MY NAME IS MADELEINE AND I OWN 156 LIP PRODUCTS.
I admit I have a problem. Shopping for makeup is my guilty pleasure, especially for anything in the lips category: lipsticks, stains, glosses, balms - you name it!
Whether its a layer of clear gloss or a hot pink pout, I never leave the house without something on my lips. But 156 different products?
Now of course not all of these are in my pro kit, nor does it all go on set with me, but this is still a lot to choose from for just one facial feature. When it comes to lips there is just so much choice. To line, or not to line? Colour, formula, finish, OH MY!
The right lip can effortlessly change your mood, lift an outfit and make you feel instantly put together. So in the Lipstick Confessional series I'm going to break it down and share a few of my favourite products, tips and tools with you (and hopefully rationalise the sheer quantity I own!)
Part One: Lip Care
Whether you're a little dry or completely chapped its time to prepare - Winter is coming.
Just like the rest of your face, your lips are a canvas. Investing in a good lip scrub and balm will ensure that your lips are smooth, hydrated and ready for whatever you throw at them.
Lip Scrub
Most lip scrubs are a combination of sugar and/or ground nuts with either beeswax or a cold-pressed oil. Unfortunately a lot of products on the market will have fine print like "not suitable for ingestion". Make sure to read the labels and try to opt for as natural a product as possible, my favourite is the Lush Bubble Gum Lip Scrub. I use it once a week myself and on every client as part of my prep. Its sickly sweet combination of sugar and cold-pressed organic jojoba oil has the right balance between exfoliation and moisture without being oily.
If you're not a sweet tooth try their Popcorn option. Another one I reach for all the time is the Jane Iredale Sugar & Butter 2 in 1 Exfoliator and Plumper combo stick; it's a great multipurpose product when you're on the go.
DIY: If you're caught out or want a cheaper option try mixing raw sugar with a little coconut oil. It works perfectly, smells great and is completely edible.
Lip Balm
Lip balm, often overlooked and abandoned at the bottom of our purses, is my favourite tool as a makeup artist. A good lip balm can make or break a look. Imagine the perfect smokey eye, luminous skin and a dry, flaking lip to perfect the look. WTF?
The majority of products on the market contain petroleum jelly and waxes. These products will create a layer on top of the lips, provide instant relief and protect any existing cracks. However they won't penetrate and hydrate the lips the way that a beeswax product will. Some of these petroleum products have also been known to cause stomach upset and even diarrhoea when overused.
Unfortunately due decline in the global bee population, 100% natural beeswax products are becoming harder to come by and more expensive. My favourite beeswax product is Lip Shit. It comes in adorably kitsch packaging and a great range of flavours, without any harsh ingredients.
PRO TIP: Always put your lip balm on when you moisturise your face so that it has plenty of time to soak in by the time you're ready for your lipstick. Apply multiple coats if necessary. There's nothing worse than trying to apply lip liner to a moist lip; it just turns into a kohl liner and smudges around the edges. Not waiting until the lip balm is fully absorbed can cause your lip products to slide, bleed and disappear.
Stay tuned for the next instalment of Lipstick Confessional and in the mean time comment below or hit me up on facebook, instagram or twitter with your favourite lip care tips! #lusciouslips
xx FemFox