Gothic matte lips are all over the runways this fall and pair perfectly with gorgeous matte foundation. The problem with bold matte lips is that it can be super unflattering if done incorrectly. Unfortunately very few of us are blessed with perfect lips so this post is for girls who want to try the trend but in a more sidewalk friendly rather than runway-friendly.
The problem with matte lips is that they bring focus right to your mouth. So it you have dry lips they will appear drier, if you have thin lips they will appear thinner. I have both these issues so I never embraced the trend the first time around. However, I am now older and wiser, and I reaaaaaaaally love the matte colours. So here’s how you can create big luxurious matte lips:
Matte lip always appear easy but trust me you need tools if you’re not going to look like the Joker from the Batman comics
a) You need scrubbed and moisturized lips. Flakes ruin this look and make you look like you have a communicable disease. Use an exfoliating lip scrub every other day and apply lip balm judiciously. I even photographed two lip balm products because to prep my lips I needed to keep at least one handy at all times. The Jack Black lip balm was in my bathroom while I carried the Fresh Sugar tinted balm in my purse. Once your lips are flake free you’re ready to move onto the next step.
b) Use a lip liner or lip primer to plump your lips and disguise fine lines. Even a light layer of foundation on your mouth can accomplish this. Personally I am in LOVE with the Tarte Amazonian Clay Universal Lip Liner for its plumping effect and its longevity.
c) Good Quality Lipstick. If you truly want to embrace this trend then you need the right product – something that lasts, moisturizes, and is in a colour you love. I cannot recommend Bite Beauty Lipsticks enough. They are high quality and the new Maple Matte Creme Lipstick collection colors are straight off the runways.
d) Application time – The dot method. To avoid that slicked on ‘clown look’ that can happen with high pigment lipsticks it’s a good idea to take your lipstick brush and ‘dot’ the colour on. If you’re trying to get fuller lip focus on get the color more concentrated on the edged of you mouth while leaving the center of your lips lighter to create the illusion of fullness with shading rather than sheen.
e) Create Depth. Blend the dots. If you want your lips to appear even bigger you can fake it by applying a little bit of eyeshadow in a lighter complimentary colour in the center of your lips. I used the matte shade of Wind from the Stila ‘In The Know’ palette.
f) Blend. This is the final and most satisfying step. Use your lipstick brush and the dot method to increase the concentration of the color until you get the shade you want. I always recommend to build up strong colors gradually since it’s always easier to add color then take it away. I also recommend using a Q-tip to get that soft airbrushed appearance to your matte lip.
I hope you have fun trying out this trend. I would love to hear what lipsticks you’re loving for this trend!
Missy
3 Canadian Beauties 