How to apply a red lip

I get asked a lot which to apply first, the liner or the lipstick. The answer is... it doesn't really matter. Just try both and see which works best for you. This is personally my favorite way to apply a red lip. I've tried many different ways and this is what works best for me!

   I really like the Chanel lip pencils because they have a lip brush on the end that you can use to blend the liner and really work the lipstick into the lips. I think probably the most important thing to do when wearing a red lip (or any bold lip color) is to really work the pigment into the skin. If you just slap on a lipstick and go, it probably wont hold up too well. I find that starting with hydrated and EXFOLIATED lips makes a huge difference. Nothing is less attractive than dead skin hanging off your lips... so use a lip scrub or use a hand towel or Q-tip to gently exfoliate your lips. I like to use my Clarisonic brush for this.
   Once your lips are exfoliated dab on a little lip balm. Not so much that your lips are dripping with it, just enough to moisten them up a bit. Give the balm a minute to sink in, then apply a layer of lipstick. Work the lipstick into the lips using a lip brush. I like Chanels Rouge Allure lipsticks (like Passion or Palpitante), and quite a few MAC lipsticks (Ruby Woo or Russian Red) as well.  Blot with a tissue once or twice. Line the lips with a matching lipliner and fill them in a bit with the liner. Then apply a second coat of lipstick with a lip brush. Really work it in and get it perfect. That's it! It should stay on for a few hours then you'll have to touch up.
  If you want to add a gloss you can, just keep in mind that it will make the lipstick bleed and come off a lot faster. The more you layer on the lipstick, blot, layer on lipstick, blot... the longer it will last. When you blot you are removing the moisture but the pigment stays in the skin. How many times you want to do that is up to you though. Once is enough for me :)

  Here is video from one of my favorite makeup artists on how to do the perfect red lip.

Still need more help? Here is the ultimate guide to red lipstick.

MUAH!

Thicker & longer looking lashes

   One of the most effective ways to look more attractive is to make your eyelashes look thicker, longer, and darker. Everyone knows this already. You could also go out and get yourself some latisse, which I still plan on doing asap! Something I think a lot of women should do, but don't, is CURL your lashes. Eyelash curlers make SUCH a big difference! When your lashes are curled and lifted up they can look twice as long, which opens up the eyes a ton. Here's how.

   Black eyeliner, or any dark color really, in between the lashes makes them look much fuller. Get as close as humanly possible to the roots of the lashes, or you can "tight line" your lash line from underneath the lashes. I'll post a video on how to do that HERE. Laura Mercier makes a good liner for tight lining.

   Last, but definitely not least, is apply a healthy few coats of mascara. Sure, there are many different colors out there, but honestly I think black looks best on everyone. A good everyday mascara is Chanel Intimitable Intense. Make sure if its for a special occasion where you think you might cry (tears of joy only) or will be dancing all night, that you go with waterproof. Covergirls Lash Blast 24hour mascara is nearly indestructible (not to mention cheap!) So basically....

#1) Curl with an eyelash curler
#2) Line the lash line in between the lashes
#3) Apply mascara!

You're welcome ;)

Different ways to apply blush

Not every face looks good with blush applied on the "apples of the cheek".  Having someone smile, then applying the blush to the apple of the cheek, can sometimes look dollish or fake. Same goes for sucking in the cheeks and applying the blush in a straight line. I think different strokes for different folks! Experiment with it until you feel like you're satisfied with it. Try different colors and different placement. I think most people look good with a warm pinky peachy color lightly swept in an upward motion from just behind the apple of the cheek, up towards the ear. Circular motions get you the most natural effect. If you ever get too much blush, just tone it done with either a clean powder brush or a touch of loose powder. Here's a video I like to show you different ways to apply blush! 

5 different ways to apply blush

Here's another video on why not to put blush on the apples of the cheek!

Don't apply blush to apples of the cheek!

About this blog

I have worked in the cosmetic industry for quite some time now and I have picked up a lot of tricks of the trade over the years. I'm writing this blog to not only share that knowledge, but also to share things that inspire me. Hope I inspire you too!