6 Tips On How To Wear A Statement Lip Without Looking Overdone

We've all been there, standing in front of the mirror with a bright red lip, thinking to ourselves, "Do I dare leave the house looking like this, or it's too much?"

Statement lips and bold colors that require extra confidence to wear are notoriously tricky to perfect without looking overdone. Although this might be a challenge for many, there are a few tricks you need to know to make sure your statement lip looks chic, not clownish. So if this is something you've always wanted to learn how to pull off, continue reading!

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Find Your Perfect Shade According to Your Skin Tone

Choosing the perfect bold lipstick shade can be a scary task; however, you can definitely simplify this by opting for a shade that looks good on your specific skin tone. For example, if you have fair skin, opt for a classic red lipstick or a deeper burgundy color that doesn't provide the fullest coverage, as this is how you will be able to control how much pigment is on your lips. This will also help you avoid looking washed out, as deep shades with full coverage can sometimes create this effect on fair or pale skin.

If you have medium or olive skin, look for the right shade within the coral, brick, or brown color family, as these shades will warm up your complexion and complement your skin tone. And if you have dark skin, experiment with bright or poppy shades such as purple or berry, as these will truly make your lips stand out. You can also try a muted red if a classic option is something that works better for your personal taste.

Product To Try: Rare Beauty – Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Inspire, $20

Line Your Lips with a Matching Lipliner

Lip liner is the perfect addition to a bold lip because it allows you to create your ideal lip shape and make your lips look fuller, which will enhance the finished look and make the shade pop. When choosing a liner to match your lipstick, make sure to find one that closely resembles the color of your chosen lipstick, as this will create a natural and seamless look.

An easy way to line your lips perfectly is to keep the lip liner slightly dull and lightly go over the outer lines of your lips. This way, you will create soft lines and make your lips look naturally fuller without any weird harsh or sharp lines, especially those that look like cat ears on the cupid bow.

Lastly, avoid leaving the corners empty or colorless, especially when creating a bold or colorful pout. This will just make your lips seem smaller than they are. Don't be afraid to take your lip liner and lipstick to the corners of the lips for extra definition and a beautiful full lip.

Product To Try: Charlotte Tilbury – Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Foxy Brown, $24

Add a Touch of Shine

This is fairly optional; however, another excellent way to enhance your lip color is to follow up the finished look with a gloss on top. This will make your pout look plumper and juicier, which can be super sexy and will elevate any look.

If you want to go for this option, make sure not to add too much gloss, as this can create a tacky and sticky finish. A single layer of shine will suffice and add the perfect finishing touch to your look.

Product To Try: Tower 28 Beauty – ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss in Wild, $15

Use Your Lipstick as Blush

This might come as a surprise, but using the same bold lipstick as blush or cheek stain can actually make the entire look come together more naturally. You definitely need to use a light hand, especially if you have pale or light skin and are using a deep lip shade, as too much of it can make you look washed out.

To achieve this look, first line your lips and apply lipstick as you usually would. Then, use a small flat brush to dot the tiniest amount of lipstick on the apples of your cheeks. Blend it with your fingers or a damp beauty blender until you’re satisfied with the result. Once everything looks good, apply a little bit of translucent powder on top to set the makeup, and you’re good to go!

Product To Try: Rare Beauty – Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Faith, $20

Keep the Rest of Your Look Simple 

A bold lip looks fantastic for full evening glam; however, you can totally wear statement colors during the day too, as long as you keep the rest of your makeup clean and simple. This means adding some bronzer or blush on the cheeks, mascara on the lashes, and a bit of brow gel to tame any unruly hairs, and that’s it! This is how you will make your lip color the star of the show without overwhelming the entire look and making you look overdone.

Product To Try: NARS Laguna Bronzing Cream, $38

Complement with Statement Jewelry and Accessories

Statement jewelry and accessories, such as a nice pair of chunky earrings or a pair of unique sunglasses, will add just the right amount of edge and personality to your look without making it seem over the top. Wearing a statement lip is all about finding the right balance, and adding a few well-chosen accessories can definitely help you achieve that.

Product To Try: Twisted Hoop Earrings, $42 | I-SEA Neo Rectangle Sunglasses, $38

Closing Thoughts

A bold statement lip doesn't have to be an intimidating and tricky challenge to pull off, especially if you keep these tips in mind. Remember that it's all about finding the right balance, so as long as you don't go overboard with the rest of your makeup and excessive accessorizing, you will definitely be able to rock any statement lip color confidently. So go ahead and experiment with different shades, formulas, and finishes until you find your perfect match!

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