Since Valentine’s Day is approaching, I thought it was a good time to do another “Journey Into Beauty” post. I went years without wearing any makeup beyond foundation. When I finally ventured into beauty, there was a steep learning curve. So, what does a teacher do when she doesn’t know about a topic? She researches! To see more posts related to this journey, see here and here.
Today we’re going to talk about the first time wearing lipstick. I felt so awkward trying on lipstick for the first time – each time I tried either the color wasn’t right for my skin tone or I just felt like it was WAY too bright! I learned a few things:
- As I started applying other makeup, lipstick became a natural addition. It balanced out my look and became my favorite accessory! Lipstick can pull an outfit together by its color (see what I mean here) and once you buy it, it can dress up so many other outfits.
- I felt less like a painted lady when I “practiced” wearing it for a special occasion. So ladies, Valentine’s Day is coming up! Whether you’ve got a special someone, you’re going out with the girls, or having your own girl’s night at home, grab a new lipstick and let’s learn how to make it work!
When I wrote this post out it turned out WAY too long so I’m going to split it into 2 posts. This first one will be about Tips for wearing lipstick for the first time. The second will be about color suggestions!
We’ll start with tips to make the lipstick look good and last longer.
Tips for wearing lipstick for the first time!
Exfoliate and Moisturize
Though you don’t need to do this the first time applying lipstick, periodically exfoliating and keeping your lips moisturized will make the lipstick look better in the long run.
I started with the ELF exfoliator that you can get at Target or most local drugstores. That worked but I didn’t like how rough it was on my lips. I now use this lip polish, which is more spendy but will last forever and is really gentle and moisturizing.
When I do my makeup in the morning, I put on some chapstick while I get ready and then wipe it off before I apply the lipstick. I personally like matte lip colors better because I feel like they transfer less onto coffee cups, etc. If I leave my chapstick on under the matte lipcolor, it doesn’t quite dry and then I have a problem with it transferring off my lips.
Prime the Lips
Some lipsticks just won’t last all day but Clinique’s All About Lips is AMAZING! First of all, it keeps my lips moisturized while still allowing the lipstick to dry. Then, it makes my lipstick and lip liner application smooth. When it dries, it lasts most of the day (provided I apply a long-lasting lipstick on top).
Line Lip with Lipliner
The first time I applied lipstick, I will admit, it got all over. It was so hard to keep it “in the lines” and sometimes the color would bleed outside the edge of my lip! Not all lip liners are easy to use, but after applying All About Lips, most lip liners slide right on.
I line my lips and then fill them in.
- The lipliner acts as a guide for where to apply my lipstick.
- It acts as a color base to slightly change the color of my lipstick. For example, one of my favorite lipsticks is Mac’s Rebel (a plum) and during the fall I tend to wear NYX’s Fushia underneath to make it brighter and in the winter I wear NYX’s Prune underneath to make it darker.
- The lipliner acts as a base that helps the color last longer and keeps the lipstick from bleeding beyond the lip line.
In the image above: From Top to bottom
NYX Slim Lip Pencil (Prune, then Fushia)
NYX Retractable Lip Liner (Nude Pink)
Choose your type of Lipstick
Lipsticks come in different formulas and types – from sheer to matte. I almost always wear matte lipsticks when I want it to last all day at school but there are a number of great lip crayons that will give a more sheer coverage and still last a long time.
Lipstick
For your first time applying lipstick I would go with the tried and true twist up lipstick. My favorite lipsticks are from MAC. They’re more expensive than the drugstore but the quality is amazing and they’re more affordable than some of the liquid lipsticks. You can buy MAC in many department stores or find them online. Most places where MAC is sold (think Macy’s or Nordstroms) you can go in and a MAC makeup artist will help you pick out a shade.
If you want to start with a drugstore product to see how it goes, the Milani Matte Color Statement Lipsticks are a great option. Or, if you’re ok with ordering online, the ColourPop Lippie Stixs are also affordable and come in so many different colors.
Front: ColourPop Lippie Stix
Lip Crayons
These have quickly become my “go-to” when school has gotten busy. Lip crayons don’t last as long on me but they’re so easy to apply and throw in your purse for reapplication later. I never use a lipliner with lip crayons and I don’t have to because their shape makes it much easier to apply. It’s like having a lip liner and lipstick in one!
My favorites are the Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stains. They are more sheer than a regular lipstick but feel moisturizing and still last a long time. I tend to throw these in my purse and use them to touch up my lipsticks or add some color when I didn’t have time in the morning.
Recently I got a sample of this NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil as a sample and I am in love with the color and texture.
Top to Bottom:
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Cruella
Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Lovesick (more pink)
Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Smitten (more berry)
Liquid Lipsticks
The second lipstick I bought after my MAC lipstick purchase was a Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick. I had finally found my perfect shade of red and it lasted all day and didn’t come off when I kissed my husband on the cheek! I was sold!
Since I fell in love with Stila I have come across other liquid lipsticks that I love. The best are the Milani Amore Matte Lip Cremes – AMAZING! They do NOT come off. I wore the color Embrace (pictured) on a date night last week and even after drinking a whole glass of water, the lipstick was still in place and didn’t come off on the glass! These were so amazing that they sold out almost as soon as they arrived in stores but Milani came out with new colors online and even though they’re more expensive now than when they originally came out, they’re still drug store prices!
From Left to Right:
Stila’s All Day Liquid Lipstick (Patina)
Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme (Embrace – may not be available)
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick (Bachelorette)
Well, if you made it through, I’m very impressed! Hopefully you picked up a few tips about wearing lipstick for the first time that will make it a little less scary and a little more fun! Make sure to check back next week when I will have pictures of the shades above and some comparisons!
Hope you have a wonderful week! Thanks for stopping by!
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