Pat McGrath Luxetrance Lipstick
“Yes! I can wear lipstick again!” Am I the only woman whose mind automatically jumped to lipstick when the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people can ditch their masks? I’m guessing no. From the time of ancient Egypt, lips have been considered an extremely sensual part of the body, and drawing attention to them can make women feel more attractive, both for themselves and to the opposite sex.
Since the pandemic and mask mandates went into effect, though, this vital part of a woman’s beauty and, often, self-esteem, has been hidden from the world. But not anymore! Lips are back and below is a list of dos and don’ts to make sure yours are as lush, youthful, and healthy as possible before you rip off your mask to face the world again. Here, I am wearing a favorite, Pat McGrath Luxetrance Lipstick in Major Red.
DOs
Hydrating Lipstick
DO stick to rich, hydrating formulas with ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, and coconut oil. Matte lipsticks can be very drying and make lips appear older. A creamy lipstick nourishes thinning, mature lips and makes them appear fuller and younger. If you wear matte lipstick, be sure to add a lip conditioner beneath.
DO treat the skin around your mouth the same way you would the rest of your face. Love your facial serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen? Spread the love to your mouth!
Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Hydrating Shaping Lipcolor
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Satin Lipstick
Lip Exfoliant
DO find products with anti-aging ingredients like antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to restore and strengthen the moisture barrier. And, of course, SPF to protect lips from the sun, especially as we move into summer.
Tarte Pout Prep Lip Exfoliant
DO exfoliate regularly to increase cell turnover and reveal a smoother, more youthful-looking pout.
Lip Primer
Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil
DO prep your lips with primers and liners to keep your lipstick fresh all day, prevent feathering and bleeding into the fine lines around your mouth, and correct and enhance their shape.
Bite Beauty Line & Define Vegan Lip Primer
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer
Lip Moisturizers
DO pamper your lips with anti-aging treatments and balms under your lipstick, at night, and on natural days. When you apply lipstick to dry lips it falls into cracks, exaggerating the look of aging and leading to uneven lipstick application.
Fresh Sugar Triple-Action Lip Serum Advanced Therapy
Marc Jacobs Beauty Lip Lock Moisture Balm with SPF 18
Lip Plumping
“ISABEL” GLOPRO® BLUSH CRUSH SET
FACE + LIP MICRONEEDLING REJUVENATION TOOL + THE POUT VOLUMIZING LIP SERUM
Want to bring more volume to your lips? Try a lip volumizing serum or plumping lipstick.
DON’Ts
Lip Colors
DON’T wear frosted shades as they will only enhance the lines. Instead, try the same color in a creamy or sheer texture. If you are going to wear a shimmer, use a great lip conditioner beforehand to prevent creasing into lip lines.
DON’T pick a lipstick that is too dark or too bright for your complexion! Lips usually thin as we age and the wrong lip colors can call attention to that and the fine lines around the mouth. Try light to medium shades of berry, pink, coral, or nude, which make the lips appear fuller and more youthful. If wearing red lipstick, be sure to match it with your skin tone AND undertone. See below.
Match Lipstick to Undertone
DON’T forget about your undertone! If your skin has a cool undertone and you want to wear red lipstick, make sure it has blue undertones. Warm undertones should stick to orange undertones. To determine what undertone a lipstick has, swipe it on the inside of your wrist. If it has a blue undertone, it will appear deeper and richer. If it has an orange undertone, it will look brighter and more vivid. Not sure what undertone your skin is? Your favorite jewelry is a hidden clue; if you prefer silver or white gold jewelry, you are a cool tone. Is yellow gold your color? Then, you are likely a warm tone. If you’re one of the lucky few who wear both equally, you are neutral and can wear almost any undertone of lipstick.
NOTE: This trick also works when choosing foundations! Read the post, Why Your Makeup May is Not Working For You to best determine your undertone.
Pucker up, ladies. Our lips are back!
Until Next Time…
The Cultured Curves Team
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