Step 5 of My Makeup Process: LUSCIOUS LIPS!
Plus, how to enter the VANITIES x WELLinsulated giveaway!
If you’re like me, the pandemic practically stopped you from wearing lipstick, or any lip product at all for that matter. Not only did putting anything on your lips seem completely futile since it would be covered by a mask, but there was a risk that anything you did put on would migrate all over your face due to said mask. Not a cute time!
When we went masks off, I almost had to rediscover what I love about lipstick in the first place. It took basically a year, but I’m back to carrying at least three lip products at all times (a lip serum, lip balm, and lipstick) and my imaginary fairy godmother of glam is relieved. Consider this my love letter to lips, including a breakdown of what I’ve rediscovered about making them look their best.
Jo wearing Chantecaille, shot by Georgia Nerheim
But, before we get into it, the giveaway! In partnerhsip with WELLinsulated, I am giving away two bags which can be used for just about anything (I love them for skincare, makeup, as an evening bag, or even packing my lunch) via giftcard. To enter, follow the steps below by Saturday, 3/18 at midnight Eastern Time, and a winner will be drawn at random from the entrants!
Subscribe to VANITIES newsletter (you most likely already are!)
Follow me on Instagram (@jessibutterfield)
Follow WELLinsulated on Instagram (@wellinsulated)
Tag three friends in the comments section of my Instagram post announcing the giveaway that went up this morning (link to the post here)
Good luck!
IN THE CHAIR
Behind-the-scenes techniques to enhance your makeup routine
Lip Prep
Don’t skip this first step! I know putting something on your lips before adding product seems annoying, but it will help your lip color look better and last longer. So, scrub and moisturize first! I do a scrub in the shower in the morning while conditioning my hair, which has the added benefit of making me keep the conditioner in long enough to be effective while I get a polished pout—win-win (yay multitasking!). My personal favorite is the Henne Organics Lip Exfoliator. I love all their stuff, plus I never feel bad about accidentally swallowing a little as tends to happen.
Follow up that newfound smoothness with some moisture! If you’re also going to be wearing makeup, apply lip balm when you put on all your other skincare to give it time to work its magic while you work on your face, cheek, and eye makeup. By the time you get to lips, they will be hydrated and ready to go! Don’t be afraid to really slather those lips in a lot of balm, just tissue off the excess when you’re ready to apply color. For extra credit, consider sleeping in a lip mask. I do—it’s my last skincare step before bed. I find it really helps me stay on top of avoiding chapped, cracked lips, especially in winter.
After your lips are prepped, use a mirror to identify your lip shape and what you want to emphasize. I’ll go over the main types below.
Full Lips
This lip shape is best accentuated using bold, bright colors. I love picking a bright orange or a bossy fuchsia. Both of these colors add an exclamation point to your look and are absolutely underused. I once applied a really bright orange lipstick (it was super neon and fabulous) on Alyssa Milano, who was subsequently complimented by a passing woman on the NYC sidewalk. In my mind, a compliment from a complete stranger who doesn’t work in beauty or fashion is the highest praise. In short, don’t be afraid of trying a bold color! You might just find a new signature look.
Lea Seydoux, shot by Nick Thompson, for a Madame Figaro cover we did last year
Heavy Top Lip
Those with top-heavy lips may be interested in finding ways to visually increase the size of the bottom lip. You can create that illusion with a few tools: a lip-lining pencil and an eyebrow pencil. With the lip pencil, draw just outside the lip line of the bottom lip, being careful not to get overzealous—a little bit goes a long way. After you’re satisfied with the balance you’ve created, continue to line the top lip right on the lip line (not over it) and fill in the remainder of your lip with your chosen lip shade (lipstick, tinted lip balm, stain, etc.). Then, when you are happy with the appearance, gently add the eyebrow pencil under the lip pencil, just on the lower lip. Sounds strange, but this mimics a shadow under your lip, helping it to appear larger. Think of it like contouring for your lips!
