My post a few weeks ago, on keeping your lips moisturized, spurred a very intriguing conversation (thank you Jessie and Dr. Pam!) about using Motives Lip Crayons in conjunction with the Vitamin C-infused products I listed. The comments got me thinking; lip liners are such an unappreciated product as of late. But with the return of lip color to mainstream, I think it’s time for all of us to revisit this highly neglected beauty superstar—and a little tutorial is in order.

1. Picking the right color is key. Always go one shade lighter than the lipstick you plan to use. Your lipstick will wear off faster than the liner, and you don’t want to be left with a dark, granny-in-Palm-Beach-after-a-meal outline.

2. Keep the tip of your pencil sharpened to a thin, rounded edge. If the end is too sharp, you get a jagged, harsh outline. What I like to do is sharpen the pencil and then very lightly twist the tip against a tissue or piece of paper. It will wear down the point to the perfect diameter.
3. Starting in the center of your top lip, with medium pressure, apply a thin line that just touches the outside edge of your lip. Repeat on the opposite side, and then in one movement—from corner to corner—line your bottom lip. By making sure the liner meets the outside edge of your lips, you’re not only guaranteeing a beautifully dramatic effect, but also keeping lipstick from bleeding into fine lines.
4. Here’s where you have options. Motives Lip Crayons are made with a non-drying, creamy formula, which makes them usable as all-over color or just as a liner. For a matte look, fill lips completely in and finish with Motives Lip Plumper ($16), which adds a pretty, pouty finish. Or, to keep it more subtle, top with a complimentary shade from Motives Rich Formula Lipstick ($14).


Motives Lip Plumper ($16)


Motives Rich Formula Lipstick ($14)

Lots of love,
Loren