Makeup artist Daniel Martin may be responsible for Meghan Markle’s enchanting, dewy wedding day makeup that featured a barely-there nude lip, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t also create a statement bold lip for the Duchess as well. Last week, on an episode of Lorraine, a British morning show, he shared just how to perfect a modern bold lip à la Meghan–just in time for us to practice a statement lip before sporting one to holiday events!
Why a Bold Lip Is for Everyone
“People are afraid of doing a bold lip just because they feel like it’s overpowering,” Martin said. You may be in this boat if you feel like your lips aren’t the ideal size or shape, but most of us have lips with minor imperfections–from asymmetry to uneven skin tone–but a full-coverage lip can actually have a corrective effect on these issues, especially when applied with care.
So if you’re drawn to bold lips but feel concerned that your pout isn’t the ideal candidate, set your trepidation aside for a bit and don’t be afraid to experiment with shades and textures. Great textures to begin with are cream and satin as neither are fully shiny or matte; their application is often more forgiving, and their sheen provides a volumizing effect.
This moisturizing formula glides on like a balm.
That said, if matte textures appeal to you, but you find them daunting to apply on your own lips, try a few different formulas before writing mattes off. Many contemporary matte formulas include moisturizing ingredients and plumping agents to avoid that flat look that is sometimes associated with mattes, making them more flattering for a greater number of people. You may also be interested in a semi-matte or velvet matte formula that includes a subtle, subtle sheen.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick–Walk of Shame
A modern matte with 3D glow pigments.
How to Rock One
After giving his model a natural makeup look with a volumizing mascara, Martin explained, “What the bold lip is going to do is really take it to the next level.” If your lips are on the dry side, consider gently exfoliating them with a damp cloth and blotting dry before the next steps.
He began prepping the lips by using a large brush to apply concealer over the mouth to “cancel out the color.” This step gives the lipstick a clean canvas, allowing the lip color to stay true to its original bold hue. This step is optional if you find that you like the appearance of the lipstick directly on your lips rather than with the concealer acting as a buffer.
Martin then applied a deep, berry lipstick, starting at the center and carefully working his way out to the lip line. “It’s always good to start in the middle so you can see how much pigment you’ve laid down,” he said. After this initial application, you can press your lips together to spread and even out the color.
Martin skipped lip liner and opted to apply lipstick at the edges of the mouth using a small brush. “What this is going to do is give you that lip liner effect,” Martin explained. “It’s much easier to start with the color and then go around with the brush. Pencils can be a bit too harsh and all we want to do is create that definition.”
Opting to perfect the edge of the lip with a lipstick brush rather than a pencil ensures that your lip will have a fresh, modern feel (no harsh lines), and just as importantly, as your lipstick fades, you won’t be left with the telltale line around the lips that a dark lip liner is prone to leave. (Another fix for this is using a nude lip liner regardless of what color you’re layering on top.)
Complete the look by applying another layer of lipstick. If any color strayed outside the desired lip line, use a q-tip dipped in micellar water to tidy up. Now, go rock your bold lip with confidence.
Do you enjoy wearing a bold lip? Let us know in the comments!
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