From My Lips

… to God’s ears. But just reaching your eyes (and in your cart, maybe), will do.

As a beauty editor, I have the incredible privilege of accessing a world of products. Lips are my favorite category to experiment with, in part because it’s low effort—especially now that my skin has become more sensitive with age—and more selfishly, they’re my favorite feature to play up. Even so, I’m rather minimalist with the lip combos. Most days, I tend to wear lip liner (Chanel in shade 162, Nude Brun) with Ultra Violette’s lip balm (in shade Dusk) because I’m militant about sun protection. But if I’m going to be indoors or out at night, this mini edit has been on rotation:

• Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Longwear Lip Pencil, 162 Nude Brun
• Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil, 600C Anywhere Caffeine
• Chanel Rouge Coco Baume, 752 Honey Bliss
• Merit Signature Lip Blush, Archival
• Kosas Lip Pulse, Aftershock

And a few combinations, for inspiration:

Soft, Diffused Matte Lip

Line with Chanel Nude Brun for definition, then fill in with Merit Archival using tapping motions. Blend the edges with your fingertip. If you want to add the tiniest bit of dimension, line your cupid’s bow with MUFE Anywhere Caffeine; the shimmer is subtle, but divine by candelight.

Juicy, Glassy Lip

Chanel Nude Brun (as always)—but with a soft hand, and just along the bottom lip for a pouty effect. (Leave the outer corners bare.) Kosas Lip Pulse Aftershock is your star: it’s visibly plumping and feels incredibly hydrating.

Honeyed Summer Lip

You guessed it—Chanel Nude Brun to line, and lightly diffused toward the center of the lip to create a base. Chanel Honey Bliss is a bit more caramel than my usual mauve, and laced with sun-kissed shimmer.

Natural, Hydrated Lip

For a my-lips-but-better look, use the edge of Merit Archival to contour my lips. (It’s softer than a traditional liner, but the color is an ideal shade for enhancing my natural color and shape.) Diffuse Archival in the center until it’s just a sheer wash of color, then finish with the tiniest bit of Kosas Pulse. Just one tiny dot in the middle before you press your lips to blend.

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A SENSIBLE EDIT

xx