Who doesn’t love bright lip colours? A punchy colour on the pout is the fastest way to put you in a better mood, as it can instantly jazz up a drab and boring outfit. Pulling off a dark lip colour however, isn’t all that simple either.

Problems such as flaking, bleeding, uneven fading, smearing, looking OTT or simply looking out of place, are all too real to ignore. These little bright lipstick mishaps can be avoided by following these simple steps and looking your best each time you sport a bright, flashy lip colour.

 

Exfoliate and moisturise

Exfoliate and moisturise

If you want your lipstick to look flawless, these are two steps you must never skip. Exfoliating your lips eliminates dead skin cells for a smoother application, while well moisturised lips prevents dry and flaky lips and keeps your pucker soft and conditioned. This helps the lipstick stick to your lips better.

Apply some sort of a base

Applying a base on the lips helps create a clean slate for your lipstick and enhances a better colour payoff that lasts all day long. You can use a bit of your regular primer or concealer or foundation to create this base.

 

Pick the right lipstick shade

Pick the right lipstick shade

As much as you might have loved the colour your best friend was sporting last night, the hard truth is that not all colours suit all skin tones. Every skin tone is different, and there’s no right or wrong shade per se. But to avoid looking washed out or super OTT, you can follow these simple tricks to find your personal bright shade. Bright colours with pink and blue undertones look amazing on fair skinned people. If you have medium or dusky skin tones, warmer pinks and oranges work well for your skin tone. So, choose wisely. 

 

Use a lip liner

Use a lip liner

Using a lip liner in a similar shade to the lipstick you want to wear makes your lipstick application more precise and keeps the colour from straying. This simple trick can also make your lips look bigger and well defined.

Blot your lips

The best way to ensure your lip colour lasts through the day, you need to apply the colour in layers. You must apply the first layer, blot the excess colour and apply again until you reach the colour intensity you were looking at. After you’re done with this, simply close your mouth round your index finger and pull it out slowly. This prevents the lipstick from staining your teeth. 

 

Keep the rest of your face minimal

Keep the rest of your face minimal

This is the most basic makeup rule—highlight just one feature. If you are love wearing bright lip colours, keep the rest of your makeup nude and balance out the makeup. Make sure that lips are the star of the look, and the rest of your makeup is simply complimenting it.