Few weeks ago I decided to talk about wearing makeup right. Generally for those who don’t and also for those who already do to learn something new from it.
You can bring yourself up to speed with that before we continue from HERE
So after sharing why we wear makeup and how to choose powder and foundation, I am back as promised with beauty enhancers such as lipsticks, Mascara, false lashes.
False Lashes and Mascara
I see a lot of women love this particular beauty enhancer because it can take almost any look from drab to fab practically in an instant. But isn’t it a put off when you have to look at someone’s lashes falling off in parts scattered all over their eyes with the glue sticking prominently in dried dark chunks ?
The process of applying false eyelashes can be indeed challenging, especially the application of the glue. Many people always end up applying too much glue just to get it secure, and go through pain even to take the lashes off because the glue sometimes sticks to your natural lashes too.
Times have changed and there are alternatives! You can still wear your lash extensions without the old gluey mess of looking like a crawly spider. You can simply go for lashes that do not need glue to stay on.
They may be a bit more expensive but the results are worth it. You will manage to look pretty without the drama and pain. Ask at a good salon how to fix them. You can stand in front of a mirror and follow the directions on the pack easily.
Better still, get mascara that works!
Some mascaras can give you all the volume you need. A little less length yes, but it still looks good so you can leave the lashes for days when you need the extra flair, you may actually find that sometimes less is more when it comes to beauty enhancement.
The aim isn’t to create a new person but to polish up the natural you.
Choosing and applying Lipstick
Whether you are going for glosses or sticks, we all need that extra plum to the lips.
A lot of people usually go with the trend when it comes to lipstick. But just like powder, these enhancers can look good on one tone and really bad on another depending on what color you use. It isn’t because the other person is prettier. It’s just because we are different people underneath.
One of my favourite lipstick quotes states,
“If I had to teach someone just one thing about lip color it would be this: Find a lipstick that looks good on your face when you are wearing absolutely no makeup.” — Bobbi Brown, “Beauty”
So wipe your face clean and try on that color first. If it looks good, you are good to go!
The Simple, Most Perfect Trick to Finding Your Best Shade of Lip Color
The most flattering lip tones will be one or two shades darker than your natural lip color, according to makeup artist Bobbi Brown. This made me laugh because my lips are really dark…does that mean I have to wear black lipstick? LoL!
But I have found that lighter pinks also work well for me. Just try it on before you run off with it like a prize only to get grave looks when you splash it on.
To test shades, apply lipstick or gloss to one lip. If that color is just a shade or two deeper than your bare lip, then you’ve found your shade. Better still, is that shade pretty on your bare skin? Then that is it!
If you cannot try on where you bought it, check the color on the stripe or case and hold it against your lips. It helps if you can do this in natural light especially for lipstick you want to wear during the day.
Let’s use red as an example because I love red lipsticks. They are classic, feminine and timeless on almost anybody that is if you get the right shade for you.
How to Pick the Right Shade of Red
Many women wrongly believe they can’t wear red lipstick. The secret to choosing the right red lip color is in the undertones. Pink-skinned girls should opt for cherry red. Those with olive skin can wear fire-engine red. Dark skin looks great with deep reds. So yes, it comes down to skin tones as usual. We black woman can confidently wear brighter, deeper reds and look good in them But while you are at it, don’t’ accessorize with reds. When you wear red lipsticks, don’t go wearing bright red shoes and dress. That is bound to be disaster.
For me, I sometimes put red on after smoothing on a good moisturizing lip balm. So the red will settle in like a beautiful sheen.
The lip balm keeps it from running into crack-like patterns or drying up on your lips in a nasty way. Also gives it an extra glow.
You can also blend reds with lighter colours like a baby pink for a different look altogether.
You can also use a lip brush when applying lipstick. Look in a mirror and carefully smoothen it. Be careful not to paint outside your lips.
And for a perfect finish and keeping the stain off your teeth, dip your finger between your lips after you have applied your lipstick, close your lips and pull the finger out slowly. 😀 . Please use a mirror and don’t try to act like an expert.
How to Use Lip Liner
If you choose to use a lip liner, use it after you have applied your lipstick and be careful not to use a very dark lip liner. A color that’s just one shade darker than your lipstick is ideal. Remember your aim is just to border the lipstick in.
More importantly, it gets better with experience. As you experiment, you will come to know which ones look truly pretty and safe on you.
If you have any other tips up your sleeve, let’s hear them.