A colorful statement lip is one of my favorite things to do in the winter months. This is a quick and easy way to add color and life to my face which is generally the only piece of skin exposed during these brutally cold months. Out of convenience, and because it is socially acceptable as a New Yorker, I have a tendency to sheath myself in black. However, like most people, black is not the best color for my skin tone. So a quick way to liven up my face, and subsequently my mood, is bright lipstick!
I also generally forgo most other forms of makeup, so a quick swipe of lipstick is a pretty easy way to spice things up without having to try too hard. The key to making this as easy as possible is consistent lip maintenance.
1. Stay hydrated
In the summer it is easy to remember to drink as much water as possible because it's so hot. However, in the winter it is equally as important, if not more so, to stay hydrated even though you may not feel "thirsty" as much as you would during the warmer months.
2. Moisturize There is nothing worse than chapped lips and caked lipstick in the cracks! I carry around a small pot of vaseline and apply liberally. When I'm not wearing lipstick this is something I reapply as much as possible, however, when I am wearing lipstick I layer my moisturizer over the color so that the color has a chance to settle in before the moisturizer which will help it last longer and lead to less touch ups.
3. Exfoliate Just like the rest of your skin, your lips need to exfoliate too! I use those free mascara applicators you get in makeup stores, like Sephora, and just dry brush over my lips every other day after I brush my teeth.
4. Prep and Prime I always find that my lipstick stays better and looks brighter when I use primer first. I use M.A.C's prep & prime but I know drugstore brands, have ones that work just as well.
5. Lipstick Here are my personal favorites this season.
This powerful and vibrant matte purple stays really well and makes a serious statement.
I sometimes use this intense reddish-purple lip pencil to create an ombre look that looks better as it starts to fade.
Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red
This classic red is very matte and very bold! I always get compliments when I wear this color but since it is super matte it does have a tendency to dry out my lips a bit (hence the vaseline over the color to attempt to keep my lips from chapping up). This is a very serious lip stain though so it stays very well and pretty much only comes off with makeup remover and a good face wash. This product comes in a vast array of colors so there is something for everyone!
