Go Nude! Essential Tips for the Perfect Nude Lip That Won't Wash you Out....(SheFinds Feature)

When Lisa Fogarty from  fab beauty blog SheFinds reached out to get the lowdown all about nude lips...I was happy to help!  As a pale girl, I've struggled with nude...do it wrong, and you'll look pale and wan, not chic.

So what's a girl to do?  Read on for the interview and you'll be rocking a nude lip like a pro!

How To Wear Nude Lipstick Without Looking Washed Out

LISA FOGARTY
JANUARY 21, 2016

Certain lipstick shades have big personalities. Red requires little more than a precise application technique to look smashing. Hot pink or coral–similar va-va-va-voom factor, similar ease. The same, however, can’t be said for nude lipstick, which I’ve always considered the most difficult hue to pull off. The wrong nude lip can make some of us look tired and washed out. What’s more: it isn’t always easy to achieve the delicate balance between a nude lip and the makeup on the rest of your face.

To help pull off the nude trend that’s sweeping the Internet, makeup artist Jennifer Trotter at Lip Service is here to offer solid advice on how to create an amazing, flattering nude lip look that will make you look ethereal… not exhausted.

SHEfinds: What are some of your best nude lipstick application tips?

Jennifer Trotter: Here are three:

1. Exfoliate first. Lighter colors really highlight any dryness, so be sure to exfoliate lips with a sugar scrub (I like Fresh Brown Sugar) or even a rough washcloth to remove flakes, then coat lips with a moisturizing lip treatment (I like Joeur’s version).  Let the moisture soak in while you’re doing the rest of your makeup, then blot any excess before applying lip color.

2. Use lip liner. Line and then fill in lips with a nude lip pencil similar to the color you’re using. This will give your lip color extra staying power and it won’t bleed into any fine lines.

3. Choose color carefully. This is crucial to a fab nude lip. Get it wrong and you’ll look like an extra from The Walking Dead.  My rule of thumb: choose a nude with a rosy undertone instead of a flat beige, particularly if you have a lighter skin tone. That slight rosy undertone will keep your nude lip neutral and fresh with just enough warmth to not make you look washed out.  If you have a lot of natural color in your skin (think Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez–the pinnacle of nude lip wearers), you can go more beige-nude.

SF: What specific nude lipsticks do you recommend?

JT: For paler girls: Tom Ford in Nude Vanille, Nars Brigette and Revlon Soft Nude. For darker skin tones: MAC Fleshpot,NYX Honey or The Balm’s Meet Matte Hughes in Committed.

When you consider a nude lip shade, avoid shades with flat brown or taupe undertones. They may be trendy, but they’re easy to get wrong and can suck the natural color right out of your complexion.

SF: Should nude lips be matte or glossy?

JT: I prefer my nudes on the glossier side–too matte can look dry and aging.  A nude gloss looks great on top of any lipcolor, and can neutralize the shade a bit.  Nude glosses to try: Butter London Lippy in Tea with the Queen and L’Oreal in Barely Nude.

SF: How should you adjust the rest of your makeup to suit the look of nude lipstick?

JT: Add a bit more blush for warmth, and ensure your foundation is flawless. Without the contrast of a brighter lip, any skin issues will be more obvious.  You can’t go wrong with the classic combo of a smoky eye and a nude lip. Go super smoky with shades of carbon, charcoal and bronze paired with a nude lip. Add fluttery lashes and this sexy look is tough to beat, yet not too over the top.

SF: Should your clothing choices change when you wear a nude lip?

JT: Be sure that you’re choosing an outfit in your most flattering colors when you rock a nude lip to avoid looking washed out.  If ivory makes you look pale, then pairing an ivory sweater with nude lip will have friends asking if you have the flu. Choose colors that make you feel strong and powerful… cobalt, red, charcoal, black, white. Nude lip looks are fab against all white on darker skinned ladies–see: Beyonce and JLo again.

For more beauty tips, check out Hack: How to turn eyeshadow into lipstick and How to apply lip color so that it stays put all day long.

[Photo: Imaxtree]

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A COSY PAIR OF PYJAMAS FOR WINTER

With weather promises of ice and snow I was a little disappointed with the mild December days. This week, it has finally felt like winter is on it's way. Frosty mornings, bitter cold gales and scatterings of snow have finally hit and I'm holding tightly onto all of the cosy, comforting, wintry things. 

When I saw these adorable pyjamas from Asos I snapped them up straight away, last week on twitter I professed my love for the gorgeous Space Set, I've been practically living in them! They're super comfy, so soft - almost like brushed cotton and the perfect set to hibernate in on cold winter days. Pyjamas>Clothes.

As soon as I spotted them, I needed this Robot Set, a few clicks away and they landed on my doorstep last week. Whoops. They're not quite as soft as the Space Set - but probably nothing a couple of washes won't fix.

The best/worst thing is that Asos seem to have an array of this style of dreamy loungewear and it keeps coming in new cute designs. Here's a few of my favourite picks, I LOVE the cloud set and the donut ones, I'm patiently waiting for this Unicorn set to come back in stock too, maybe just one more set...

