When you’re experimenting with bolder shades of lipstick for the first few times, don’t go for the high pigmented colors right away. A better way to get used to bold lipstick is to start with sheer coverage and slowly build up more color with a gloss.
If you’re ready for a more dramatic look, find out how to wear bold lipstick, from selecting the right shade to making sure that it stays put throughout the day without the need for constant reapplying.
1. Find the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone
Making the perfect choice for your skin tone is the most important step. For fair or very light skin, pinks are excellent, while a bright orange lip might be less suited to your complexion. For light skin, you can experiment with many shades, just like with dark skin, so don’t be afraid to experiment with bold pinks and reds. Tan skin or medium skin works best with orange shades, but pinks should be avoided.
2. Bold for Thin Lips
If you have thin or asymmetrical lips, the right answer to the question of how to wear bold lipstick is… with a lot of care. The darker you go, the thinner your lips will look. A matte finish will also have the same effect. So to make bold shades for you, choose lighter colors and always finish with a gloss.
3. Coordinate Your Colors
When you choose a bold lip color, it becomes very important to make sure that you’re coordinating it with the colors of your clothes and accessories. You should also try a couple of shades before deciding which one works best with your look. Start out with testing your bold lipstick colors, one on the top lip and one on the bottom to figure out which works best with your look.
4. Prep Your Lips Carefully
Going for a bold color means your lips will be the focal point of your look, so they have to look perfect. Exfoliate and moisturize your lips properly before applying any high pigment color. When you’re wondering how to wear bold lipstick, start with a good base, and pick the right finish for the season. Go for glossy in the winter and for a more matte look for summer.
See also: Best Drugstore Red Lipsticks
5. Don’t Skip the Lip Liner
Bold shades have a lot of pigment, and that means any change in their look will definitely register. If you don’t want to check your lips every hour, it’s important to start with a liner. Choose a liner shade that matches your lips, not the color you’ve chosen. You can also use a little concealer around the edges of your lips for good definition.
6. Go with a Lip Stain
The right way to wear bold lipstick for a long lasting effect is to start with a lip stain in a matching shade. After you apply it all over your lips, set with translucent powder before adding lipstick. You can also create a more dramatic effect by choosing a lipstick one shade lighter or darker than the stain to complete a look with extra depth.
7. Skip the Lip Brush
While a lip brush can help you increase your precision for the application, going for a high pigment finish is easier without it. For a bold shade that gives you a dramatic effect, you should apply color directly with a pencil or from the lipstick tube.
8. Set with Blotting Papers
Blotting papers are usually a good idea, but they’re a must when you’re going to wear bold lipstick. Using the blotting sheets draws out emollients from the color, leaving behind the pigment that stays put. Try them for a longer lasting effect even if you already use powder between two layers of colors.
See also: How to Choose Lipstick Colors
9. Don’t Ignore the Maintenance
When you’re wearing a bold lip, you’ll definitely need to more touch ups than for a sheer color. You should also have some concealer in your purse in order to correct any smudges. The easiest way to do that is to have a lip brush that’s already been dipped in a little concealer ready to use.
10. Keep Your Makeup Balanced
Wondering how to wear bold lipstick without going too far? Keep your eyes minimal, and pay attention to your foundation and concealer. Getting your complexion even is very important, and if you’re worried that the rest of your makeup is too minimal, focus on your eyelashes. Curl them for a more sophisticated look with a bold lip.
