NOTE: This article originally appears in Fresh Vancouver magazine on page 20 of the August 2011 issue.  Download the original article PDF by clicking on the right (10.7mb), or read the entire article below.

There are few beauty looks that scream spring and summer like a bold lip colour. From the runway to the streets, bold lips are popping up everywhere this season. Shades of hot pink, bright coral, and fuchsia, first spotted adorning the mouths of models at the spring/summer 2011 runway shows, now light up the lips of some of Tinseltown’s most lusted-after celebs. Bright lip makeup is an important trend this summer, and these pucker-popping shades range in textures from ultra-matte to super-slick.
If you are trying to update your overall look this summer, bold lip makeup is one of the easiest and most effective ways to do it. When choosing the right colour for your lips, a good rule of thumb is to choose a shade of lip colour that complements your skin tone. Fair skin tones suit pink undertones, medium skin tones suit blue—based shades, olive skin tones suit orange-based shades, and dark skin tones can carry off plummy undertones. Bright lips can be intimidating, and knowing how to incorporate it into your daily makeup regimen this summer can seem a bit challenging at first, but if you follow these simple steps, you can easily create a bombshell, vibrant lip that will last throughout the day and the evening!

KEEP YOUR MAKEUP SIMPLE

When rocking a radiant pout, you want your mouth to be the centre of attention; however, you do want a flawless, natural—looking base. Apply foundation and conceal any areas of darkness such as under the eyes, and correct any imperfections. Put a little concealer on the lip area also, as this helps the true colour of the lipstick be represented and improves the longevity of the lipstick. A little setting powder and bronzer helps to make this look appear fresh and summery. If you want a little pop of neutral colour on the eyes that complements the bright lip, try NARS Eye Shadow Duo in “Alhambra”. Curl your lashes and apply one or two coats of black or brown mascara.

DON’T OVER-DRAW YOUR LIP LINE

Keep it looking effortless, not clownish. Follow your natural lip line, fill in the lip area by “feathering” it in, and line your lips with a shade of liner that is closer to your natural lip colour than your lip stick. Apply lipstick, then perfect the line with the same liner afterwards. For a more natural look, use your finger tip and pat the colour onto your mouth, building the colour until you reach the desired opacity

DON’T MATCH LIPS AND DUDS

I know it seems like a bright idea at first, but in reality matching your lip-stick to your outfit is a big no-no. A punch of colour can be fun, but too much at once is overkill. Simplicity is key. Stick with neutral-toned clothes that draw attention to your lips, not away from them. If you are wearing bright clothing, then go for a light application of a contrasting bright tone for a modern twist, or stick with the lovely neutral lip colours which also abound this season.

EXUDE CONFIDENCE

Bold lips may be all the rage this season, but the real trick to pulling off this trend is the poise that comes with it. Wear your makeup; don’t let it wear you!

Julie Brown has been drawn to makeup artistry from a very young age.  She has parlayed this lifelong hobby into a career that spans from bridal makeup and runway fashion show to makeup for TV and film. An honours graduate from the renowned makeup school Blanche Macdonald, Julie loves to help women bring out their true beauty potential.  She loves sharing tips and techniques with women and testing products to share what works and what products to avoid. It is this combination of inventiveness and skill that she hopes will set her apart from her contemporaries. She writes a free monthly newsletter available on her website at www.letsfaceitbeauty.ca.