Lip Essentials
How to choose the right lip products
Lip colour lasts longer and looks better when the lips underneath are smooth. That's the whole secret, and it's why the order matters more than the products.
What order do lip products go in?
Exfoliate first with the Lip Polish & Conditioner — colour clings to dry patches and settles into lines otherwise. Then line with a Lip Pencil to define the shape and stop colour bleeding.
Fill the whole lip with the pencil, not just the outline. It doubles as a base and makes anything on top last considerably longer.
Finish with Plumping Lip Gloss for shine, or Lip Oil for a softer, more everyday look.
Which lip pencil shade should I choose?
Dream Girl and City Girl sit closest to a natural lip and suit most people. Fall In Love is warmer and reads deeper. Twitch is the boldest of the four.
If you're buying your first, pick the one nearest your own lip colour. It's the most useful shade you'll own, and it works under everything else.
The Velvet/Glow Lip Duo pairs a matte and a shine finish, which covers most occasions with one purchase.
How do I make lip colour last longer?
Three things, in order of impact: exfoliate before you apply, fill the entire lip with pencil rather than just lining it, and blot between layers. Gloss and oil sit on top and will always move more than a pencil base — that's what they're meant to do.
Rachel Shultz is a professional makeup artist based in Toronto, working with clients across the GTA. Every product here is one she uses on real faces, not a catalogue filler.