LIPS: Weapons of Mass Seduction Part 2 of 2

Now that you know how to find a flattering lip color that harmonizes with your skin tone, we should review some application techniques before you start putting on lip color or lip gloss. The first step to get luscious lips is to prime your lips. Start with a gentle exfoliation from a wet tooth brush. Next use a lip balm to hydrate. For the same reason one uses moisturizer or an eye cream before makeup, you will want to fill in the cracks with a lip salve. Lips can get dehydrated from the cold weather and wind outside, as well as the dry heat inside. The biggest culprit of chapped lips is licking ones lips. Saliva has enzymes that help us digest food. The saliva enzymes combined with evaporation of temporary moisture cause lips to get dried out. Lips are mucous membranes without any oil glands. They should be kept moist with lip balm. BUT WAIT--Hand over the Chap Stick, put down the Blistex, and quit the Carmex obsession. Some of these products are so addictive that their dependents are rumored to be in a secret wing at the Betty Ford clinic. All jokes aside, although these products are fine for a temporary fix they do not help us in the long term. We need a lip rescue. It’s best to use lip products that are free of irritants like lanolin, and without mineral oil or petrolatum.
You need lip products with soothing ingredients like:

•Aloe Vera-healing agent, moisturizes, softens and soothes skin
•Vitamin E Oil-antioxidant, repairs tissue, reduces scarring
•Jojoba Oil-penetrating moisturizing oil, softens and soothes
•Evening Primrose Oil-anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating and regenerating
•Comfrey-blood cleanser, reduces pain, promotes healing
•Calendula-anti-viral herb, antimicrobial and anti-oxidizing action
•Echinacea-antibiotic agent, reduces inflammation
•Purple Violet-healing agent, softens and soothes

One of my favorite products that contains all these ingredients is Whit’s Finishing Touch Lips (for $2.49) by Naturally Whit’s est. 1993. http://naturallywhits.com

This aftercare product is a favorite of technicians in the permanent cosmetic community because it’s full of safe, healing, and restorative ingredients. Whit’s created an “aftercare product specifically designed to treat sensitive areas and facilitate healing without possible side-effects like stinging or redness.” So, if the winter weather has taken a toll on your lips you need to get some of this TLC to restore your lips in preparation for lip color. Next, use a sponge or makeup brush to lightly apply foundation around the lip rim to keep the lip color from “feathering” outside the lip line. After a short time, blot off the excess foundation with a facial tissue so that lip color will stay in place when you apply it. Start with lip liner pencil. The dry pencil liner also acts as a border patrol and keeps the lipstick inside the line. When you choose a color for lip liner remember the phrase “Swiss lips”. Like Switzerland your lip liner should be neutral. Once thought of as a way to accentuate the lips, wearing a darker liner than the lipstick color actually makes lips look smaller. Darker liner was popular in the 90’s, but it doesn’t deserve a revival since it is not a becoming look for lips. Makeup artists now use a little off-white or cream pencil, right above the Cupid’s bow along the vermillion ridge to hi-light the lips. This creates a fuller look.
Rule: Lip liner should be a shade that matches your lips or the same color as the lipstick.

Finally, it’s time to apply the lip color. Select lipsticks with conditioning ingredients. The “Mineral Essence” brand has jojoba, vitamin E, beeswax, sesame seed oil, green tea and chamomile to nurture your lips while providing beautiful color. Many of these ingredients are certified as organic. You’ll fall in love with their rich and creamy lipsticks, sheer lip color, and “Vitarich” lip treatment. Right now you can get free shipping on all $50 orders, as well as, 25% off (with coupon code: LOVEME) on the favorite valentine picks of “romance”, “charm”, “flirty rose”, “Eskimo kiss”, “raspberry truffle”, “red hot”, and more. With names like these I want to buy them all. http://www.mineralessence.com/offers.html

Using a small lip brush will assist with lip color application to produce a more defined rim. When using a lip brush, spread color from the middle of the lip to the outer corners. Always apply lipstick with lips relaxed in their natural state, not puckered up. That way you don’t get too much lip color inside the lips. Too much lip color inside the lips can end up on your teeth. To prevent lipstick on your teeth, slightly part your lips and lightly press them against a horizontal finger with the finger half in and half out of your mouth. In addition, using lip stain prevents lip color from traveling. You are now ready to conquer the world of lip color or entice a world leader with lips of mass seduction! Kisses!