Lip colour can define moods
Beautiful lips are one of the most attractive areas of a woman. And if they have that look which oozes beauty, sensuality and style, they can do a lot of talking without even any movement!
Lipstick plays a big role in the beauty of lips.
The history of lipstick goes back to the women of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, who applied lipstick to their lips for face decoration.
During the Ancient Egyptian times, Cleopatra had her lipstick made from crushed carmine beetles, which gave a deep red pigment, and ants for a base.
During the Islamic Golden Age, the notable Arab Andalusian cosmetologist Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi (Abulcasis) invented solid lipsticks, which were perfumed sticks rolled and pressed in special moulds, and he described them in his Al-Tarif.
In Medieval Europe, lipstick was banned by the church and was thought to be used as an ‘incarnation of satan’, cosmetics being ‘reserved’ for prostitutes.
Lipstick started to gain popularity in England in the 16th century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who made piercing red lips and bright white faces a fashion statement.
By that time, lipstick was made from a blend of beeswax and red stains from plants.
During the Second World War, lipstick gained popularity as a result of its use in the movie industry, and it became commonplace for women to apply make-up, or “put their face on.”
Lipstick was used in Bollywood by female stars during that era and beauty pageant stars like Esther Abraham who became the first “Miss India” in 1947.
Lipstick sales have also used to measure downturns in the economy, the ‘Lipstick Index’ indicates that women buy more lipstick as a quick pick-me-up during recessionary times.
There are different types of lipsticks:
- Moisturising lipsticks contain ingredients like vitamin E, glycerine, and aloe to help keep lips soft.
- Sheer lipsticks contain a higher concentration of oil, making them good for dry lips also, but they need to be reapplied often and appear darker in the tube than on the lips.
- Cream lipsticks have a higher wax concentration, while mattes tend to dry the lips.
- Long-wearing and transfer-resistant lipsticks stain the lips for six to eight hours but need a moisturising topcoat reapplied often
Lipstick and all other lip products are a major aspect of the beauty industry and choosing the right product for your lips to make them look beautiful are very important.
Lip products can define your character, they can add the final touch to your outfit, and can definitely allure the eye of an onlooker, if applied correctly.
Lip colour can define moods, give confidence and good looking lips always indicate the pride of a woman’s beauty.
Beauty Tips and Tricks
Below are tips on how to look after your lips and make them look good, vibrant and sexy.
Choosing a Lipstick
Lipsticks can be glossy, matte, creamy or frost ones.
Select the one that suits you and does not make the skin on your lips look dried and chipped.
Try before you buy, go to a cosmetics store and let them help you choose the right colour for you.
Lip Gloss
Lip gloss makes lips appear fuller, so women with thicker lips should avoid using it.
Peeling and Cracked Lips
If your lips are prone to peeling and cracking when you are brushing your teeth, use your toothbrush (without toothpaste on it) to lightly brush your lips, to remove the dead skin.
Afterwards, use petroleum jelly such as Vaseline or other chapsticks to moisturise.
For Fuller Lips
Apply a light lipstick to accentuate them and then blot with a tissue to get rid of excess.
Then get a light shimmering eye shadow and apply a small dab in the middle of the lower lip and blend.
Making Lips Look Small
To make big lips look smaller cover your lips with a good foundation or concealer.
Then draw an outline just inside the natural lip-line using a soft lip pencil then using a darker shade of lipstick to fill in this will make them look smaller.
Use muted colours such as purples, browns and bronzes for big lips.
Fuller Thin Lips
Draw slightly beyond the lip with a neutral-coloured lip pencil.
Then apply lipstick. Your lipstick will “catch” onto the liner.
Apply white shadow on the centre of lips over lipstick and spread slightly.
Don’t wear a very dark shade of lipstick. It makes your lips look smaller.
Long-Lasting Lip Colour
Apply a sheer layer of foundation on lips, dust powder on them and then colour them.
This also helps lipstick not to change its colour on dark lips.
All Day Lips
First pencil all over lips with a soft lip pencil.
Apply two coats of lipstick. After the first coat, press the lips on a tissue paper and then apply the second coat.
Keeping Lipstick of Teeth
Pucker lips into an extreme “O”.
Cover your finger with tissue, and pole it into your mouth.
Slowly twist it out of your mouth, eliminating any excess colour.
Lip Highlights
Use a very light eye shadow colour that coordinates with your lip colour tones.
Place it right in the centre of your upper and lower lips to make the beautiful.
Lip Shine
Add a thin layer of clear lip gloss over lipstick or on its own.
For high-voltage shine and colour, try a lip lacquer over lipstick or on its own.
Special Lip Effects
For evening special-effects, apply a sheer lip gloss in silver, gold or an iridescent shade over the lip colour.
For smoother wear, powder lips to give lip colour or gloss something to cling to for longer.
Poutier Lips
Spotlight lip gloss right in the centre of your lips to make the look pouty and beautiful.
Fixing Lip Colour
The best lip colour fixative? Use a thin layer of chapstick over your colour.
It will hold the colour to your lips very well and for a longer time.
Balancing Uneven Lips
Use a lighter coloured lipstick on the smaller-sized lip.
Nude Look
Apply lip gloss to lips with no lipstick on them.
Soft Lips
Mix olive oil and brown sugar and then brush it onto your lips with an old toothbrush.
If you do not want to use a toothbrush, just rub a finger in circular motions.
Salt can be used instead of brown sugar too. Do this a few times a week.
General Lip Care
Use Vaseline or similar cream on lips before going to bed.
Use chapstick and lip gloss when going out even if not wearing lipstick.
Healthy and beautiful lips are also the basis of a good diet, lots of water to avoid chapped lips from dehydration and paying attention to your lips like any other part of your skin.
Remember beautiful lips always make a difference to your feminine appearance. So, give your lips that special care they deserve.
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