LIP LINER AS LIPSTICK

I’ll let you in to a little secret… despite being a bit of a lipstick hoarder, I actually often prefer to wear lip liner all over the lip instead.

It’s by no means a new trick, but I much prefer the result it gives. The fact it’s a pencil means it's a lot easier to apply and you can get precise results pretty quickly. They’re matte, which is a finish I’m loving recently and you can build up the colour to something really intense or just pat it on like a stain.  Overall, it’s a lot less hassle than trying to get that red lipstick with the large bullet to look absolutely perfect and wasting half box and of Q tips and a lot of Bioderma.

As they produce a matte finish, I think it’s really important to make sure the lips are looking good beforehand, chapped lips really aren’t a good look when it comes to matte finishes. I like to start by exfoliating with a lip scrub or an old toothbrush and then apply a good lip balm. Something like Nuxe Rêve de Miel is perfect for this, as it leaves a matte finish. Standard Vaseline will leave a gloss, and the lip liner just slides off. Put a little bit in the centre of the lips and blend out with your finger for a lip stain look, or colour in the lips with the pencil itself for a more intense finish.

So here are my current favourite shades, excuse the terrible pouting. I’m no Kylie Jenner

 Maybelline Colour Sensational in 'Sweet Pink'

Kiko Smart Lip Pencil in '715 Periwinkle Violet'

Barry M Lip Liner in 'Red'