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Home · Makeup

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick

With summer fast approaching, bring on the brights!  If you tend to shy away from bold lip hues, these 10 tips from celeb makeup artist Melissa Hibbert will help you rock color with confidence.
By Nicole Marie Melton · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Express Yourself

The first step to wearing a bold lip is exuding confidence. “Give yourself permission to wear a bright lip,” says Hibbert. “A lot of women are intimidated because of preconceived notions or a bad experience trying on a color in the past. Don’t be afraid to start fresh and be bold.”

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
02
Take Inspiration From Your Girl Crush

Bright lips are just about everywhere, so if you’re new to color, scan your favorite magazines or websites for inspiration. “Women of color look great in orange, red, and magenta lip shades,” says Hibbert. “You’ll see everyone from Rihanna to Kerry Washington wearing those colors, so take your inspiration from them.”

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
03
Prep Your Lips First

“I encourage exfoliating your lips first. You can use a store-bought exfoliator or you an make an at-home exfoliator with brown sugar and a little bit of coconut oil. Rub it on your lips until you have a smooth base.” We love the Bliss Pout-O-Matic, which gently exfoliates lips with the Bliss Fabulips Sugar Lip Scrub. ($48, Sephora)

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
04
Create An Even-Toned Base

Create a primed canvas by smoothing on a dab of foundation or concealer all over your lips before adding color. “This will create an even-toned base underneath your color and also helps your lipstick to last longer,” says Hibbert.

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
05
Choose Complementary Colors

A bold lip color should compliment your attire, not match it. “Don’t match your lip color to your wardrobe,” advises Hibbert. “Look up the color wheel on Google and learn what colors are complimentary to each other. If you’re wearing a green dress, try a red lip.  If you’re wearing a blue dress, wear an orange lip.”

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
06
Tom Ford Beauty Matte Lip Color

“These lipsticks offer long-lasting color with high pigment,” says Hibbert. ($50, shades vary, Bergdorf Goodman)

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
07
Apply Your Lipstick In Light Layers

“Apply two layers of the lipstick for the best impact,” says Hibbert.  “You can apply directly from the tube or using a lip brush.  After the first coat, take a piece of tissue and blot your lips. Then, add another layer of the lipstick on top.  That will ensure it stays put.”

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
08
High Shine

“When opting for a glossy finish, layer the color in three coats so you can get the true pigment. Look for full coverage lip glosses, otherwise no matter how many times you apply, you won’t have rich color,” says Hibbert.

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
Getty Images
09
Sheeq Cosmetics Lip Gloss

“These glosses offer full coverage in a wide range of high-shine shades,” says Hibbert. ($16, colors vary, Sheeq Cosmetics)

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
10
Create Clean Edges

“Use a small flat brush with a small amount of your foundation on it to clean up the perimeter of your lips,” says Hibbert. “This allows you to have a flawless lip application and prevents the color from bleeding or smudging.”

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
11
Top It Off

“Add translucent powder around the perimeter of the lip to seal in that color and keep it from bleeding,” shares Hibbert.  She reccommends Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder ($37, Sephora).

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
12
Double Duty

“Translucent powder can also help to dull some of the shine if you want a more matte color.  Press a piece of tissue onto your lips and then brush the powder onto the tissue.  This will help absorb some of the shine but still leave you with bright color,” says Hibbert.

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
13
Color Inside the Lines

Using your lip liner for full coverage is a great way to achieve bold, lasting color. “You can use your lip liner as a matte lip color, too,” says Hibbert.  “Outline your lips and fill it in with the pencil.”

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
14
Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color

“These Bobbi Brown lipsticks truly offer full coverage that last hours on end,” says Hibbert. ($26, colors vary, Bobbi Brown)

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
15
Meet Our Expert

Melissa R. Hibbert is a celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur who has expanded her beauty brand to include her makeup line SHEEQ Cosmetics, web-series Behind The Glam, national event Beauty and the Business and her firm, The GLAM Agency. Follow her on Instagram.

From The Pros: How To Pull Off Colored Lipstick
Melissa Hibbert
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