Lipsticks Made Easy: Perfecting Your Pout

There’s nothing as irresistible as a perfectly painted pout. Whether it’s the iconic red or soft natural pink, lipstick makes a bold statement. When it comes to lipstick, choosing the right type is just as important as choosing the perfect color. Here at Valley, we know that the endless amount of options in the makeup aisle can be a bit intimidating. So how do you choose? Distinguish the differences and we promise your lips will look flawless every time.

If you have dry lips, a moisturizing lip balm or lipstick would be the best choice. Most of these products contain ingredients like aloe, glycerol and vitamin E to keep those lips looking smooth and healthy. Lip balms with high concentrations of oil create a shiny, glossy finish. We recommend keeping a balm like Maybelline baby lips, $3.79 at CVS, in your purse for all day protection.

Anyone can rock lip gloss with or without lipstick. It’s a perfect go-to look for daytime. Not only is lip gloss convenient, it also can help those with dry lips. To hide already cracked lips, a shiny gloss should do the trick. Check out Revlon Color Burst lip gloss to achieve vivid, mirror-like shine.

Traditional lipstick is a staple in women’s makeup bags, but it’s difficult to choose one when they come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. Matte is in this season when it comes to all things beauty, and it usually has the boldest colors. Lipstick that is matte has no shine, flat color and lasts longer than other types of lipstick. For a stand out look, try Maybelline Super Stay Lipstick in a bright matte color and throw some gloss over it.

Lip stain and lipstick both add a pop of color to the lips, but in very different ways. As the name implies, lip stains will temporarily stain the skin. How long the dye lasts all depends on the product you choose. This type of lip wear is a great choice for those of us who dread constant reapplication throughout the day. This essential is worth a trip downtown to CVS, and we recommend Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm for $8.89.

Long-wear lipstick is necessary for any on-the-go college girl. Long lasting lipstick can be great if applied correctly, but sometimes gets a bit messy. Because most of these lipsticks can leave lips feeling dry throughout the day, look for two part lipsticks that contain a lipstick on one end and a gloss on the other. Cover Girl’s Blast Flip stick is a lip duo with expertly matched shades; it’s perfect for that long day at class turned into a night out.

You can have soft and beautiful lips in no time, and it’s easy as long as you know what to look for.

Photo by Shreel Parikh