P.s The Unicorn Slippers are from Topshop! 

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WINTER BEAUTY PICKS

The combination of bitterly cold days and drying central heating this winter has left my skin looking a little lacklustre and in serious need of a hydration boost. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel has continued to help to restore my complexion, the cleansing and softening vitamins and pumpkin enzymes of this dreamy pink gel cleanser work well to leave me with radiant, soft skin

I've also pulled out the Sanctuary Spa Therapists Secret Facial Oil for winter, this heavenly oil glides effortlessly over the skin and works wonders as you sleep. Rich in hydrating vitamin e, soothing frankincense and strengthening rosehip oil you only need a few drops to leave you with soft, nourished skin that glows.

Lastly for skin Lush's The Sacred Truth Face Mask has been my favourite skincare treat this month. The papaya enzymes work to exfoliate whilst moisturising honey nourishes the skin, the fresh ingredients combine to leave my skin looking younger, radiant and smooth.

For body care I've been using a dreamy duo to keep my skin silky soft. Packed with exfoliating sugar, vanilla and moisturising murumuru butter, Lush The Rough with the Smooth is the perfect fix for parched winter skin. Paired with a rich moisturiser like Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream they make the perfect match leaving my skin feeling pampered and polished.

On my nails, I've been keeping it simple this month, after December's glittery mani's a swipe of Essie's Apricot Cuticle Oil is all I've been wearing most days. If I do reach for a shade, It's been a pretty nude like Essie's Sugar Daddy, a gorgeous sheer pink polish which gives a delicate no fuss mani.

I've also been keeping my make up quite simple this month, opting for dewy, natural shades. A shimmery champagne pink like MAC's Naked Lunch is perfect to brighten up the eyes, concealing tired peepers effortlessly with just one swipe over the lids.

For blusher, MAC Well Dressed is my top pick for winter, the cool powdery pale pink tones are ideal for the icy cold days. Paired with a shimmery iridescent highlighter like one from the divine Sleek Solstice Palette they work together to give a healthy luminous glow to the skin.

For lips, I can't be without Nuxe Reve De Miel in winter. With honey, sweet almond oil and shea butter it's my lip saviour for the colder months. I've also been reaching for MAC Mehr daily, the latest addition to my lipstick collection this dreamy mauve pink shade is so flattering and a new firm favourite.

What are your beauty picks for Winter?

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5 PICK ME UP'S FOR JANUARY

I think we've probably all had our fair share of January Blues this winter, with bad news rolling in (devastated about Alan Rickman) and bitterly cold, dark days it's been quite a tough start to the year.

I've pulled together a list of 5 things that have helped to cheer me up this month, (here's a little post from last year too) hopefully these can help to pick you up if your feeling the January blues like me!

1. Lush's Unicorn Horn. 

This magical, multicoloured lustre filled bubble bar is the ultimate mood boosting treat. Full of relaxing lavender and uplifting neroli, It's the perfect little pick me up, Neroli oil actually increases serotonin levels in the brain (which makes you feel cheery) plus the dreamy watermelon pink water and sparkly bubbles are guaranteed to make you smile!

2. Loungewear. 

You probably spotted my ode to Asos pyjamas here last week, there's something about these super soft, cosy pyjamas that have totally brightened up my January. As part of my restful, recharging January plan, these along with Netflix, blankets and tea have helped me to keep cosy, relaxed and warm.

3. Getting lost in a good book. 

The Harry Potter series never fail to cheer me up. After pulling all of the squashy blankets that I own onto the sofa, I light a few candles, pop on some fairy lights and pour myself a large mug full of hot chocolate, It's my fail-safe, comforting pick me up ritual. 

I've recently pre-ordered a few new books too to give me something to look forward to in the months/days ahead. This is my latest preorder, written by the same author as The Selection series, hopefully it will be a good read to get lost in!

4. Treat yourself to something new. 

Whether it's a new lipstick, nail polish, candle or fresh flowers sometimes a new luxe treat can help to cheer you up and make you feel a little happier. I'm tempted to splurge on this dreamy Diptyque candle (that pink packaging!) or maybe pick up some pink tulips to brighten up my mood this winter!

5. Plan the year. 

This January I decided to make a note of all of the positive things upcoming in the year ahead. It's so nice to have the year mapped out with so many things to look forward to and it really helps me to keep a positive mindset. I note everything down each month, from exciting events to book/film/dvd/product releases. For example in February there's my brothers 18th, Valentines day, a planned Ikea shop and lot's of exciting DVD releases to look forward to (The Intern, The Scorch Trials & Hotel Transylvania 2!), in May/June I can look forward to peonies, strawberries and ice cold smoothies, November brings my Birthday, great films - (Fantastic Beasts!!) and a potential trip to the Harry Potter Studios and then there's always so much to look forward to in December!

How do you stay happy in January?

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A WEDDING 'TO DO' LIST FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

1. Find a Wedding Planner book, I didn't realise quite how much there is to note down! Having somewhere to hand when I'm out and about or when inspiration hits sounds ideal, I love the look of this notebook.

