Prep
First, get rid of the unsightly flakiness by hydrating and exfoliating your lips regularly for the best canvas. For a pucker that warrants maximum impact, keep the rest of your look simple and understated. Complexions on the catwalks were clean and even, giving the illusion of flawless skin without makeup. Skin should be glossy and glowing (see How to Strobe). Say no to bright eyeshadow, give your lashes a curl, add a swipe of mascara and you’re good to go.
Select and apply
Select your shade du jour: try a sweet watermelon, a fiery fire-engine red or a slick of delicious cherry. Use a brush to carefully apply your lipstick from the centre of your lips, then outwards to fill them.
Define
Precision is key: take a sharpened lip pencil in the same shade and draw your lips for definition, and to keep your lippy where you want it. If you have smaller lips, create the illusion of a fuller pout by lining slightly outside the natural lip line. Apply the liner all over your lips for more staying power. Rub your lips together to even out the product, and don’t forget to check your teeth for any wayward lipstick. The key here is to take your time.
Final touches
To give your pout extra pop (and we can always use an extra pop), dab some luminous high shine or strobe cream in the space just above your cupid’s bow. Don’t worry if you slipped: gently wipe away any excess using a cotton bud and some makeup remover or Vaseline. Et voila!
