Beauty Splurge: Lipstick

With so many different types of lipstick and gloss, trying every combination would be impossible. Luckily, Grand Central’s beauty expert, Corinna Peterson, is a self-described makeup fanatic and buys a new lip color almost weekly. Here are some combinations she has tried, loves and wear often:

1) Bite Beauty- High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb ($24) + Buxom- Full-On Lip Polish in Dolly ($19)

2) Neutrogena- MoistureSmooth color stick in Bright Berry ($9) + Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker Gloss in Pink ($9)

To apply, start with a lip primer like ‘Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ in clear ($18).

An easy, foolproof way for beginners to apply lipstick can be done with a cheap tool that you can find at almost any drug store — a lip brush. These brushes can range anywhere from $1-$30, but even the cheapest ones get the job done. In a few easy steps, you can wear lipstick with confidence and not worry about feathering, sloppily applied color or the worst thing — lipstick on your teeth.

The first step is to start with smooth, moisturized lips. If yours are a bit chapped, exfoliate your lips. A cheap way to do this is with Vaseline and an unused toothbrush. Put Vaseline on your lips, and use the toothbrush to buff away chapped lips.

Next, apply your chosen lip primer and let it set for anywhere between 30 seconds to a minute.

Now take your lip brush, and dab a small amount of product on the tip. You can now trace the outline of your lips in any way you want, but it works easiest if you start from the outside corner of the bottom lip. Fill in your top lip starting with the cupid’s bow.

Once your lips are lined, use the excess product to start filling in your lips completely. Use more product as needed. After this, fold a piece of tissue in half and put between your lips to blot away excess product. Depending on your preference, you can leave your lips like this or apply a clear or colored gloss.

 

Photo Illustration | Shannon Millard, Photo Editor