Define your lips without going CHOLA!

Whether you wear lipstick or have only ventured into flavored chapsticks we all want a pretty, fuller looking pair of puckers. It's almost always a tricky game of trial and error when buying lip liners but the good news is that it doesn't have to be! First, some do's and don'ts. DO NOT attempt to wear dark liners with a pale frosty lipstick or gloss otherwise you will be inadvertently trying to bring the chola look back and that’s always a tacky trend to try an resurrect. DO blend your liner very well with your ring finger or your favorite lip brush. DO NOT overline your lips to try and fake a much bigger lip than you actually have, it’s a ridiculous idea and you look ridiculous in it! DO NOT use black or chocolate brown eyeliners unless you’re walking the catwalk in some over the top modern runway show or are super dark complected and those colors actually look natural on you. (Hopefully an experienced MUA has advised you on this situation) Now a little theory, there are really two lip liner scenarios; (1)You are about to rock a Dita Von Teese, retro red lip and need a full color red liner to go along with your bold lip or (2) You want to define your everyday lip color routine with a neutral, blends in well with your natural lip color and or any lipstick/gloss that you own kind of liner. If you are in the first category, then have fun! There really are no set rules, if your going to wear a purple lipstick then by all means find the brightest, most bold purple, plum or burgundy liner you can get your hands on and wear it loud and proud! You can enhance lipstick or make it last longer by partially or completely filling in your lips before you apply lipstick with a liner the exact same color are you lipstick or a little deeper. I always favor the latter, when your liner is a little bit darker even just half of a shade it creates beautiful shadows and contours without taking away all the attetion from the main star, your lipstick. If your wanting to just difine your lip without having to change its color totally or to just give your lips a stained look so you can wear your favorite clear gloss then I suggest using a nude pencil that is one or two shades darker than your natural lip color. Nude is a confusing term though, because there can a be an entire crayola box of nudes.. berry nudes, red nudes ect. If your fair, pink and coral nudes are best for you, colors like caramel, rose and so on. If your in the beige family (most likely olive skin toned) you want shades like toast, cinnamon, raisin. If your darker complected with foundation shades like deep and toffee then you want liner shades in chocolate chip (actual color i've come acrossed) brick and blackberry. So now that i've debunked the mystery of lip liners, go shopping and have fun! I've listed some of my fave liners and or brands for your convenience. Natural liners: 1. Origins 2. L'oreal 3. Clinique Full color bold pencils: 1. Makeup Forever 2. MAC 3. URBAN DECAY 4. Fashion Fare