How to create a perfect statement lip

Lovers of colour rejoice! The bold statement lip is making a comeback, seen on overseas runways and even right here in Sydney, for the MYER SS17 fashion show (for those wondering, the shade of choice was YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain in Vinyl Rouge). Don’t get us wrong, we loved nude and natural lips having their time in the spotlight, but we are SO ready to dust off the dark berries, ravishing reds and bright corals.

So here’s what you need to know for pulling off the perfect pout this spring/summer...

#1 Precision is king

While applying colour to the lip area only has always been pretty standard, making sure your lips are lined precisely with sharp, defined edges is a must this season. “Red lips on a nude face used to be considered effortless… now, they’re painstakingly shaped, curved, layered and smoothed,” says M.A.C Artist Gordon Espinet.

MYER S/S17

A tip from M.A.C Senior Artist Carol Mackie is to apply your lipstick first, starting from the centre and working your way out. Then you can follow afterwards with your lip liner, to clean up the edges perfectly and create sharp lines.

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And while we know it’s not the most glamorous topic, keeping your lip area hair-free will also help keep the transition between lip and skin smooth. bh recommends: Marzena No More Facial Hair Treatment.

Gareth Pugh

#2 Go super matte, or super shiny

No matter what shade you choose, the finish is what’s important this time round. Make-up artist Chantelle Baker says, “It’s definitely all about the matte lip – we’re reliving that 90s trend right now!” Dusty, matte finishes were seen on models at Mary Katrantzou in London and Zac Posen in New York.  

But at the other end of the spectrum is extremely glossy (almost to the point of 3D) lips seen on the runway at Gareth Pugh and Sibling in London.

So whether you’re a matte or glossy fan, the key is to commit all the way.

RELATED: Mascara hacks to try – stat!

For extremely matte lips, make sure you exfoliate your lips beforehand so the texture doesn’t create cracks. bh recommends: CLINIQUE Sweet Pots - Sugar Scrub & Lip Balm and Mary Kay® Satin Lips® Shea Sugar Scrub.

And to step up the shine factor, try layering a lipstick and a gloss for a highly pigmented, almost jelly-like lip. bh recommends: M.A.C Clear Lipglass (so you can use it with any shade of lippy).

Mary Katrantzuo

#3 Keep skin simple

If you’re usually rocking a winged liner, fierce contour or bold brows, try restraining a tad and let your lip do all the work.

“I call it ‘minimal glam’ make-up,” says make-up artist Tom Pecheux. “Skin worked very simply: no brows, no eyes… the girls should look the way they are, just uniquely adorned with this very intense lip.”

Make sure your skin is in tip-top shape for summer, by starting to incorporate a face mask in your routine once a week. bh recommends: The Body Shop Amazonian Acai Energising Radiance Mask and Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C Face Mask.

Do you like wearing a statement lip? What’s your favourite shade to wear?