Bold Lip

The ratio should always be 50/50 when it comes to eyes or just one or the other. NEVER go 100% eyes and 100% lips - it works for no one and guys just don't understand it.

If you want to start wearing lipstick but aren't confident with it, build up to it buy wearing tinted balms, glosses or patting on a lipstick subtly before you go for the full on bold lip. 'Bloom' do a fantastic range of lip tints, I highly recommend.

1. Face:  Shiny skin + Shiny lips = no no. I've created a flawless base with my day foundation (Max Factor Second Skin) and applied translucent powder to eliminate shine.

2. Eyes: With a bold lip you want to keep the eye makeup to a minimum but decide what's best for you! Personally I can't get away with no eye makeup, as my eyes are quite small and I have short lashes but that's okay! Makeup is about working with and enhancing what you have, not trying to change what's already there. I always have at least a swipe of liquid eyeliner on, a layer of mascara and a soft application of dark brown eyeshadow on the outer corners of my eyelid to widen the appearance of my eyes. Black/brown mascara for lighter colored eyes works best with this look, hazel or darker - always wear black!

3. Lips: If you're a lipstick wearer it's important to keep your lips maintained. Once a week exfoliate with a baby toothbrush to keep them soft, or try this awesome lip exfoliator by Lush, its around $7 and comes in assorted flavors. 

Sometimes if I want my lips to really stand out and last I foundation over them before application, try it out and see if it works for you!

Apply a tinted lip balm - I use Lipice, $7 from the pharmacy, Strawberry blistex is also good - to create a good base. I don't use lip liner because i'm on a budget, but the revlon lipliner range is fantastic and creates a good base for the lipstick to cling to. It's actually better to apply a lip liner the shade of your own lips so as not to interfere with the lipstick shade, it works!

4. Apply lipstick with a lip brush for precision and even application, it also makes the lipstick itself last longer because you aren't using as much. 

Blot by pressing your lips either side of a tissue and reapply for long lasting colour.

I am 100% pro Revlon lipsticks :) If you're going out keep a compact mirror, lipstick and a cotton bud handy do wipe away any lipstick bleeding, they're the best tool ever.