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Many who prefer not to accentuate naturally thinner lips or wrinkles around their mouth often struggle to find the perfect lipstick formula, color, and type. To help solve this beauty conundrum, we consulted professional makeup artists for advice on the most flattering shades and lipstick formula for those with naturally thinner lips and/ or fine lines around the mouth.
We caught up with celebrity makeup artists Kerrin Jackson, creator of The Makeup Refinery, Heather Adessa Spadaro, founder of the Makeup + Hair Co., and Margina Dennis, pro MUA and beauty expert. Read on for their tips, suggestions and insight.
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Moisturizing Balm Lipsticks Are 'Best' For Women With Thinner Lips And Wrinkles, According To Pro MUAs
When it comes to lipstick formulas, women with thinner lips and/ or who might not aim to draw attention to any wrinkles around the mouth should skip matte lipstick and opt for moisturizing balm types, Dennis says.
Instead of a matte lipstick (that can often make lips feel and appear drier over time), Dennis advises picking a "moisturizing and balm lipstick" in shades that "emulate a youthful flush."
She also suggests "a clear lip liner or one that matches the lip color that will keep the color from feathering and look more natural."
Some of Dennis' favorite lipsticks include the Victoria Beckham Posh Gloss and Posh Lipsticks that "come in fantastic shades and make the lips look so fresh," and the e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stains and e.l.f. Hydrating Lip Core Shines that "make the lips look so juicy."
Before even applying lipstick to your lips, Dennis also recommends choosing a "slightly creamy lip liner" so that "when you rub your lips together, you can easily blend your lip liner with your lipstick, gloss, or balm, and they won't bleed."
For beginners, she suggests trying drugstore fave products like the Wet n Wild Color Icon Lipliner and Kiko Milano Smart Fusion Lip Pencil.
The Best Lipstick Shades To Make Your Pout Look Plump And Supple
It's no secret that the right lipstick shade has the power to instantly draw eyes to your lips, promote facial symmetry and make your other features like your cheekbones and eyes pop.
Dennis explains that wearing "too dark of a lipstick" can "make your teeth look yellow," which can also make you look "older," which might not be your intention. In addition, choosing a matte lipstick (while definitely trendy and long-lasting) can sometimes dry out your lips, and as we age, we lose moisture in this area, naturally.
To avoid additional flaking, chapping and dryness, she advises against not only a matte lipstick, but also a dark one. "Too dry of a formula of lipstick can emphasize wrinkles and dryness," she warns.
>Rather than deep reds and violet shades, Dennis says to opt for blue-toned lip colors that "make the teeth look whiter." However, if you "absolutely love a dark lipstick shade, and need to wear one," Jackson suggests coating it with a clear gloss over the top.
She says this will "help reflect some light off the dark color, and give your lips the illusion of appearing fuller."
Otherwise, she advises "sticking with a lighter, brighter tone, such as a classic 1940s red, or warm-based lipstick." These are "far more flattering shades on all of us," Jackson points out.
How To Find The Best Lipstick Shade For Your Skin Tone & Undertones
Spadaro recommends "looking at your undertones" when shopping for lipstick, as "usually medium and warm undertones can steer in any direction, however cooler undertones usually look best in blue-based reds."
She says neutral undertones can rock "blue-based lipsticks or a pink or peach-based red." Olive complexions look "great in coral-reds," she adds. "Regardless of the red - wear it in confidence," she recommends.
If you want to try red, but are scared to go all the way, Spadaro suggests starting with a "red gloss or a red liner and a more sheer lipstick or gloss over it." She says to "get yourself comfortable with color before jumping in."
"If you want to try something bold but not red, hot pinks and bright corals are always fun choices," Spadaro adds. "Again, check the undertones," she concludes.
For a final pro tip, Spadaro stresses that "if you are doing a bold lip, that is your statement," and that many women, and women over 40 in particular can "keep the rest of the makeup minimal to keep the focus on that lip."
