My tips for perfect lipstick.

Applying lipstick seems to be one of the make-up areas  women find most difficult. I am not going to start telling you which colour you should wear if your hair is blonde ,or if your eyes are blue etc, as this becomes incredibly confusing and i believe you should wear what you want ! But i am going to give you a list of tips and rules  to help you get the best from your lipsticks and make your choice of colour .

1. You need to start with a smooth base. Lips look awful if they are dry and flaky. Regularly coat with a layer of moisuriser or lipbalm [you can leave it a while] , then using an old toothbrush , brush in circular movements to remove dead skin. The action will also increase circulation and help plump them up.
Also , regular use of a lipbalm containing SPFs as the skin on your lips is thinner  than the rest of your face so needs extra protection.
2. Whatever look you are trying to achieve, start by rubbing in a little non greasy lipbalm , not too much or your colour will slide straight off again and bleed at the edges
3. If you want a light colour wash  , select your colour then apply with your index finger rubbing in  carefully so there no harsh lines. 
4.Try mixing your lipstick with a little lip balm for a light tint.
5. For a stronger long lasting look, apply with a lipbrush very carefully drawing around your lips first then filling in. Do this 3 times blotting lightly with a tissue between layers. When you blot simply press the tissue against your lips.
6.To make your lips look fuller apply a dot of lipgloss to the centre of your lips.
7.To prevent bleeding , try outlining lips with a skin toned pencil at the edges first .
8. For extra long lasting colour, try using a lip pencil all over your lips under your lipstick or alone as a matt look in itself.
9. Prevent lipstick on your teeth by pulling your index finger through the centre of your closed lips.
10. Things to avoid! 
*Outlining lips outside of your natural lipline, a very dated look, and you risk  being left with a strange line once the lipstick has worn off!
*If you just cant master the art of lipstick application, avoid applying with a very sharp edge as you will only emphasise a wonky application !
11. A few "Rules"
* Dark colours will make thin lips  look thinner and light colours thicker !
*Matte colour will minimize lips.
*Glossy colour will magnify lips.
*Red lipstick will always draw attention to your face , and if you think you can't wear it, try as a light stain above .


Ok , as ever there are trends in colours , and at the moment i am working a lot with some very strong pure colours and 3 of my favourites are a bright orange by Sisley [Mandarine] , a bright Fuschia by YSL [07] and a bright red by YSL [01] . Which can all be used as a strong statement or a light wash.