I must admit that I do not use a lip liner as part of my daily beauty routine and usually skip it all together even when getting all dolled up for an evening out. Getting two kids dressed and ready for school, and commuting a great distance to get to work everyday has me practically running out of the house in the mornings, so I usually have just enough time to slap on my favourite gloss, balm or lipstick before heading out the door. But, when I do have more time, I find that lip liners are pretty amazing at defining the shape of your lips, helping to keep lip products on longer and preventing your lipstick from bleeding. Many people use lip liners simply to enhance the shape of their “pout” especially if their natural lips are too thin or uneven. I tend to use them when I want more of a defined or bold look.
Unlike other cosmetics in my collection (i.e. blush, lipstick, eye shadow) whose brands range from drugstore to high end and everything in between, there are only select companies that I purchase lip pencils from and NYX is one of them. The pencils come in a wide variety of options (60 or so) and are easy to apply. They come in stick form that require sharpening. But what I find sets these apart from other liners at this price point ($3.50US) is their creamy formula and long-wear.
I plan to pick up more shades at Toronto’s International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS) in November but you can find NYX at Ulta, Pharma Plus (in Canada) or online at NYX Cosmetics or Cherry Culture.
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| NYX Lip Pencils (L-R): Pale Pink, Natural, Hot Red, Coral & Sand Pink |
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| NYX Lip Pencils (L-R): Pale Pink, Natural, Hot Red, Coral & Sand Pink |
Using a Lip Liner: Tips
- Choose a lip liner that matches the natural colour of your lips or one that comes close to the lipstick that you are using.
- Avoid using a lip liner that is darker than your lipstick…..this just looks tacky
- Apply in small feathery strokes to the upper lip (cupids bow) first before outlining the rest of your top and lower lips
- Apply liner slightly above or below your natural lip line to create the illusion of thinner or fuller lips – this step is optional and usually not required
- Blend the liner into your lips using a lip brush and fill in the rest of your mouth
- Apply your favourite lipstick or lip gloss
Do you use lip liners?
Which ones are your favourite?
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