Lip makeup

Products to enhance the lips range from traditional lipstick and glosses to liquid versions that go on with a brush or sponge applicator. Prior to putting on lip color, you may choose to define your lips with a lip pencil. For the most natural effect, choose a pencil that's not too dark and carefully line the existing border of your lips. Drawing outside the lines can look unnatural. For a softer look, blend the lip liner slightly. If you wish, you can fill in the entire lips with the pencil before applying lipstick or gloss. This helps lip color stay on longer and may prevent the product from bleeding or feathering into lip lines. If lipstick feathering is a particular problem, special base products can also be worn under lip color. The lipstick you select should complement your natural coloring. Depending on personal taste, it can be semi-sheer or opaque and have a matte, frosted, or glossy finish. Long-wearing formulas are said to last through eating and drinking, though they may dry the lips. Liquid lipsticks pack the most punch in terms of both color and shine, but usually wear off sooner. Glosses are the sheerest and may be clear or have a hint of color.