On most days, I opt for a neutral lip color, my favorite being this or this shade, this lip gloss or this lipstick in Creamy Pale Petal. However, this season brings so many vibrant reds, pinks and oranges that I’ve found myself adding a bold lip color to many of my spring looks, as seen here, here, and here on Gal Meets Glam. A new lip color can refresh or add a touch of glam to any style. The beauty of wearing the right shade of lipstick is that it can enhance the rest of your makeup, leaving a finished and more polished look. Applying lip color is simple, but here are a couple extra tricks to try as well.

Using a lip pencil in a neutral tone can accentuate the curves of the mouth, or even make lips appear a bit smaller, depending on the application technique. To slightly minimize lip size, cover lips completely with a bit of skin colored concealer. Trace just inside the actual lines of the mouth with the pencil to create a smaller shape, and color in with the same pencil. Gently smudge the lines just a little to make the new shape appear natural. Finish with a favorite neutral shade of lipstick.

To enhance the shape of the mouth, trace just outside the actual lines of the mouth with a lip pencil and fill-in the lines with the same pencil. Slightly smudge the lines to create a natural look. Then add a bold color of lipstick that compliments your skin tone. Most changes will be subtle, but effective in giving you the lips you want with just a few quick and easy steps!