We have come a long way since semi-precious jewels were crushed for the lips and beauties like Cleopatra chose carmine beetles to paint their puckers.

But what remains unchanged is the absolute essential status of the lipstick.

Today there are different types to choose from. You get tubes and pencils, pots and palettes. And various finishes — matte, sheen, cream, moisture, sheer, shine…

Lipsticks can make your lips look pouty and kissable. They can flatter and they can also stay on forever (read six hours).

“A lipstick is the most popular beauty product world-wide. It adds a finishing touch by bringing all the other colours of your face into harmony,” says beauty expert Bridgette Jones.

Put it on

Bridgette advises you start at the centre of the upper lip, moving towards the corners, repeating the same on the lower lip. The lip-brush is a hot tool among make-up pros. “If you are seasoned, use a lip-brush. It gives you the opportunity to mix colours,” says Priscilla Corner, t2 columnist and beauty expert. Bridgette also feels that a brush gives a much better outline. A lipliner (in a same tone as your lip colour) is a must for amateurs, advises Priscilla.

Keep it on

The more matte the shade is, the less chance you will transfer some onto that glass of bubbly or cup of chai. Dabbing on some foundation before applying lipstick is Priscilla’s best bet. “This will cement the colour in the groove of the lips. In case you err with the line, use a Q-tip to put it right. Also, do not forget to blot it with a tissue after the lipstick,” she adds.

If you can lay your hands on a lipstick primer, it’ll do the trick as well. “First prime your lips. It gives your lipstick something to hold onto. See the lipstick glide effortlessly. Blot your lips with tissue and dust some translucent powder. Then apply another coat. This will seal the colour,” says Bridgette. Beauty expert Nabin Das’s vote goes to a basic lipstick lock that is readily available in the market.

Remove it

At the end of the day or night, just because you can’t see any lipstick residue doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It is as important to wipe off your lips as it is to remove eye shadow. It is best to use a professional make-up remover. “Usually an eye make-up remover and a lip make-up remover are similar. Dab some remover on a cotton swab and glide it over your lips. Then wipe it off with a cotton pad,” says Bridgette.

And if you don’t have a remover, Priscilla suggests “something mild like a Johnson’s baby oil”.

Trend talk

There are some shades (red and nudes) that are always hot and some others (purple and coral) that come and go.

For this season, Priscilla picks deep cherry, wine and warm colours like walnut and teak.

Nabin recommends a bright red full-mouthed look or very pale colours. “They are very ‘in’ internationally,” he says. But if you, like Bridgette, feel that “red is for the ramp and for the daring”, try her recommended palette of pinks and burnt orange. Dark lipliners are completely outdated, she adds.

Control it

Our experts list some dos and don’ts to prevent your lipstick from bleeding:

• Do not go overboard.

• Stick to the natural contours of your lips.

• Use a lipliner.

• If it still bleeds, apply some talcum powder to arrest it.

Pout Picks

M.A.C.
Maybelline
Bobbi Brown
Chambor
Pupa
Estee Lauder

Pout pointers

Dry lips: Apply a lip balm and then apply lipstick.
Moist lips: Apply foundation.
Thin lips: After foundation, outline the lips a little beyond the edges. Avoid dark colours.
Thick lips: Line it within. Avoid glossy shades. Go for earthy tones.