Bobbi Brown, a renowned beauty entrepreneur and founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics as well as Jones Road, shared her insights on how to extend the wear of lipstick. According to Brown, the key to a flattering lipstick begins with the formula, followed by selecting the right shade and texture that suits an individual’s natural lip color and personal style.
When choosing a lipstick, Brown suggests matching the lipstick shade to your natural lip color rather than solely considering skin tone. She explains that the same color can appear differently on different people depending on their natural lip shade. For example, those with pink lips might find pink-rose shades natural and effort-free, while nudes with brown tones might look unnatural. Texture is also pivotal; those with dry lips should opt for satin finishes that offer a balance between creamy and matte, avoiding long-lasting formulas that can dry out lips.
Brown emphasizes hydration as essential for lip preparation. She advises drinking plenty of water and applying lip balm regularly. For extremely dry lips, using eye cream followed by lip balm overnight can help. She does not recommend using primer or foundation on the lips as these may affect the lipstick’s appearance and longevity.
In application, Brown’s method involves applying lipstick directly to the bottom lip and then smacking the lips together before cleaning up the edges. She notes that modern lipstick application embraces a more relaxed, lived-in look rather than perfection. Lip brushes are optional, as direct application is typically easiest.
To lock lipstick in place and prevent feathering, Brown recommends applying lip liner after the lipstick. This method involves lining and filling in the entire lip with the pencil over the lipstick, which also creates a matte finish and provides subtle definition without visible lines. She advises against over-lining lips, which can be noticeable.
To further prevent feathering, powdering the area around the mouth is suggested. Some may also apply powder directly over the lipstick before adding gloss, depending on the desired finish. Brown notes that lipstick finish is a personal choice, ranging from matte to glossy.
Finally, Brown stresses that reapplying lipstick throughout the day is normal. She explains that lipsticks are not necessarily meant to last all day and encourages frequent touch-ups for a fresh look. Ease and comfort are priorities, with a modern preference for lipsticks that can be quickly reapplied as needed.
Throughout her career, Brown has focused on creating clean, accessible makeup products centered on enhancing natural beauty, a principle still reflected in her current lines. Her tips offer practical guidance for users seeking polished lips that suit their lifestyle and preferences.
