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How to wear pastel lips

Pastel lip colours are trendy this season. Here are tips on how to wear them without looking washed out

PHOTOS: DIOR, ETUDE HOUSE, GUERLAIN, ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, MAYBELLINE, NARS

How do I wear pastel lip colours without looking washed out?

Pastel lip colours such as lilac and pale pink can create a feminine and soft look that is perfect for the current spring season.

But lip colours with a white undertone can also make the overall complexion appear pallid.

Guerlain's international make-up artist Jose Louis, who is in his 40s, gives some tips on how to pull off the look.

Prep the lips

For lighter lip shades, pat a little concealer on the lips before applying the lipstick. This helps to neutralise the natural lip colour and ensure the lipstick colour looks the same on the lips as it does in the tube.

Add a touch of shine

After applying the lipstick, add a little lip gloss on the centre of the lips, blending outwards. This gives the lips a plumper look. Pastel colours can often look too matte so you need that shine to make your lips look radiant.

Brighten the face

A highlighter can be used lightly above the brow, on the cheeks and just above the Cupid's bow of the lip. This will create a brighter looking complexion and help balance out the paler shade of pastel.

Commit to the colour

Wear a little pastel eyeshadow in the same shade as your lip colour so that the entire look becomes more coordinated and you do not have to worry about matching colours. With make-up, confidence is key.


Products to try

La Petite Robe Noire Lipstick in Apir-coat, $46, from Guerlain

A lip colour that goes on sheer, but becomes more opaque as layers are added.


Wonder Fun Park Dear My Blooming Lips Talk in OR213, $17.90, from Etude House

A lightweight lipstick with a soft chiffon texture that is easily applied on the lips.


Addict Lacquer Stick in Tease, $50, from Dior, available at the Parfums Christian Dior Boutique at Ion from March 24 and at all Dior counters from April 1

The smooth texture and shine of a lacquer are found in this easy-to-apply stick.


Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine, $38, from Nars

This lipstick, which comes in pencil form for easier application, is long-lasting and has a non-drying and creamy formula.


Color Sensational Rebel Bouquet, $19.90, from Maybelline, available at all Maybelline counters in major Watsons, Guardian, Sasa and Fairprice stores

A bright pastel shade that is enriched with moisturising honey nectar for a smoother application.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 09, 2017, with the headline How to wear pastel lips. Subscribe