Pucker Up, Buttercup!

First I want to say thank you for all of the kind words on my last post! I won’t lie, I was a little nervous about putting that out there. So, thank you again for all of the wonderful words of support.

Recently I asked readers via my Facebook page to post what they’d like to see on the blog.  One person suggested vintage make-up tips, especially regarding lipstick and keeping it on.

I don’t consider myself a make-up expert by any means, and often still seek help from friends and the internet.  But lipstick is something I feel I can discuss!  I use CoverGirl Outlast and that’s it (introduced to me by AlexSandra of AlexSandra’s Vintage Emporium).  I’m one of those people that when I find something I like and works, I don’t ever move away from it.

Outlast is a two step process that keeps your lips bright and colorful pretty much all day, through getting dressed, trying on clothes while out shopping, most foods, and kissing.

For the most part, I wear Ever Red-dy.  But for some more 60s mod looks, I use various nudes and pinks.  And when I dip into the 20s and earlier, I opt for a more berry color.  You can also mix it up, and layer colors, creating unique shades.

How do you use Outlast?  Apply the color portion to your lips.  The color is very lip gloss like in consistency and in application.  I like this type of applicator since it gives me more control.  I was never that great with the classic lipstick.  Let this portion dry, maybe put on your jewelry that you’re going to be wearing for the day.

Once your color is dry, apply the top coat.  This is a clear layer, akin to chapstick, that adds shine to your lips and can be reapplied as desired throughout the day.

And you’re done!  Feel free to pull on clothing without fear of lipstick stains or make-out to your heart’s content without getting a mark on your partner.  It also won’t smear or bleed.

While I swear by Outlast, it isn’t without its problems.  The biggest problem is eating, or rather the aftermath of eating.  But it also depends upon what you eat.  If you to eat something that is oily (such as a salad with oily dressing or a burger), chances are your lipstick will come off and you will need to reapply.  But if you eat something lacking any oil, then your lipstick will typically come out unscathed.  When reapplying, the new layer often won’t seem as clean as the first, and later in the day, it may feel like your lips are beginning to peel and eventually the lipstick does become rather gummy.  Sometimes it is best to attempt to rub as much of the lipstick off as possible and start again.  Drinking won’t faze it though, and no more lipstick prints on your mug or glass!

Another “downside” is removing the stuff at the end of the day.  Since it is designed to stick on through nearly anything, it’s pretty stubborn.  A washcloth and water won’t do the trick, so I use Neutrogena’s Oil Free Eye Make-Up Remover, which I apply to a cotton ball, and rub over my lips, followed by a warm washcloth.

Outlast and the Neutrogena make-up remover are available at most drug stores such as Rite Aid and big box stores such as Target, with Outlast typically running $8.00 to $10.00 and the make-up remover $6.00 to $7.00.