This week, our Fashion Magazine Beauty Panel question was about the best lipstick looks for summer and how to perfect the bright statement lip. For my response, keep reading below. To check out the other panelists and see how they responded click here.

Bold lips are popping up everywhere and as much as I wanted to jump on the statement lip bandwagon straight away, it did take me a bit of time to get used to this prominent trend. Whether you opt for something classic like red or decide on something trendy like tangerine or fuchsia, statement lips can be such confidence boosters and are also a reflection of your mood and personality.

For this look, I chose a medium-dark pink with blue undertones and a natural sheen. Before applying a bold lipstick, I exfoliate my lips with a lip scrub. (I usually use this lip scrub by LUSH) If you don’t happen to have a lip scrub, try applying a thick layer of lip balm, and gently scrubbing your lips using a soft toothbrush to slough away any dead skin. This step ensures that you are working on a smooth and even surface. I then line my lips with a lip liner to prevent any “bleeding” outside the lip line. If you don’t have a matching lip liner, you can use a colourless one like I did to extend the wear of your lipstick and prevent feathering. For the rest of my makeup, I decided to keep it pretty neutral, skipping blush, bronzer and eye shadow in the crease, and adding only a light shade of shadow to my lids, a touch of mascara and bit of liner.

Tip: Storing bright lipstick in the fridge makes it easier to apply! The cold temperature actually makes it sharper and easier to manipulate, thus preventing an uneven application.

A couple of other things to consider when wearing a bold, intense or bright lip colour:

1) Make sure to pair the lipstick with “less intense” eye makeup since heavy eye makeup will only distract from your lip look.

2) Remember the following when selecting a bold shade: Blue-based colours suit most complexions but look especially good on brunettes, while pinks & oranges are great for blondes.

3) If you aren’t feeling comfortable, just ease into it…. start off with a brighter gloss and slowly work your way to applying a bolder shade of lipstick with a light hand. You’ll be surprised just how much wearing a bold shade will brighten your day!

Maybelline Vivids in Vivid Rose & No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner

Lip Products Used: Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids Lipstick in “Vivid Rose”, & No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner.