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Red lipstick can really elevate just about any look! So having the confidence yours looks perfect is super important. One wrong application can be disastrous and that’s why learning the basics will put another notch in your lipstick case (I couldn’t resist)!
One of the first memories I have of being a makeup artist is the masterful art of defining the lips. I was quite young when I got my start on a team working with Lancome, and then on my own with the likes of Chanel, Dior, Smashbox, etc. My lips were quite small compared to the luscious lips of the bombshells back then, but defining your lips was, and still is, EVERYTHING!
My mom has a perfect cupid’s bow on her top lip, however, I’ve always had to redefine my lips. You don’t have to be Gwen Stefani to wear glamorous red lips either! Did you ever wonder how to wear red lipstick? Here’s how…
What is a cupid’s bow?
Even the Rolling Stones knew enouph to capture the cupid’s bow in their most famous album cover. According to Wikpedia which aligns with my understanding it is as described below (no need to reinvent the wheel).
“The Cupid’s bow is a facial feature where the double curve of a human upper lip is said to resemble the bow of Cupid, the Roman god of erotic love. The peaks of the bow coincide with the philtral columns giving a prominent bow appearance to the lip.” Wikipedia
Where to start when defining or redefining your own lips to include a cupids bow.
- First start with the top outlining the center part of your lip
I usually start with the top center lip with a slightly curved V in the middle. You can and should soften the lines with your finger or a Q-Tip after defining the center lines. No matter the shape of your lip always define the top center first and then the bottom center. No “V” no problem, cup the “C” curve to top and bottom shape whatever it is. This provides symmetry.
- Second move on to the bottom outling the center of the lip
Focus now on the center of the bottom lip and create a cradle affect mirroring the top “soft V” you’ve already defined.
- Third connect the center outline to the corners
Connect the lines from the “V” on top to the outer corners of the top lip and then from the center cradle to the outer corners of the bottom lip as well.
- Fourth is to fill in the lips and top with lipstick
Fill in between the lines you’ve created for a super sexy and sophisticated eat your heart out lip!
- Optional:
Top with a gloss for extra pop dripping sexy or just leave matte for that not trying too hard look.
Best of luck with your new red lips! Wear them loud and proud! Comment below if you’d like tips on choosing the right red for you or have other how to’s you’d like to see here. Thanks so much stopping by!
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