At the Dior Addict lipstick event, Dior had 2 of their international makeup artists give some tips and pointers about lipstick and its application and some common mistakes people make. Naturally, I was busy as a beaver taking notes so I could come here and share it ;)
The 2 Dior international artistes were Mr. Ivan Chew from Taiwan and Mr. Kim Seung Won from Korea (Yes Natalie – you were right!) both of whom created the 4 Dior Addict looks for the event. The focus however, was on lipsticks so here are some tips that were shared.
1. Common mistake – Lipgloss that is too thick over lipstick
To Mr. Ivan Chew a mistake he finds common in Asia is applying lipgloss that is too thick over lipstick. This, he says, gives a thick goopy look to the lips that isn’t flattering. You know, when a guy tells you that look isn’t flattering, its really time to stop eh? :P Well other than using a glossy lipstick like the new Dior Addict one, what one can do to avoid this mistake is to apply only a thin layer of lipgloss, just to add a shine to the lips. I find a good way to do this is to just dab a dot of lipgloss in the center of the lip and then blend over the lip. This gives a thin layer of gloss that adds a pretty shine but isn’t goopy.
2. Common Mistake – Lipstick application technique
To Mr. Kim, a common mistake is how one applies lipstick. You should not tilt your head back when you apply lipstick because the line may be spoilt. And lipstick really is about giving a good line to your lips. So, look directly at the mirror, not downwards, keep lips together or lightly parted, and smile to stretch the skin on your lips so your lipstick goes on more smoothly. Happily, this is something I practice already – yay! :)
3. How to get red lipstick to look good?
Mr. Kim’s suggestion is to use a lip brush if you really want a good defined red lip. What’s important, he says is to pay attention to the “pyramids” of the lips – the peaks at the cupid’s bow that defines your lip shape. Using a lip brush gives you better control over shaping your lips, as opposed to just swiping it directly from the tube. I have to start paying attention to lip brushes!
4. How to get lipstick to last longer?
Mr. Ivan Chew suggests using a lip pencil first. Many of us know this already but it would be worth repeating. First, use a lip pencil to line and colour in your lips. Then, apply a complementing lip colour over it. When your lip colour wears off, the colour of the lip pencil will remain and so, you have longer lasting lip colour! Also, the lip pencil gives the lipstick a base to grab onto and so it lasts longer too.
Did you learn something new? I definitely did! So now, instead of just smiling in the morning to apply blush, smile again to swipe on your lipstick. It might herald the start of a beautiful day ;)
Paris B
I heard somewhere that “prepping” the lips with concealer will make the color of our lips more neutral and hence, the color of the lipstick more true to the tube…
And yes, time to invest in lipbrushes. ^.^
Yup. You can prep your lips with foundation or concealer to mute the colour of your lips and then it’ll show up the actual lipstick/lipgloss colour when you apply it. I don’t practice it because I don’t want to eat concealer/foundation. I believe that since lipstick/lipglosses are formulated for use on the lips, the colours and ingredients are lip safe and safe to ingest. But I’m not sure about ingredients in concealer/foundation :P
eeep! I made mistake from #1 – #3! :S
Haha! Time to remedy that! :D
i agree with the first one. I’ve seen a few who apply pretty generous of lipgloss on their lips that it looked like icing layer! and yes lip pencil should be important as well.
LOL at “Icing layer” Yeah some people over do it so it stops being sexy eh? :)
Glad to know that I already am practicing all the tips mentioned! Yeehaa! I do use a dab of gloss on the middle of my bottom lip and blend this out. Not for office tho’ as I prefer a matte look for work. I also apply lipstick looking straight into the mirror and for brighter colors like red, I use a brush to get good definition. Mistakes show up more easily with bright colors – hence why I use a brush. Finally, I use a liner in a complimentary color or slightly deeper to layer under my lipstick…this I found out by trial and error after noticing that my lippies get ‘eaten up’ by 10.00am! Not anymore because of layering…..and I love that I can just put on lipstick and be confident that there will still be a hint of color at the end of the day. (Waa, so long the comment, sorry ah Paris…a bit excited leh!)
Good on ya Jackie! Thanks for sharing your experiences too, and there’s no word limit you know :D So share away!
great tips! actually i think i have been lacking in the lip care & lipstick department BOO! always find it cumbersome to reapply after every hour or after a drink T.T
then again without some lip color we looked so pale & washout in photos!
my this year resolution is to apply more lipstick & lip care!!
plump and luscious ready for pucker any time!
You’re absolutely right. Lipstick can really transform a look. Try using a tinted lip balm or lip stain if you don’t like using lipstick or forget to :)
Yes, I heard about that method and it actually prolongs your lip color! I’m just too lazy to do it on regular days! For bridal clients, that’s the best secret :D
You and me both! I don’t do the lip pencil thing because it just seems to take so much longer to complete the makeup. Then again, I do keep a whole bunch of lipsticks in my to-go makeup kit which is why I’m rather lax at keeping lipstick on ;) But you’re right. For events or brides, its a must have!
I only use lipbrushes when the lipstick is dry as hell (read MAC), but I must say I dislike overly defined lips. I like to spread the lipstick with my fingers, focussing on the centre of the lips and smudging the rest. I think it’s gives a more youthful look, mainly when it comes to dark lipsticks. Aaand also because I’m lazy!^^ I tend to do my makeup using only the fingers – well, maybe a brush or two for eyeliner and powder – to speed it up. Oh, but this finger-dabbing technique is no good for bright red lipsticks. Maybe I should really take your advice in that one! ;)
Lip pencils are great, they do hold the lipstick longer. Unfortunately I lost mine so I’m always reapplying lipstick. :( Well, at least I don’t make the lipgloss mistake – since I dread lipglosses! :) But I do use it alone from time to time, when my lips are so dry they can’t take lipstick. Unless it is Dior Serum de Rouge, of course! That lipstick is godsend for dry lips!