Make-Up Tips: How to Choose Lip Products?

Lipstick has been around for ages – quite literally so. From the ancient Sumerian people who had invented and worn lipstick 5,000 years ago, to Egyptians like Cleopatra who was famous for crushing bugs to add colour to their lips, lipstick has been part of history for showing status and making a statement. This day and age, lipsticks still play a part in changing your look and style, even more than ever.

There isn’t a set rule for how lipstick should be applied, but there is a general foolproof way of choosing a lip colour, as well as how to care for your lips. Here are some tips and tricks for the next time you go lipstick shopping.

Invest in a good lip balm

The first step to lip make-up, or any kind of make-up for that matter, is caring for it. Ensure that your lips are well-moisturised and healthy, so any product application thereafter will go on smoothly and prevent the formation of flaky lips. For example, just as you are about to begin your make-up routine or skincare routine, dap a generous amount of a balm such as the Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm. By the time you’re ready to apply some lip products, your lips would be prepared.

Choose a texture that suits you

There are many types of lip cosmetics to choose from, but be sure to choose one that you’re most comfortable with.

For those who shy away from any loud colour and prefer to keep it natural, consider a lipstick that enhances the natural lip colour, such as the Joli Rouge Lacquer Lipstick, a liquid lipstick and balm with a glossy texture that will keep your lips hydrated the whole day. Another option is the Water Lip Stain, which would serve as a lip tint that would bring a more natural-looking pop of colour to the face.

Beginners in lipstick-wearing or those who would like a more sheer colour and nourishing formula to complement their make-up look, instead of making the lips the focal point, would benefit from a satin and creamy lip lacquer, such as the Joli Rouge Lacquer.

Determine your skin’s undertone

The first step to choosing the right colour for you is to make sure it matches your skin’s undertone. Here’s how to figure it out simply - look at the inner parts of your arm, and the veins on the inside of your wrist.

• Warm undertone
  Your skin’s base tone is yellow or gold, and you have greenish veins. It is recommended that you stick to warmer colours, such as Joli Rouge Lacquer’s 742L Joli Rouge.
• Cool undertone
  Your skin has hints of blue, pink or red, and your veins are bluish or purple. Opt for shades with blue or purple tones in them. Lipstick that would look good for you would be Joli Rouge Lacquer’s 705L soft berry.
• Neutral undertone
  if your skin has a bit of both, or if your undertone is the same colour as your actual skin colour, you are a neutral. Your veins could be a mix of both warm and cool, or colourless to match your skin. You can pull off any lip colour, so take your pick!
  
  If you are still unsure, try on two sets of jewellery - a gold and a silver one. If the gold looks better on you, then you are warm. If you look best in silver, then you have a cool undertone.

Choose the right colour to suit the occasion

As a general rule, it is best to avoid lip colours that have a grey, ashy or overly pale finish as these are considered universally unflattering.

Special dinners or engagements call for a special lip colour like the 742 Joli Rouge as your main accessory. Its fiery red colour attracts a lot of attention and helps to sharpen your features.

The Lipstick Ritual

Step 1: Regularly exfoliate the lips to get rid of dry and chapped lips. An easy way to do this is to select a product that has microcrystals in it, such as the Comfort Scrub, which can help to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from the lips.

Step 2: Apply a lip balm, as mentioned earlier. You can do this whenever you can, or right before your regular make-up routine.

Step 3 (Optional): If you manage to find a lip liner that matches your lipstick perfectly, line your lips with it first. This helps to define your lips for a more flawless look. For those who prefer a stronger lip colour, it is advisable to draw the lips in as all of the attention would be directed to the mouth area, so best be sure that the shape looks great!

Step 4: Apply the lipstick of your choice. You can apply it straight from the lipstick bullet, or use a lip brush, or even your fingers for a more lived-in and tinted effect. For a more long-lasting application, blot after the first swipe and add another swipe of lipstick.

Step 5: Depending on how you like your lips to look, you could add a layer of Lip Comfort Oil for the extra shine and nourishment.