All about… Lipstick Beauty!

 Amanda Blain - November 14, 2009

One beauty staple than most women will not live without is Lipstick! Explore this number one benefit makeup with us and you too can become a Lipstick Beauty!

Basics – Lipstick is a cosmetic product containing pigments, oils, waxes, and emollients that applies color and texture to the lips. Although in the past lipstick was made with some different items. Cleopatra had her lipstick made from crushed carmine beetles, which gave a deep red pigment, and ants for a base. Lipsticks with shimmering effects were initially made using a substance found in fish scales called pearlescence. We’ve come a long way baby!

Make Up Lipsticks today have four primary ingredients: wax, oil, alcohol and pigment. Wax is what forms the “stick” and holds everything together. Beeswax, candililla wax and camauba wax are typically the kind of waxes used by lipstick manufacturers. Oil and fragrance are added to the wax and then pigment provides the color of the lipstick. Pigments can be derived from organic compounds, natural products or synthetic ingredients.

Show me the tips!

Here are a few great tips to make your lips the best they can be.

• Use a good quality lipstick brush instead of applying straight out of the tube.  This will allow you to get more precise coverage, things will blend better and your lipstick will last longer because you will be using less.
• Longest staying power trick? Experts agree separate two sides of a tissue. Use one side to cover your lips and then pat with power and a puff. The thin veil of powder will set your lips for the ultimate punch!. Use matte for the best effect. If your looking for that lipstick shine that comes from wearing gloss, be ready to apply often!
• Lipstick down to the end? Take a trip to the local dollar store to get a small tupperware container and put your small pieces inside. Apply with a lipstick brush.

These are just some of the tips and tricks for makeup.  Enjoy!