Growing up in an Italian family meant that glamour was at the forefront of my childhood. I don’t mean to say that I was forever being whisked around fancy hotels and department stores, or even restaurants (pasta all day, every day – why pay for what your mum can definitely do better at home?). No, I’m talking about old-school glamour: in my family, we get through industrial quantities of hairspray, nails always match your handbag, and you do not step out of the house without lipstick. "I’m ready to leave" generally means my mum and my sister and me stopping in front of the hallway mirror to swipe on some colour while my dad warms up the car. We have no hard and fast rules when it comes to hue; my sister favours berry tones, my mum likes dusky pinks, I fluctuate between nudes and bold reds. But always rich pigment, creamy texture and a tube with that oh-so-satisfying ‘click’ shut.
I think part of the reason the women in my family wouldn’t dream of going out without lipstick is that it’s so instantly transformative – you can have next to nothing else on, yet just a pop of colour on the lips suddenly makes you look like you’ve made a real effort.
Now, while I can’t say I’ve written the book on lipstick, I have chaired a panel on it. I am such a lipstick nerd – the sort who can be known at a party just by my prints on a wine glass – that leading a roundtable discussion about lipstick tips with Burt’s Bees was the stuff of dreams. The occasion? Celebrating their 100% Natural Lipstick range which delivers 8-hour moisturisation - there are 18 incredibly covetable hues in a satin finish to suit every skin tone.
I’ve whittled down five of the best tips I’ve learned as a lifelong lipstick lover, from avoiding application faux pas to tackling dry lips. Read on for more…
1. Do the ‘finger test’
This is a tip my mum taught me when I was very little and I’ve always stood by it. Sure, it’s a little awkward to do on public transport but as long as you don’t draw it out, you’ll be okay. The tip? Once you’ve applied your lipstick and you’re happy with the intensity, before you close your mouth, pop your finger in your mouth and close your lips around it. Pull it out, and all the lipstick that otherwise would have ended up on your teeth will now be on your finger instead. I am a firm believer that there should be an unwritten law that it’s not only permissible but necessary to tell women when they’ve got lipstick on their teeth, but until I’m prime minister, this’ll have to do. Now, do I wish I had known this before my leavers' ball? Yes. Do I hold it against my mum for telling me when I got home and not earlier? Also, yes.
Burt's Bees Lipstick pictured: Fuchsia Flood
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer.
2. Hydration is key
Nobody likes chapped lips. They’re unsightly and they’re uncomfortable, but if you’re of a slightly drier skin type (like me), you’ll probably find yourself a bit more prone to them. If you want your lipstick to go on soft and flake-free, you need to do a little bit of prep. Firstly, a scrub: a warm damp flannel works well, or your toothbrush, to exfoliate your lips and get them super-smooth. Then, apply an intensive lip balm before bed (be as liberal as you like here) for some serious overnight hydration. After this, picking the right formula is key. Burt’s Bees' 100% Natural Lipsticks are moisture-rich thanks to the rather delicious ingredients like raspberry seed oil and moringa oil which soften and hydrate your lips throughout the day – always a plus for keeping your pout looking its best. What dry patches?
Burt's Bees Lipstick pictured: Suede Splash
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer.
3. Fake a lip liner
Ah, cotton buds. Is there anything they can’t do? Tidy up winged liner, clean up the backs of nails post-manicure...and in a pinch, they make a great lip liner. Simply swirl the tip between your fingers to remove any extra fluff, then get a bit of lipstick on the tip. If your lipstick’s worn down a little and has lost its pointy tip, you’ll find it easier to draw around the outline of your lips with a cotton bud than attempting anything neat with a flat lipstick, trust me. You can even overline your lips slightly, if you like, or balance out any irregularities in your natural lip line. The main point of lip liner, in my humble opinion, is to make the filling-in of your lips easier, and having a clear outline does just that. The reshaping and resizing benefits are the cherry on top – and not having to buy another bit of kit makes it even better.
Burt's Bees Lipstick pictured: Crimson Coast
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer.
4. Don’t forget concealer
Sure, if you’re swiping on something balmy and sheer, you might not need to bother with this, but if you’re wearing anything with a richer pigment, it’s time to find your inner perfectionist. Once you’re done applying, grab a fine brush and your favourite concealer and slowly drag a little bit of concealer around the outline of your lips. It’ll cover any microscopic imperfections and help you smooth out your lip line for a fuller, neater look. It also has the added bonus of stopping your lipstick from budging throughout the day.
Burt's Bees Lipstick pictured: Blush Basin
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer.
5. Blank it out
One of the most tragic Noughties beauty trends I’m glad we’ve laid to rest was the whole foundation-on-your-lips thing. Why any of us thought it attractive to turn our lips dry and chalky with thick foundation is beyond me. However, you’ll have to forgive me, because I’m about to bring it back – but for a good cause. Again, this is a tip best saved for days when you’re rocking a particularly vibrant hue, like a red or a coral. Before applying, or even applying lip liner, dab a little foundation over your lips. Then liner, then lipstick. The reason? Taking all of the natural pigment out of your lips will mean your lipstick goes on much truer to the colour in the bullet and will therefore be bolder and brighter. You’re welcome.
Burt's Bees Lipstick pictured: Scarlet Soaked
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer.Related Video
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