Lipstick is one of the most powerful tools in your makeup arsenal, but it can go horribly wrong. Whether it’s choosing the wrong shade or making application errors, these common lipstick mistakes can make you look like a bit of a train wreck. Avoid these common lipstick mistakes and shades, which are unintentionally ruining your vibe and making you look older.
1. The Wrong Undertone
Just like our clothes, some lipstick shades and tones don’t suit our complexion. Selecting a lipstick with the wrong undertone can clash with your skin, making you look washed out or overly harsh. Identify whether your skin has warm, cool, or neutral undertones, and choose shades that complement them for a more harmonious look.
2. Skipping Lip Liner
Lip liner isn’t just an optional extra; it’s essential for defining your lips and giving you the perfect pout. Not only this, but skipping lining will cause feathering around your mouth. This makes lips look less defined, and the color will bleed into the fine lines around your mouth, highlighting aging.
3. Frosted Lipstick Faux Pas
Frosted lipsticks may have been trendy back in the day, but that’s where they need to stay. Frosted lipsticks accentuate fine lines and make lips appear thinner. They also look incredibly dated and a little like flashy stage makeup. For a more modern look, opt for creamy or matte formulas in more red or pink shades that offer a flattering finish.
4. Over-lining in Contrasting Shades
Applying liner just outside the natural line of your lips can make them look fuller, but doing so with dark shades can backfire. If your lip liner is too dark, your lips could look unnatural and overly dramatic. Stick to shades close to your natural lip color for a more natural look that still provides supple and voluminous lips.
5. Forgetting Lip Care
Just like the rest of your skin, the skin on your lips needs a little TLC. Dry, flaky lips are the enemy of a smooth lipstick application. Your lipstick will look patchy, flakey, and unnatural. Always exfoliate and moisturize your lips before applying lipstick for a perfect pout.
6. Too Much Gloss
A hint of gloss makes any lips pop, and it’s a fun addition to your makeup that looks fun and flirty. However, be mindful that too much gloss can make your lips look sticky and undefined. Apply gloss sparingly, focusing on the center of your lips to create a plump, natural look.
7. Steer Clear of Pale Neutral Shades
Neutral lipstick colors can vary. We all have different skin shades and undertones; therefore, the perfect neutral lip will differ depending on your complexion. A lipstick that’s too light can wash you out, making you look tired or sickly. Opt for a muted shade that’s slightly darker than your natural lip color to enhance your features without overpowering them.
8. Forgetting to Touch Up
It’s inevitable for lipstick to fade or smudge throughout the day as we eat, drink, and talk. Failing to touch up can leave you looking disheveled. Whether your lipstick has smeared, smudged, or bled, remember to check a mirror every so often to make sure your pout is still intact. Keep your lipstick and liner on hand for quick touch-ups to maintain a polished appearance.
9. Not Matching Your Lipstick to Your Look
Wearing a lipstick shade that clashes with your outfit can throw off your entire look. For example, wearing a bold red lip with an equally bold outfit is a recipe for disaster and can make you appear cluttered. Choose a lipstick color that complements your clothing to create a cohesive and stylish appearance.
10. Using a Matte Formula on Dry Lips
Matte lipsticks are a great way to ensure that your pout stays intact for the entire day. However, if you already have dry lips, matte lipsticks will only emphasize the dryness and make your lips look cracked. If you have dry lips, skip the matte lip and opt for a hydrating lipstick formula or apply a balm underneath your matte lipstick.
11. Not Considering Your Lip Shape
Not all lips are the same, and because of that, not all lipstick techniques suit every lip shape. For example, dark colors can make thin lips appear even smaller, and overlining doesn’t suit certain shapes. In order to have the best-looking lips, experiment with different techniques and shades to find what flatters your lips best.
12. Overdoing Dark Lip Shades
When executed to perfection, dark lipsticks can be striking and can draw attention to your mouth. But they can also look too severe and make you look older. If you love dark shades, balance them with a softer eye makeup look to avoid appearing too harsh.
13. Applying Lipstick Over Lip Balm
Just like applying too many layers of foundation and moisturizer can cause our makeup to slide when you layer too many lip products, chaos will ensue. While lip balm is essential for hydration, applying lipstick directly over a thick layer of balm can cause it to slide off and wear unevenly. Blot the balm before applying your lipstick to ensure it stays put.
14. Too Many Layers
Lipstick is an essential finishing touch to your look, like the cherry on top. However, in our excitement, we may accidentally cake on one too many layers. Too much lipstick is instantly recognizable to other people and will make you seem like a makeup amateur. Always use a lip brush to apply your lipstick and blot your pout in order to make sure you look natural.
15. Going Overboard at the Wrong Time
Whether it’s a dark brown or a vivacious red, a bold lipstick color can be empowering, but it may not always suit the occasion. For example, wearing a bold red lip in the office or a bright coral to do the groceries might seem a little much. Consider the context and setting when choosing your lipstick shade to ensure it complements the overall vibe.