When it comes to lip makeup, we have two choices: stick to a simple lipstick or go crazy with primers, contourers, lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balm, lip balm creams etc. In fact, we have a powerful and often overlooked ally for perfect, well-defined lips. Nothing comes to mind? We’re talking about lip pencils, of course.
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What are lip pencils good for?
Lip pencils are so much more than just a way to get your lips defined. This powerful make up tool extends the staying power of your lipstick, prevents lipstick transfer, increases the volume of your lips and more.
But a lot of people don’t even know where to start when it comes to using lip pencils, nor do they know how useful they can actually be. So we want to give you five good reasons to add one to your make up kit.
Lip pencils for outlining
Lip pencils are the perfect tool for correcting those little imperfections we all have and redefining your lips in a flawless way. Choosing the right one is important. A line that’s too dark or too thick will quickly ruin the effect you’re going for. Use a dry, sharp pencil in a shade a shade or two darker than your lipstick to help you with the application.
Make sure the tip of the pencil is well moisturized or dampen it a bit so it glides gently over your lips. Then, draw a line from the center of your upper lip, cupid’s bow, to the corners, following the natural line of your lips. Now, simply apply your lipstick, preferably, with a makeup brush. This will help you follow the contour of your mouth and blend your lipstick with the pencil.
For a natural look, avoid pressing too hard on the pencil. Instead, lightly outline your lips with small strokes.
Lip pencils for matte lips
Lip pencils can be used for more than just outlining lips. They are ultra-opaque pigments, sometimes even more so than matte lipsticks. So you can choose to apply them all over your lip. Just swipe your finger across lips to distribute product and even out the finish. The secret to a beautiful matte mouth is soft lips!
You don’t want to apply pencil to chapped lips. Just like with matte lipstick, skin creases tend to bring out dead skin. You can avoid this by exfoliating your lips once or twice a week and moisturizing them regularly with a balm.
Lip pencils to add volume
Lip pencils are handy allies for plumping up your lips. Simply outline your lips with a pencil in the same color as your lipstick, accentuating the contours in a light, natural way by no more than three to four millimetres. It’s a simple trick but very effective.
Start with the lower lip before moving on to the upper lip. Pay close attention to symmetry and follow the cupid’s bow closely! Then, lightly blur the contours to ensure that the line looks natural and then move on to fill in the inside of the line with lipstick. If you want to enhance the plumped effect, add a touch of lip gloss to the center of your lips on top of the lipstick and you’re all set! For best results, apply a thin layer of foundation or concealer to lips before applying color.
Lip pencils to make lipstick last
Here’s the secret of professional makeup artists: in addition to using a lip pencil to smooth out lip color, you can use it as a base to maximize the staying power of your lipstick. The powdery consistency of the liner holds pigments and keeps your lipstick from melting into the fine lines and corners of your mouth. Choose a lip pencil that’s the same color as your lipstick and apply it in a cross-hatch pattern all over your lips before you even apply your lipstick.
Lip pencils to avoid lipstick smudges
There’s nothing worse than lipstick smudging in the fine lines around your mouth. Once again, a lip pencil can save the day. Thanks to its texture, it acts as a barrier for your lipstick or gloss, preventing it from smudging. Of course, having well moisturized lips will make your lipstick last longer, while applying powder to your lips before applying makeup will help keep your lipstick in place and prevent it from sliding around.
Already in the drugstore buying your lip pencils?
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