Written by Trisha
Kiss me, you impetuous fool! And put that lipstick to good use. Trisha of Makeup Files shows that a girl doesn’t need dozens of lip products to have plenty of options.
If only the beauty world came with directions. Most products, including lipsticks, don’t specify exactly how they’re supposed to be used. So most of us assume it’s a function of trial and error, or we learn tips from family and friends.
But there are at least five different ways you can wear a single tube of lipstick, and here they are!
These five lipstick looks use a combination of the following three products:
1. Lipstick — I’m using IsaDora Lip Treat Color in Pomegranate.
2. Clear Lip Gloss — I’m using Mary Kay Satin Lips Lip Gloss.
3. Colored Lip Gloss — I’m using MAC Lustreglass in Ornamental.
1. Lipstick Alone
The classic approach. Apply it to your lips right from the tube. You’ll get the most pigmented lip color this way in a shade true to what the manufacturer intended. After applying, blot with a facial tissue to remove any excess color.
2. Lipstick Over Clear Lip Gloss
Slather on a layer of clear lip gloss first. Then, apply your lipstick on top. Starting with a clear gloss base dilutes the pigments in the lipstick, so you end up with a lighter tint than using the lipstick alone. A good look if you want a more natural look while still using your favorite lipstick. Blot as needed.
3. Lipstick Over Colored Lip Gloss
In this look, you’re trying to augment an already colorful lip gloss with color from a lipstick. Use this method to add variety and dimension to the color of your lips. This approach results in something completely new.
4. Lipstick Under Clear Lip Gloss
Do you have a lipstick you really like, but it just isn’t shiny enough for you? Apply your lipstick as usual before spreading on a layer of clear gloss on top. It’ll add shine while maintaining the pure color of the lipstick.
5. Lipstick Under Colored Lip Gloss
Let’s say you bought a tube of red lipstick, hoping it would look good with your skin tone, only to find that it made you look sickly or not quite right. Instead of throwing it away, apply a layer of colored lip gloss over it. In the picture above, the brown in the tinted gloss tones down the red lipstick and adds some shine.
As you can see, you can do a lot of different lip looks with just one tube of lipstick. Though the looks are similar, their subtle differences translate into a wide variety of makeup choices.
Written by Trisha
This post was written by Trisha of Makeup Files, a freelance writer living, writing, crafting, playing video games and watching horror movies amidst the mountains of Montana. She is currently revising her first novel and working on her second. Visit Trisha at her blog and also on Facebook and Twitter.
Subtle, but very pretty.
Thanks, Stephanie!
I like the ideas here, but the close up photos look uneven, especially look #2. I fear it would wear very unevenly as well.
You could always give it a try. You never know, you may come up with some awesome extra lip looks!
I like wearing lipstick alone or with a little gloss over it. I have never thought of putting it over the gloss. Hmmm
You should totally try it! It may look awesome on you, you never know. 🙂
Great tips! I’m definitely going to try the lipstick on top of gloss. The photos really show a difference in the looks.
Beautiful lip shape<3
Thanks, Antonia!
I always wear two different lipproducts. Yesterday I wore a nude lipstick from NYX with on top a pink one from Catrice. I also like wearing a brown lipgloss on top of a nude lipstick
Do you think layering over a tinted lip balm or a chapstick has the same effect as the clear and tinted glosses?
Hi, Jadyn!
It’s always worth a try, but there could be a problem with this method. Very waxy versions of lip balm may not mesh well with smooth lipsticks. Sort of like oil and vinegar. As opposed to lip gloss, where the two kind of mix together.
But, as I said, it’s worth a try. I think it’ll depend on the balm.
Hm, over a lipgloss, never thought of that! May have to try it out.
As the others mentioned I’ve never tried lipstick OVER a gloss (coloured or clear). Must give that one a try!