Red Lip Tips from Jemma Kidd.

I always love tips from makeup artists, and because getting the perfect red pout can be a tricky one, I thought it important to pass on the info below from Jemma Kiss. Not only because Valentines Day is upcoming, picking the perfect red for your lips is not the easiest task.

In case you need an introduction, Jemma Kidd is an international make up artist and designer of three distinctive makeup brands, and these are her tips for irresistible lips.

Jemma says:

“Lip color is one of the most fun and accessible areas of make-up, and also one of the most noticeable. From pretty and natural through classic and sophisticated to glamorous and vampish, how we make up our lips can change our mood in an instant.”
  

Application:
-         No lipstick looks good on chapped lips and some matte lipsticks dry lips even more. Keep lips smooth and moisturized with a balm containing natural oils, such as beeswax, and SPF. If you have chapped lips, apply balm and after a few minutes massage gently with a soft toothbrush or muslin cloth.

-         Dab foundation around the lip are and over the lip itself. It will tone down any redness and ensures the line of the lips will be sharp and defined.

-         Use a matching waxy lipliner to prevent any bleed around the lips. Spend time drawing the outline, making sure the lips are completely symmetrical and the bow is even. An uneven top lip shows up with red lipstick more than any other color. Start at the V of the Cupid’s bow and take the liner right into the corners.

-         Fill in the lip with the pencil to hold the lipstick in place and make it last longer. Go over the pencil color with a lip brush, working it into any creases.

-         Paint on the lipstick using a lip brush for precision, starting in one corner and working inward. Use the tip of the brush for the edges and the flat of the brush for larger areas. Blot with a tissue and apply another coat.

-         Add a dab of gloss in a clear or slightly lighter shade at the center of the lower lip and press your lips together. High-shine glossy lips create instant glamour, make the lips look fuller, and draw attention to your mouth-a luscious evening look.


Attitude:
-         Red lips spell grown-up glamour and should be worn with confidence.

-         Hair color is irrelevant when choosing the right shade of red – it’s skin tone that counts. Pink tones are best suited to cooler “blue reds,” while darker, Mediterranean, and Asian skins are better suited to “orange reds.”

-         Deep, plumy reds look fantastic on dark skin, cool blue-based reds suit pink-toned and pale skin, while orange-based reds are less draining on a warmer complexion (but make sure it doesn’t accentuate any redness in your cheeks).

-         Red lips will be the focus, so keep the rest of your make-up minimal.

-         A red-tinted lipgloss will give a more subtle effect.

-         Try not to touch your mouth so you don’t risk smudging the lipstick. Matte finishes are more resistant to smudging than gloss.

Stay tuned, becasue my next post is going to highlight my favorite red lip colors!

Summer Makeup Tips from Carmindy.

As the weather heats up, it’s time to lighten up your makeup routine with luminous, natural formulas that let your skin shine. What Not to Wear’s resident makeup artist, Carmindy, has some great summer makeup tips to share.

“Who needs heavy makeup when you have a pretty, natural flush?” says Carmindy, the expert behind Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy. “Summer is the time to emphasize fresh, healthy skin—not hide behind makeup. With the right products, you can highlight your summer glow and let your true beauty shine through.”

Carmindy’s number one rule for a fresh summer complexion?

“NEVER go tanning to get a summer glow. Layer on the sunscreen every day and you’ll still get a hint of healthy color—the perfect summer accessory. If you want more radiance, sweep on a little shimmery golden bronzer to accentuate your glow.”

Product recommendation: Try Sun Glow Powder Bronzer, a customizable color trio that creates a complexion-enhancing, flattering sun-kissed glow. Micronized pigments offer a clean, natural, sun-free bronzed effect—no tanning necessary.

To complement a radiant complexion, go for a light, sheer lip.

“Summer is the season to play with floral shades like roses and pinks,” says Carmindy. “Put away dark shades like wines and burgundies and opt for light, fresh lip colors instead. Sweet pink shades complement a radiant complexion—plus they make teeth look whiter.”

Carmindy recommends Ultra Soothing Lip Tint, a balm-like gel with a hint of tint and healthy shine. Try the tint in Cranberry or Guava for a sheer wash of delicate pink.

If you want to try a brighter lip color, balance the boldness with a more natural eye.

“One of my foolproof summer tricks is pairing a bright coral lipstick and subtle wash of eye shadow,” says Carmindy. “It instantly perks up your complexion, no matter what your skin tone, and it’s a really light, fresh summer look.”

To get the look, try Color Comfort Lip Color in Sunbeam with the color-coordinated shades in the Amethyst, Metallic, Ocean or Quartz Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palettes.

The Sally Hansen Natural Beauty line created by Carmindy is available at select retailers, including CVS. To locate a retailer near you, visit where to buy on their website.

Carmindy head-shot photo credit: Peter Buckingham