I can haz symmetry?? Because I don’t haz it naturally. 🙂
I’ve read somewhere that it’s actually very common to have asymmetrical features, like in my case, one side of my lips is slightly thinner than the other, so when I do my lips, I cheat a little to make that side look just as full as the other.
I notice asymmetry a little more when I wear darker colors than when I wear nudes and neutrals, and I think it’s more obvious in pics than it is in real life.
For example, when I wear darker lip looks, with like dark wines, reds, browns and purples, I’ll start by lining my lips first with a nude lip pencil. I’ll sort of sketch out the shape, following my natural lip line on the fuller side of my lips, and then I’ll slightly overdraw the other side, the side that’s not as full, to make both sides match.
Then, I’ll trace over that nude lip line with a darker lip pencil that matches the dark color that I plan to wear.
It’s like starting with a light sketch when you’re doing a drawing. The nude lip pencil makes it easier to see where I’m PLANNING to go with the darker liner, which I then layer on top — like tracing over a light sketch with a darker pen.
I think it also helps to smile when I do my lip liner, even though it feels a little silly sometimes, especially when I see myself smiling like a goofball in the mirror, but I’m serious! — I think it stretches the skin and makes it easier to follow the natural lip lines. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Karen – what lip pencil is that? I’m on the hunt for a good long-lasting nude pencil; I have a MUFE pencil that I like but the color’s a little darker and pinker than it should be. Thanks!
Hi Rebecca!
The nude shade is MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Cultured. It’s a mid-tone nude that lasts a really long time! Let me know if you have any other Qs about it. I’ve been using it a lot lately and really like it. 🙂
Awesome! I’ve been meaning to get a nude lip pencil for a long time… might be time to bite the bullet! I’ve reeeeally been noticing the asymmetry in my lower lip, especially (as you say) with the dark colors.
Hi Shannon,
Yes, do it! It’ll come in handy for a wide range of looks. Isn’t it interesting how differently lips can be shaped? I didn’t really notice the asymmetry in mine until I started doing lip closeups. Before then I had no idea.
Yeah, I didn’t notice mine until I did darker colors and was taking selfies! Funny how that works.
The camera is funny that way! I think it’s because it flips the image and allows you to see yourself at an angle that you’re not used to. Gives the eyes a fresh perspective!
I own so many lip liners I rarely use, I really need to get better at that!
Mama Katen, what lip liner are you using in the 1st and 3rd pics? I’m obsessed with liners lately and need some retail therapy!! Is it OK that I call you Mama Karen? I can change it to Mommy?? Jk jk! :-D!!!!
My auto correct still calls you “Katen.” Starting to think it’s suiting for you!
What liners do you recommend?
I like NARS so far but I’m always looking for alternatives.