Lipstick

[rockybalboa]

I have decided that I would quite like to wear lipstick on my few and far between evenings out to make me look less haggard and mumsy

I bought one today to try. Lovely dark pinky red colour, looks great on buuuut, it kinda makes my mouth look small. Will I get used to it being a normal effect of lips being darker than normal or should small mouthed-folk stay well clear of lovely red lipstick? Will other people think it is as obvious as it looks to me or is it just because I'm not used to it.

And if I stick with it, is it still 'the done thing' to use lip pencil first or is that tres passe?

I have also bought a nice Soap & Glory coloured lip gloss pencil thing to try and ease me in gently... I feel like such a beginner not that I'm 36 or anything...

Lip pencil all over the lips before your lipstick makes it last ages and is good if you want a very neat, defined lip line. I always think my mouth looks way bigger with dark or bright lipstick on, so not sure what to say to you about the small mouth thing! You could ease yourself into it by wearing it more as a lip stain at first - apply a light coat with your finger or lip brush, and stick some balm on top.

Dark ( especially matte) lips will make your mouth look smaller. You're not imagining it! And if you feel instinctively it's not right, it probably isn't.

But you don't have to start again or commit to wearing a heavy lip colour. Try applying it with your ring finger so that you get a stain. So wipe your finger over the lipstick then push into the lips. Over a balm or Perhaps try with a balm over the top. As with all things makeup it's about playing around and trying things out. Lots of women feel inadequate that they don't know the 'secrets' but there are none. It's just practise!
Revlon do something called lip butters that are nice because they're glossy and pigmented it without being so full on that you can't stop thinking about your lipstick!

x post with spanishring :)

Elizabeth oh yes!

I have the same problem! My compromise is lip stain, and keeping the focus on my eyes rather than mouth. Stila pomegranate crush is amazing - your lips only better ...

I think I have heard that dark lipstick makes your mouth look smaller - but my lips are very pale and blend into my face without colour on, hence why any colour makes them look bigger! But there's nothing wrong with small mouths anyway OP, they're pretty :)

It depends on your mouth shape and face proportions. I look awful in dark lips because my mouth looks too small for my face. But my mouth isn't that small on its own

lipstick queen in space NK in 'medieval' could be an idea too. It's a v subtle sheer red

Try Clinique Black Honey - I think it suits everyone