Stay cool enough to kiss

NATURAL beauties look away now.

“Lipstick provides an easy way to change your look, taking you from girl-next-door to sexy siren with just a swipe of colour,” says Jemma Kidd, make-up artist and author of Jemma Kidd bodyMake-up Secrets. “It’s an instant pick-me-up.”

Prime your pout for Valentine kisses with irresistible statement lips.

Wearing it well: The power of your pout should never be underestimated — it’s the main focus when we talk, laugh, drink and kiss, making lips a prime candidate for a makeover.

“A fully made-up mouth can be the finishing touch to your look, and some women feel naked without their signature lipstick,” Kidd says.

“It is probably the safest way to go bold. The rest of the face must be flawless, with minimal make-up in neutral tones, so that the statement colour really stands out and you don’t look overly made-up.”

Consider your lip size and shape when choosing textures and colours. Satin-finish lipsticks are flattering, due to their creamy coverage and slight, glossy finish.

“Matte colour can make a bold statement that looks stunning on fuller mouths, especially in classic Hollywood, starlet red, but be careful if you are older, or if you have small/thin lips, as matte finishes can look harsh and ageing,” Kidd says.

Creative colour: Unless you’re working a strong eye, give the nude tones a wide berth if you want your lips to be the star attraction.

“For the most wearable brights on the mouth, go for red, pink, purple or orange,” Kidd says.

If you have porcelain skin, stick to cool pinks and blue-toned reds. Those with olive complexions should opt for berry or plum tones, oranges, and warm, orange-toned reds. If you have dark skin, Kidd says experiment with rich browns, strong oranges and deep plums.

When trawling the lipstick stands in search of your perfect pout match, avoid testing on the back of your hand.

Kidd says: “If you can, try a lipstick on your lips to test the true colour (use a cotton bud to apply), or try on your fingertip, which is closer in colour to your lips because of the concentration of blood vessels there.”

Lip longevity: All that wine supping over romantic dinners calls for staying power as you gaze into each other’s eyes.

With the right preparation, you can make your lipstick last longer.

“Use a lip primer, or a dab of foundation or concealer,” says Kidd. “After outlining your lips, apply lip liner over the whole surface to provide a smooth, even undercoat of colour and a waxy base for the lipstick to adhere to.”

The weather’s still cold, so think layering. One coat of lippy isn’t sufficient, so apply your lipstick once, blot with a tissue, and then layer on another coat. If it feels too bold, blot with your finger for a pressed-in, stain effect.

Kidd recommends a light dusting of translucent powder or blusher, patted on top of the lipstick, for a matte finish and staying power.

Pigment-packed lipsticks (especially long-lasting formulas) can dry lips. Use a lip balm under your lipstick to avoid the dreaded, cracked look.

Pout perfection: If you’re taking the pout plunge, Kidd has these golden lipstick rules:* Dark colours are harder to wear than paler shades. They can be more draining and ageing, and you need to be accurate in your application, as slips will be obvious.

* Bright lipsticks will be more flattering if you have a small mouth or thin lips.

* When you are wearing a dramatic, bold lipstick, keep the rest of your make-up minimal.

If you buy a shade that turns out to be too dark or bright, blend it with another lipstick, or gloss, to achieve a bespoke colour that suits you perfectly.

* Oily lipsticks, liquid glosses, and stains migrate beyond the lip line, so choose thicker, drier and less greasy formulas, if ‘bleeding’ is an issue.

* To achieve the illusion of bigger lips, use a lip liner in a colour that matches your lipstick, and outline your lips just a fraction outside your natural lip line.