The Hype Around The Korean Lip Trend And How To Achieve It In 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Exfoliation and Lip Care
Prepping your lips before applying any lip products is a must. It not only ensures that the products applied afterward would settle well, but also helps in protecting your lips from any damage. Start with exfoliating with an effective lip scrub that would help in removing the dead skin to reveal softer lips that aren't chapped, it also gives an instant plumping effect to the lips. Follow this up with an even layer of lip balm or mask which not only restores hydration but also forms a protective layer that safeguards your lips from any sort of discolouration from pigmented lip colours.
Pro-tip: Use a lip balm with SPF if you plan to step out during the day.
Step 2: Lip Liner And Lip Stain
Start by lining your lips with a lip liner shade that's very close to your natural lip colour. Stay as close as you can to your natural lip line to avoid overlining, as this trend is more focused on attaining a natural look aka your lips but better. If you feel the outline is too harsh, try buffing it softly with a lip brush or your finger (whatever works for you). Now comes the most crucial move, the lip stain. Apply the lip stain or tint on the centre of the lips and blend it outwards to create the ombre effect, continue blending it with a brush until you achieve a soft, almost faded popsicle effect. If your lips have hyperpigmentation like mine, use a concealer or lighter shade of lipstick as a base on your lips. The aim is to give your lips a flushed, almost bitten effect that makes them look natural yet poutier.
Step 3: Sealing The Hard Work
The last and final step is to apply a light coat of your favourite clear lip gloss (or lip oil) on top to make your lips look glossy and hydrated. But if you plan to skip the gloss, consider setting the lips with loose powder to ensure the lip stain stays in place throughout the day. Blot your lips with tissue paper and dust some loose powder using a face brush or use a fluffy crease brush to dust some loose powder directly on the lips. And voila, enjoy your popsicle lips on your no-makeup-makeup days or when you feel like skipping makeup altogether.