Heavy Bottom Lip
If an eyebrow pencil is your BFF for a heavy upper lip, highlighter is your go-to to balance out heavy lower lips. First, you'll want to line along the natural lip line of your bottom lip with lip liner. Then, line the top lip just above the natural line. Finally, to make it just a little bit more special, I love to add a highlight to the Cupid’s bow—select either a champagne, topaz, or bronze highlighter (depending on skin tone) and dust that gorgeous highlighter atop the Cupid’s bow to invite light and the illusion of size to that once-smaller top lip.
Thinner Lips
I'm very into gloss for thinner lips—all that shine fills your lips with light to the max! Glosses come in every color imaginable, so have fun. If you want to multitask, choose a gloss that’s also a lip plumper like the Buxom Full On Plumping Lip Polish. Full disclosure, they usually tingle a bit, but it quickly dissipates.
Wider Lips
Try an ombré effect to address wide lips. This can be done easily with a couple shades of lip liner. Select two shades in the same color family (one lighter, one darker). To start, grab that darker liner and line and fill the outer corners of both the upper and lower lips. Soften and blend the line into your lips with your finger or a fluffy brush. Next, add the lighter color to the insides of your lips, blending the lighter and darker colors together as seamlessly as possible, creating an ombré effect. Follow up with two coordinating shades of lipstick (one lighter, one darker, matching the colors of the lip liners) on top of the lip liners, to ensure your look lasts all day. Keep the center bright!
Ash Foo, shot by Joshua Pestka, in my favorite ombré lip look I’ve ever done
FROM THE KIT
The products and trends worth knowing about now
I’m never without this balm—I have one in every bag I own. It’s the perfect tinted balm with all the color payoff a girl could want. I love the original (001 Pink, which looks different on everyone as the color adjusts to your PH) but it now comes in 23 colors! Basically, I wish I had them all. I love this stuff because I can throw it on without a mirror, most often in a cab. It’s the low-maintenance way to look high maintenance, and it looks perfect always.
This is my favorite lipstick formula—it’s the perfect luminous matte. Despite being a matte lipstick, it doesn’t dry out your lips like so many others can; somehow, and I don’t know how they do it, it’s magically hydrating. The packaging always makes me feel special and glamorous, too. It’s my go-to for work because it photographs really well.
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink
This lipstick is the definition of a “drugstore hero.” It’s not expensive and looks amazing on. Additionally, it will not move no matter what you get up to, and will absolutely stay on all day. I was introduced to it backstage at New York Fashion Week years ago, and was so impressed I bought a few shades immediately! Perfect for long nights out or fancy dinner parties during which you don’t want to worry about lipstick reapplication.
I recently went to Lip Lab in SoHo (they have other locations too) and it was such a fun experience! While there, you work with a lip mixologist to make a custom lipstick and tinted lip balm. Science is cool. So if you’re wondering about the perfect red or the right nude for you, think about going. You choose the formula (matte, satin, or sheer) plus the scent, which is fun (I chose peppermint). Plus, they keep what you make on file for easy reordering. You can give the experience as a gift, too!
PHONE A FRIEND
Insight and beauty inspiration from my favorite people in the industry
Francine, Model (@thefrancinejacque)
One of the sweetest, prettiest, and most effortlessly elegant girls I know. I love spending time with her—she is real and always up for an adventure. Last time I saw her we shot 32 different eyeshadow looks in a row and she worked it out like the glam champion she is!
Q: Who is your beauty inspiration?
There’s too many to name but my beauty inspiration comes from all these beautiful and talented human beings whose work is just phenomenal. It’s really pure art and I admire the artistry and the talent.
Q: What’s your go-to look?
Natural, glowing skin with minimal coverage, filled-in eyebrows, a little mascara, and subtle blush. To me, that glow gives wealthy and healthy energy and isn’t that the goal, always?
Q: What are your desert island products?
First of all my dramatic Caribbean self would not make it on a desert island (haha) but a few items would ease the adventure until I got rescued:
A camera… Honestly, a good picture truly makes my day; I always think of how my grandkids will appreciate it
Q: What’s your beauty philosophy?
Make it look undetectable, like you were born with it. And you must own it—confidence is the key to feeling beautiful!