how to wear a statement lipstick with confidence

Blend in? Never. Though in my day to day life, my personality is more than content to blend in and hide in the shadows...when it comes to my makeup? Bolder is better. Dramatic smokey eyes, thick winged liner, and rainbow lipstick colours are all fair game. Ultra natural is rarely my go-to. Perhaps that explains why statement lipstick looks always inspire me. That concentrated placement of colour can be so unexpected and inspiring. It is especially powerful during the spring and summer months when bright pinks and purples are even more so in style. Eager to wear a bold power lip this season? Keep these tips in mind. They will help you wear a statement lipstick shade with confidence.

Tips to Wear a Statement Lipstick 

As wonderful as a statement lipstick can be...it can also feel a little unnerving. Being bolder with colour means your makeup may be a little more high maintenance. Quite frankly? That can be scary. Especially because it means you will need to check on your lipstick, worry about obvious wear or transfer, and make sure application is sharp and precise. While statement lipstick may require a little more TLC than a warm nude, sometimes that extra splash of colour is well worth it. These tips will make both the application and wear time easier than ever.

• Be Thoughtful About the Shade You Select. Wearing any lipstick with confidence requires a colour that makes you stand a little taller. For some, that means a bold red lipstick. For others, that may mean a lilac shade. Put thought into the colour you choose for your statement lip. In addition to choosing a colour that you adore....consider the level of difficulty as well. If you are feeling extra uncertain (or are more of a beginner with makeup) reach for a head-turning pink rather than a bright blue or shocking orange. Once you become more comfortable with a more wearable statement lipstick shade, the sky is the limit. 
• Keep the Rest of Your Makeup Simple. The easiest way to wear your statement lipstick with confidence is to let your lipstick be the star of the makeup look. Don't pair an over the top lipstick shade with an ultra contoured face, heavy blush, and a smokey eye. The overall look will be heavy - and your statement lip will have less of an impact. Keep it simple. Go a little lighter on the rest of your makeup so the eye is instantly drawn to that fabulous lip look. 
• Allow Yourself to Be Picky About Formula. Not all lipsticks are made equally. Everyone has their own personal preferences and budgets to work with. That's okay! The most important thing to think about is what you feel good about wearing. Whether it is a matte liquid lipstick, a cream to matte, or a lipstick with an ultra glossy finish....wear what you like best. Remember, confidence and comfort go hand in hand. 
• Take Steps to Improve Durability and Longevity. One of the most common worries about statement lipsticks? That they will transfer, smudge, or wear down. With a more neutral shade, this isn't a serious concern as any break down of product will be less obvious. However, when you have a serious statement going on? Nothing could be more apparent. This is why it is so important to take steps to add to the overall durability. (You can read some of my red lipstick tips here for a few suggestions.) Blotting, powder, lip liner, or applying a lip sealer over top are all effective strategies. Or you may prefer to use a lipstick with a longer wear time on days that you will be out for a considerable amount of time. The choice is yours! 

Mini Lipstick Review + Statement Lipstick Look

Every now and again, a lipstick shade stops you in your tracks. That happened a while back with the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink lipstick in the shade Romantic. The packaging was a bright, bold, seemed to be a totally over the top pink. I simply had to know what it looked like applied on the lips. Recently, I used the colour to create a makeup look that allowed the lipstick shade to be the focus. (Following the statement lipstick tips listed above!) I used a beige-brown eyeshadow shade all over the lids, added on a coat of mascara, filled in my brows, and put a bit of bronzer on the cheeks. Keeping everything else simple allowed that Maybelline lipstick to be the focal point of the look.

As for the performance of the Maybelline Matte Ink shade itself? The colour was really fun and beautiful. It certainly stood out. However, it was not nearly as bright as the packaging colour indicated. The shade is more of a bright rose colour rather than a neon pink. In terms of the staying power, this definitely lasts well. This is a formula that would be ideal for a full day out or if you are going to dinner. That being said, this drugstore lipstick has a tacky sort of finish and can be drying on the lips the longer it is on. So keep that in mind if you prefer something a little more comfortable.

This is the perfect time to make a statement with your makeup. Why not start with the lips? There are so many exciting colours to choose from. Take a peek at your makeup collection and choose a colour that speaks to you. This is your chance to have fun, do something different, and stand out.

Do you like wearing statement lipstick shades? Share your own tips in the comment section below!