Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Summery Lips and Cheeks Cheat

While getting ready this rainy May morning, I felt a punch of color would be appropriate as I got ready for my job at a local cupcake boutique. Since cupcakes are feminine and cute, and only my face is visible between my smock and hat, I thought some light feminine pink would be appropriate.


Then came my no-matching-blush kanipshin. So I used a little trick that comes through in a pinch - no one believes it when I say this works, but here is proof in living color - no pun intended.

Read on about this shade and technique suggestions, and stay tuned for more ideas for summer beauty!



Before Lipstick & Blush
After Application
This shade is obviously very light, but the effects can seem quite dramatic once applied. I chose this light cherry blossom pink shade for my hue to match my earrings.

The first step, is to have a clean, well-moisturized face. I typically moisturize 10 minutes before applying makeup, guaranteeing soft skin. 

For the second step, I took a lip liner, in burnt red, and lightly etched the outer edges of my lips. I then smudged the color towards the center of my lips, making sure to maintain a line at the edges. The purpose of this is so that the lipstick doesn't "bleed" out easily past the lip lines. 

Start in the center of lightly-lined lips


After the lip liner, I apply the lip stick. Everyone has a different say on how to do this, from pursing your lips, smooching them, to a relaxed application - I act like I'm about to take a baby-bite of something, giving my lips a gentle stretch while applying. Then I start in the center of each lip and swoop out on either side. On the top lip, be careful to fill each arch. Then I rub my lips together, and inspect in case I need a second coat. If not, I move on to the next step.

Then comes the trick. For instead of using a different colored blush, I use my lipstick. Here's how:

I chose to add light circles to compliment my fair skin.
For the blush, I tell people to make an exaggerated "O" shape with their lips to locate their cheekbones - this prevents going too low or too high with the blush. Then, I apply three dots, diminishing in size from the apple of my cheek to my temple. Once on, I do a dabbing-smear to rub into my cheeks, following the shape of my cheek bone. Also be sure to rub the blush further down onto the areas of your cheeks about 1/2 inch from both sides of your lips - this keeps it looking natural and not so painted.

Once both of these steps are completed, I add a matching or clear gloss to the lips, and another little secret - shimmer eye shadow. I place the shimmer eye shadow just above the center of my top lip. This gives a pouty look, making the lip look larger.

Voila! That's all it takes. A perfect way to wear a bright or feminine shade on a hot summer day. 

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