8 Tricks to Wearing Spring's Neon Lip

Redbook

Bold, look-at-me lips can instantly brighten your whole face, but how do you pull off a really intense color without looking overly made up? You find a shade that flatters--and doesn't fight with--your complexion and put it on like a pro. By Marissa Oliva, REDBOOK.

Prep your lips first
Bold lipstick accentuates dry, chapped lips, so exfoliate them with a scrub such as Fresh Sugar Lip Polish ($22.50). Or you can apply a little balm (Vaseline works great!) and gently rub over your lips with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Apply a primer
To get the truest color payoff from your lipstick, start with a blank canvas. Tone down your natural lip color with lip primer or a bit of foundation. We like Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer ($19).

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Pencil it in
Outline and fill in lips with a pencil that matches the ideal lipstick shade for your skintone. Not only does this add definition, it also gives lipstick something to grab on to, which means no fading, feathering, or bleeding. Try Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Precision Glide Lip Liner in Fuchsia ($20.50) for pink, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Bang ($20) for orange, and Sephora Collection Nano Lip Liner in Lovely Lilac ($5) for purple-y hues.

Pick a color
Pale skin is the perfect backdrop for hot pinks, which pick up the natural rosiness in your cheeks. Try MAC Lipstick in Candy Yum-Yum ($16).

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For medium and olive skin
A juicy tangerine or coral like Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Lip Gel in All The Way ($30) brings out golden undertones and warms up your entire complexion.

For dark skin
Vivid, grape-y berry hues really pop on deeper skin tones. Our pick: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick in Brazen Berry ($7.49).

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Now, blend
For the most intense, go-for-broke look, swipe lipstick on straight from the tube. If you're a little shy about going all the way, pat the color onto your lips with a pinky fingertip for a subtler, stained effect. Then follow with a dusting of translucent powder like NYX Translucent Powder ($9.99) for staying power.

Balance the rest of your face
Since your lips are the focus, keep everything else simple and fresh-just apply a little foundation or tinted moisturizer, a coat of mascara, and a touch of blush or bronzer. Your makeup won't look over-the-top, even when your lipstick is totally eye-popping.

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