Lipstick

From LoveToKnow Makeup

Lipstick is, arguably, the most essential part of a woman's makeup kit. Most women won't leave the house without first applying lipstick, and for some, it is the only makeup they wear. Lip color may be bright and bold, or soft and subtle. Associated with sexiness and desirability, it comes in shades ranging from bright red to subtle pink, with everything in between. Most women, from age 16 to 90, will agree that lipstick is just plain indispensable.

View Lipstick Covered Lips Photos

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History

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.

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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.

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How to Apply Lipstick

The right lipstick completes a great look.

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.

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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.

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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.

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