2. Design our wedding rings. 

3. Start trying on dresses. With ASOS (love this one!) and Needle & Thread (so dreamy) conveniently now selling bridal dresses I really need to start the process of finding the perfect dress

4. Cake tasting. Chocolate cake, caramel cake, sponge cake, red velvet... can I just have a tier of each?

5. Choose my wedding fragrance, so far it's a toss up between Ellie Saab Le Parfum and a Jo Malone cologne, they all smell heavenly!

6. Pick a lipstick, I have a feeling that choosing my wedding make up may take me a while. I'd love one to keep as a keepsake after the wedding, so possibly a Charlotte Tilbury one (that packaging!), I just can't decide on the shade!

7. Browse Pinterest, brochures and blogs for the perfect honeymoon/wedding destination. The Maldives was my ideal choice but as you can't actually officially get married there and so I'm still on the look out for other locations.

8. Research flowers for my bouquet, let's face it I'll probably end up with something simple like some gorgeous peonies & a spray of gypsophila but I want to see what will be in season and readily available - there's something quite therapeutic about looking at so many pretty floral arrangements!

9. ...Then hunt down a shop that will turn my fresh bouquet into a paperweight to keep forever - like this. I love the idea!

10. Splurge on this Love, Laughter & Happily Ever After passport holder, it's adorable!

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JANUARY'S PINK FAVOURITES

Starting with a few lifestyle favourites, I've been scattering fresh flowers around my home this month to brighten things up a little and boost my mood on dark winter mornings. This dreamy cat mug is another new favourite, the ideal size for a hot chocolate it's been the perfect choice for icy days. I've also picked up knitting again, as I seem to do each new year, let's hope I can keep it up for a little longer this time!

Having finally discovered the allure of Lush's bubble bars last year, I had to include one in this month's favourites. So far, The Lush Rose Jam bubbleroon is my top pick, it creates a bath full of dreamy, soft pink bubbles and the scent is divine! I'm hoping to try The Comforter next, it sounds heavenly!

Another great discovery for me this month are Cheerz, who have made editing and printing out my photos and instagram snaps a dream. It's such a treat to have actual printed copies of my favourite photos, it's let me tick off my resolution to print out my photos already! Use the code SOP4WC for £4 off at Cheerz if you wanted to print some too!

For beauty, MAC's Well Dressed has perked up my complexion this month, it's cool toned pastel hue works perfectly with highlighted skin for a dewy complexion. Another pick that instantly freshens up my make up on these gloomy January days is the Nars Lip pencil in Yu, a creamy textured pigmented shocking pink that stays put for hours.

Lastly, I've been testing out Essie shades from this set for my wedding day mani and currently Essie's Sugar Daddy is sitting in the top spot. This delicate sheer pink nude looks so pretty on the nails, it looks like it would work perfectly for a french mani too!

What were your favourite products in January?

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VALENTINES PINK & RED LIP PICKS

With Valentines day right around the corner, I've been reaching for my favourite pink and red lipsticks. I'll probably just be spending Valentines day at home, in my favourite Asos pyjamas with Netflix and popcorn (I'm addicted to Reign!), maybe in the evening we'll rustle up a candlelit homemade meal to mark the occasion. Although we don't ever really do too much on Valentines, I love to wear a red or pink lip on the day!

The Pinks

I've given up hope for snowy winter days and so I've decided to embrace pink lips again and let a few spring picks creep their way back into my make up bag for the lead up to Valentines day. A current favourite and the one I'll probably end up wearing on the day is Revlon Sultry Samba. This pigmented creamy fuchsia packs a punch, it's a bold shade that pairs well with lots of mascara, a champagne highlighter and a nude pencil in the waterline.

Another favourite and strong contender for the day is Nars Yu, a shocking pink with an impressive formula. This budge-proof lip pencil feels soft and creamy on application and is a universally flattering shade, worn with dewy make up it's ideal for a fresh, healthy look.

My last pink pick Revlon Showy is a dupe for Chanel La Diva, this cool toned pink is remarkably similar to its high end dupe, albeit a little less long lasting. Luckily, the crayon style applicator means that it's easy to pop in your bag for application on the go and the pigmented formula means that you just need one swipe for lasting colour.

The Reds

Moving onto the reds, Nars Velvet Lip Pencil in Cruella is another top pick for Valentines day. I have only the highest praise for Nars lip pencil formula's, they're something else! Creamy, long lasting and pigmented this deep scarlet red is so comfortable on the lips and it's such a gorgeous shade!

L'Oreal Exclusives Lipstick in Blake is the one for dry, parched lips as the addition of Jojoba oil in this classic red lipstick helps to keep lips soft and hydrated. Great for date nights and paired with a shimmery highlighter dusted on the cupids bow this sophisticated red gives an effortless, polished pout.

Lastly, Clinique Cherry Pop is the latest red to my collection, a bright blue toned red with an inbuilt primer this perky bold red lasts well on the lips. It's the perfect shade for winter and Valentines day, how dreamy is the packaging!

What's your favourite pink/red lipstick?

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