When it comes to wearing lipstick the right way, there’s more than meets the eye. It’s not just about choosing the right shade, but also about mastering the art of application. And that’s where the experts come in. We asked three renowned makeup artists—who have shown us their craft on red carpets, editorial spreads and bridal muses—what their ideal process looks like.
Tanvi Chemburkar—the celebrity makeup artist whose red-carpet clients swear by her timeless approach to makeup—tells us that she focuses on working in layers. Savleen Kaur Manchanda, on the other hand—who has worked with the likes of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone and more—believes that makeup has no rules. Finally, Shradha Luthra—a bridal makeup educator who is all about well-defined makeup—champions that unconventional can be effective, too.
“I like to work in layers” – Tanvi Chemburkar
Lip prep
Neglecting lip prep before lipstick application is a common makeup faux pas. According to Tanvi Chemburkar, lip prep is the secret to an even lipstick application. “If someone has dry, flaky lips, my first move is to scrub the lips, followed by a hydrating balm,” Chemburkar shares. “I like to let the lip prep sit while I finish the rest of the makeup.” This ensures that your lips stay nourished throughout the day.
Lip liner
After prepping, it’s time for a step that she swears by, ie lip mapping. “A lip pencil is essential as it enhances the entire lipstick application. With a lip pencil, you can reshape or accentuate your cupid’s bow or achieve the desired shape you’re aiming for,” she explains. As a celebrity makeup artist, Chemburkar is always on top of beauty trends. “Lip contouring is in. Opt for a darker lip pencil to map out your lips and slightly overdraw them,” she emphasises. Make sure your pencil is well-sharpened for a precise shape. If you end up with an uneven shape, she suggests that you use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover to clean the area.
Lipstick application
When it comes to applying lipstick, patience is key. “I like to work in layers—I apply one layer of lipstick and blot it to remove excess product, followed by another layer. I prefer waiting a bit before applying the final layer,” she tells us. This method ensures a long-lasting look; even if the first layer fades, you’ll still have the second layer as a backup. For those who prefer a matte finish, the expert recommends placing a tissue over the lips and lightly dusting with a loose powder to mattify the colour.
Tira recommends:
ClayCo Japanese Peach & Squalane Brightening Lip Polisher
INGLOT AMC Lip Pencil Matte With Sharpener – 17
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Daily Soothing Cleanser
Maybelline New York Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick – Lippy
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - Translucent
“The only rule of makeup is the one you create” – Savleen Kaur Manchanda
Lip prep
When we caught up with Savleen Kaur Manchanda and she spilled the tea on lip prep, she started with the cult classic, Vaseline Jelly. “Your lip-care can be as simple as a translucent moisturising balm or even a tinted one. Just skip the tint if you’re aiming for a nude lip look,” she advises. For those eyeing a luxe option, she recommends the Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm by Elizabeth Arden.
Lipstick application
Her go-to lipstick hack? “The only rule of makeup is the one you create. I apply lipstick on my finger, warm it up and then dab it onto my lips,” she shares. This technique ensures a smooth, less opaque finish. For a skin-like effect, Manchanda recommends, “Use a buffing brush to soften the edges, making the shade meld with your natural lip colour.” A true advocate for experimentation, the makeup artist encourages mixing colours to find the right shade.
Top up
When it comes to gloss, she’s all in. “Gloss is back in a big way; and I love it,” Manchanda exclaims. She prefers gloss over matte as it helps in achieving a softer, more alive look. Her top pick? A nude lip gloss which pairs well with nearly any shade, keeping your options open.
Tira recommends:
Vaseline Rosy Lip Therapy
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick - Third Date
Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint - 20 Dark Coconut
Lakme Unreal 3D Slim Bullet, Matte Finish, Nude Brick
Makeup Revolution Shimmer Bomb Lip Gloss - Glimmer Nude
“Using a lip liner as a base will ensure longevity” – Shradha Luthra
Lip liner
Does anyone else find themselves in the endless cycle of reapplying lipstick all day? By 3 PM, that once-vibrant shade is dry and dull, as if it’s been through a desert trek since the morning application. However, as Shradha Luthra shares, “Using a lip liner as a base for any lipstick will ensure longevity. Lightly feather your lips with the liner before you apply your chosen shade on top.” The result? Your lipstick stays put, vibrant and fresh, eliminating those midday touch-ups.
Lipstick application
There are multiple ways to wear your lipstick—some are classic and some are unconventional. Luthra is all about taking the road less travelled. “Once you have lined your lips, follow up with a liquid lipstick and then top it off with a bullet lipstick,” she tells us. This layering technique ensures a crease-free look. It might sound overwhelming, with three textures being applied one after the other, but there's a trick to make it work. She recommends, “Take a tissue and smack your lips on it to remove any excess product.” Application is not just about the lipstick itself, but also about how you apply it. “Try not going in with the lipstick wand directly. Use a lip brush for a precise and crisp application.”
Top up
Adding gloss is a must and Shradha backs this up. “I apply gloss just in the centre of the lips and avoid using it all over,” she tells us. “This helps in achieving a less smeared application.”
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