Lip color has been around for over 5000 years.
Early Babylonian writings and art show women adorned with lip
color. That early lipstick was created by crushing semi-precious
stones and applying them to the lips. Later, ancient Egyptian
women used an iodine solution to color their lips a purplish
blue, with severe health consequences. Cleopatra is thought to
have achieved her ruby red lips by crushing carmine beetles and
red ants and applying the mixture to her lips (Ick!).
Victorian times saw a marked decrease in the
use of makeup. It was strictly forbidden in most circles for
women to wear makeup before marriage and even after marriage the
makeup was subtle; only the prostitutes wore brightly colored
lips.
In the post-World War II era, brightly colored
lips became desirable. A change led by the larger-than-life
Hollywood pin-up girls, such as Lana Turner, Ava Gardner, and
Rita Hayworth.
Today's lipsticks are made from a combination
of waxes (including beeswax), emollients, pigments, and oils.
Some manufacturers also add moisturizers, such as Aloe or
vitamin E, as well as sunscreens for outdoor protection.
Types of Lipstick
Lip color comes in many forms. Among them are:
Lip Liner -
Available in pencils and automatic applicators, used to define
lips. It also helps in improving lipstick's staying power and
preventing "bleeding", particularly with older women.
Lipstick - The
main component in lip color, used to shade the majority of the
lip surface. May be frosted, glossy, or matte; available in
thousands of shades.
Lip Gloss - A
shiny lip covering, either colored, frosted, or clear. Gloss
may be applied alone or to add shine to traditional lip color.
How to Apply Lipstick
Apply your lip liner first. Liner should be
the same color or a shade slightly lighter than your main lip
color -- never darker. Outline your natural lip line. Next, fill
in your lips with your lip color. Using a lip brush will help
your lipstick stay longer. Add gloss, if desired, and blot your
lips with a tissue to remove excess color. Utilize your mirror,
everytime, to avoid a rushed, clown-like look.
Tips for Lovely Lips
Looking your best requires a little finesse.
For luscious, kissable lips, try the following:
Don't Skip the Liner
- Lip liner gives a defined, elegant look as well as
preventing lip color "bleeding."
Avoid Orange and Brown Lip Color Shades
- They tend to make teeth look yellow.
Store Lip Color in the Refrigerator
- I know it sounds weird, but your color will last longer.
Color Outside the Lines
- For plumper lips, apply lip color slightly outside of your
normal lip line.
Apply Foundation to your Lips
- A thin layer of foundation on your lips will increase your
lip color's staying power.
Chapstick -
Apply a light layer of chapstick under your lip color to
increase its staying power. Plus, your lips will be
moisturized and protected from the sun.
Another Tip for Lasting Lip Color
- Blot your lips after applying, lightly dust with pressed
powder and reapply.
Shopping Guide
Virtually all makeup lines include lipstick,
from drugstore brands, such as Revlon or L'Oreal, to expensive
department store makeup counter brands, such as Charles of the
Ritz or Lancome. In addition, makeup stores, like Sephora, offer
a one-stop emporium of several brands and thousands of shades.
If you know which color you like, you might also try buying lip
color online through the makeup manufacturer or one of the many
web-based makeup stores.
Lipstick comes in traditional tubes, small pots, lip pencils, or
in pencil-like automatic applicators. Lip color may be sold in a
single color or in palette-like collections.
