The right colour together with a good application can transform your face and in the process your whole outlook!

Follow this simple step-by-step guide to luscious lip colour application.

Step 1. Protect

Treat your mouth as you would the rest of your face: moisturize and protect it daily. 

Choose a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply often.

Step 2. Prime

Prime your lips with a lip primer or some foundation, using a make-up sponge so you can reach every crevice on the surface of your lips.

Step 3. Dust

Lightly dust over the top of the foundation with some translucent powder, to ensure your lipstick will stay put for longer.

Step 4. Line

To prevent bleeding, use a skin tone lip pencil tracing just outside the perimeter of your mouth (no need to fill in). 

Start with the cupid’s bow on the upper lip, then draw an outline on your lower lip.

Step 5. Fill in

Using a lip brush, fill in the outline with lipstick; this helps get a more precise definition. 

Open your mouth and brush the colour into the corners of your lips.

Tip: To get nude lips, which look fantastic with smokey eyes, cover your lips with concealer or foundation before applying gloss.

Step 6. Blot

In between coats it is a good idea to blot over the lip surface with a folded tissue. 

For extra staying power, tap on translucent loose powder in between coats.

Step 7. Recoat

Apply another coat of lipstick, and then add a little gloss if you want a high gloss finish.

If a matte finish is what you are after blot your lips with a tissue to remove shine.