For both looks there is only one place to start - exfoliation. Starting with a smooth lip area will make both applications easier, and the final results will be stunning. Any facial exfoliant can be used - massage the lips in a gentle circular motion, rinse off any product, and follow with a rich lip balm, blotting off any excess before you start the application. In a pinch you can mix a bit of honey with some sugar and follow the same instructions.
The Red Lip
You know the old saying that "practice makes perfect". And to apply a spectacular red lip you have to practice to gain confidence in your application. Start with a red lip liner that closely matches your lipstick shade. Using a lip liner will essentially anchor your lipstick, helping to prevent the color from bleeding outside of the lip line. And please fill in the entire lip with the liner. Only lining the lip line will result in "ring around the lip" as the color in the center of the lip wears off leaving only the liner rimming the lip. NOT a pretty look ladies! And so easy to prevent.
The final step is applying the lipstick. For this you need a lip brush for precision and ease of application. Taking a small amount of product onto the brush, start at the center of the lip and blend outward. Take your time and color inside the lines the lip liner gives you. Take a kleenex and gently blot the lips. Apply another light layer of color to the lips and blend. This process will ensure a long lasting look with minimal worry - although part of the commitment of a red lip is maintenance, to ensure a clean look.
A much quicker option is to take your red lipstick and put a stoke of color in the center of both your upper and lower lips. With your finger, blend the color outward, pressing it into the lips. This technique will create more of a stained look on the lips and will be long lasting as well.
MAC Cosmetics has a fantastic selection of reds in different finishes and textures so if you're unsure of what to choose, their line will give you many options.
The Nude Lip
For ease of application and wearability, the nude lip is perfect for most makeup looks, especially if you like a stronger or more colorful eye. The key is to find a shade that doesn't wash you out. For warmer complexions (a yellow or golden undertone) find a shade with a warmer or peach-y hue. If your complexion is cooler (a pink undertone) look for nude shades with a touch of pink. I also recommend a lip liner for this look as it will block out any lip tone from showing through the lip product, which can effect the true nude look. You can use a lip brush if you choose - but applying straight from the tube is fine too.
Revlon makes a great warm nude lipstick called Just Enough Buff...which compliments a surprising number of skin tones. Aveda's Sheer Clover lipstick has a light texture and just enough pink for cooler complexions.
The Great Debate - Lipstick or Gloss?
Just choose your favorite texture and go for it. Both have benefits and challenges. Gloss offers sheer wearable colour and ease of application. Lipstick has longer wear and more opaque color. Both of today's lip looks can be can be done with either type of product. Simply follow the same techniques outlined above for both looks and top your liner with gloss instead of lipstick. Experiment and play with these looks to find out what one works best for you.
A Shapely Cheek
The Fall 2011 cheek was lightly sculpted with neutral blush or bronzer. The simplest way way to achieve this look is to look in the mirror and smile. Find the fullest part or "apple" of the cheek and start by applying blush or bronzer to that area and then following the cheekbone, angle the blush slightly upward and towards the temple. Using a good blush brush will help you to apply the product precisely and allow blending as well, so you avoid any harsh lines.
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