong the wear, meaning less touch-ups and more confidence!” Cait Provan, makeup artist for Eye of Horus
“Take a fluffy brush to blend the lip liner into the centre of the lip before you apply lipstick to avoid harsh and obvious lines.” Holly Fraser, makeup artist
How To Make Lips Look Plump
“After you have applied your lipstick, apply a gloss just to the top ridge of your lips to make them look more voluminous and full.” Ashlea Penfold, makeup artist and founder of Base Camp Beauty
Tips For Long-Lasting Lipstick
“Tap a little translucent powder on your lips to make your lipstick last all night.” Ashlea Penfold, makeup artist and founder of Base Camp Beauty
“If you have trouble with lipsticks not lasting through the day, lip stains are great to put under a balm or gloss.” Holly Fraser, makeup artist
CREDENTIALS
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29 Jul 2022
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