For some, the thought of a “lipstick trend” brings them out in a cold sweat – the faff, the smearing, the time. However, the latest lip look is almost anti-this. It’s purposefully undefined and smudged – as though you’ve had a good smooch after a date (remember those?), leaving your lipstick more casual. Think of the flushed lip of Bridget Jones and Amanda Woods in The Holiday.
Prep the lips first
While there’s no intricate artistry involved, there is an art to subtle lip-blushing. And, according to makeup artist Amanda Bell, it starts with prepping the lips.
“Gently exfoliating the lips in advance will allow that velvety and even application of lip colour. So, something easy such as Pixi Glow Tonic, £18, on a cotton pad gently swept over the lips will work,” recommends Amanda. A gentle lip scrub will also rid lips of any flaky bits and enhance the natural flush of your lips.
It should look organic and natural – not too “done”
The key to achieving this diffused look is using a lip tint or lipstick with staying power. Choose a colour that’s one shade deeper or more enhanced than your natural lip shade.
The pigment should be worn evenly, but not precisely. “It’s always best to start at the cupid’s bow, so that you get a fullness to the look,” says Amanda. Using your finger, press the lip tint into your lips or pat on the lipstick bullet and then blot.
To enhance the fullness further, you can layer “an effect” over the lips, she adds. Pat a sheer water-based balm (we rate LANOLIPS Liquid Lip Water, £14) on the centre of your lips to create a plump, juicy finish.
Shop our favourite lip products to achieve this look
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick in Pillow Talk Original
