Fly Beauty: National Lipstick Day and 5 Tips for Beginners!

Happy National Lipstick Day! I will admit I just started wearing lipstick two years ago when a guy I was "talking to" asked me why I did not own any red lipstick. I had to blink a few times and re- ask myself the question and could not come up with a proper answer because 1. No man (or woman) had ever asked me that and 2. You say what now?!

I have always been a "my lip gloss is poppin" type of girl and even when my grandma sat me down and told me it was high time I chose a lip color a few years prior, I ignored her and almost thought her approach was outdated (she also believes a woman should never leave the house without a hat on her head and has a strong argument against women in ruffles, but that is another post lol). 

So back to ol' boy- I did try a few red lip colors to appease him, but just like everything else I tried in that- uhhh #shituationship I failed and was unhappy with the results. I left the red lips and the guy alone, but I gained a new found interest in lip color. Well, specifically only purple lip colors lol

Me with a few of my fave purple shades!

But anyway I love seeing women of all complexions rocking their bold lippies and in honor of National Lipstick Day I decided to come up with five lipstick tips and tricks for beginners! 

1. Research: Step away from the M.A.C. counter and out of Sephora! Lipstick does not and should not be expensive if you are just now starting out! See what colors, formulas and finishes you like by first looking for dupes (duplicates) of the more expensive brands and playing around with different shades to see what works best on your complexion. Experiment at the beauty supply! They have a whole range of colors starting at just $.99 for no name brands up to about $4.99 for a shade by Kiss, L.A Colors or any other national inexpensive brands. Play around with different shades and finishes- maybe you love a matte look or something similar to a stain or a sheerer wash. For $5 or less go crazy! And don't forget to look up product reviews online! 
2. Inspiration: We all have access to Instagram, Facebook and Youtube right? Find a celebrity with your same coloring- or even better- a Youtube star with your same complexion and look at some of the colors they choose to wear. You can kind of gage how a color will show up on you and learn tips and tricks on how to apply. 
3. Prep: Lip prep is so important if you want your color to last and if you don't want dry, flaky lips! Every other morning I exfoliate my lips using a paste of baking soda and water which makes a natural lip scrub to slough off the dead skin. You can also make one using brown sugar (I have even used a Sweet N Low packet at work once when my lips were peeling lol) and olive oil, use a warm, wet washcloth or toothbrush in a circle motion, or you can buy a lip exfoliater. This way your color will go on smoothly and will not get all gross in the corners of your mouth.
4. Accessorize: Oh you thought the lipstick was going to be enough lol? It can be, but the following items will make your application go on smoothly and allow your color to pop: primer, concealer, lip balm, blotting paper and a lip brush.  A good moisturizing primer will fill in lines and allow your lipstick to stay in place all day- perfect for those who like matte shades that tend to slide around, cake up and dry out the mouth. A concealer is great for cleaning up mistakes- take a q-tip and touch up your cupid's bow, the corners of your mouth and underneath your bottom lip. Lip balm allows for a smooth application and moisturizes your lips before applying lipstick (let it soak in for at least 10 minutes before applying your lip color). Blotting papers soak up excess oil from your lipstick but keeps the pigment. Blot, reapply and your lipstick will last you for a long time! If you want a perfect, professional lip pout then apply color with a lip brush because precision counts.
5. Mix, Layer and Experiment: My last tip is to basically have fun! Sometimes you get those little cheap ass lipsticks and the color is all wrong- too dark or too light, or just blahhh. Use a white lip liner for applying color straight out the tube, a shade similar to your natural lip color to try your hand at nudes, or try a lip liner in the same shade as your lipstick for a bold lip that will last you all day!!

What are your favorite brands and colors? Do you have any tips, concerns or questions? Comment below!