Why Does Lipstick Look Bad on You And How to Fix It

Let’s be real: rocking a bold lip can be a game-changer. A red lip? Instant confidence boost. Even a subtle shade can elevate your entire look.

But if you’re reading this article, chances are lipstick, and you aren’t exactly BFFs. Maybe you’ve tried, failed, and sworn off the lipsticks entirely. Trust me; you’re not alone, as many women don’t consider themselves to be ‘lipstick people.’

But before you write off lipstick for good, let’s talk a bit. As with a few tweaks and the right approach, you might just become a lipstick fan. 

So, are you ready to pucker up and give it another shot? Let’s dive into the lip issues that might be holding you back from wearing lipstick.

The Constant Chapped Lips

Let’s face it, beauties. Dry, flaky skin is the culprit to bad makeup, and your lips are not any different. Lipstick will stick to all those flaky creases, making your lips—to be blunt—horrific. But guess what? It is an easy fix: exfoliate your lips. 

You can even make an at-home sugar scrub to help remove all of those unwanted dead skin cells, as well as a soothing lip mask. Once your lips reveal that fresh new skin, it’s important to moisturize them. Consider using a natural lip balm or oil to moisturize your lips. Simply apply a thin layer and blot off any excess with a tissue—viola—LIPtastic!

Teeth Troubles

If you have crooked or damaged teeth, lipstick may seem like the last product you want to use. After all, you want to divert attention from your mouth rather than draw it to your problematic teeth.

Luckily, this does not need to be an issue with the help of subtle modern dental treatments. For example, if you have crooked teeth, you can opt for clear aligners, which are practically invisible. Additionally, if your teeth are cracked or damaged, your dentist might be able to offer you treatment using a one-shade flowable composite. It is a fantastic option because it can blend with the color of your teeth, making it ideal for visible areas of the mouth, especially the front teeth, where aesthetics are crucial.

With these treatments, you can confidently wear any lipstick shade to show off your new teeth! 

You Have Thin Lips

While not everyone is blessed with naturally plump lips, the good news is that makeup can work wonders. With a few clever beauty hacks and the right makeup, you can easily create the illusion of fuller, more defined lips.

Check out some of my favorite beauty hacks for fuller lips: 

• Overline & Highlight: Slightly overline your lips and highlight the Cupid’s bow with a lip liner to enhance fullness.
• Contour & Lighten: Use a darker lip liner at the corners of your mouth and apply a lighter lipstick or gloss in the center of your lips for added dimension.
• Go Glossy: Choose a glossy finish to reflect light and boost fullness.
• Lip Plumpers: Try lip plumpers for a temporary volumizing effect.

 Another option for thin lips is dermal fillers. And no, we are not talking about those celebrity mishaps and reality TV disasters. But here’s the deal: not all fillers lead to duck lips. There’s a whole world of subtle lip fillers to enhance your natural beauty. Fillers can add just the right amount of volume and shape to make your lips pop without going overboard.

You Are Wearing The Wrong Shade Of Lipstick

This is one that I personally relate to. When I put on lipstick, it made my teeth look less white. It actually did not flatter my teeth at all, so I decided to do some research. And guess what? It was the wrong color. Certain colors can make your teeth appear yellowish. WHAT?? Yes, you read correctly.

So here are a few things to consider when choosing a lipstick color. Make sure you pick one that flatters your undertones. Secondly, you want to select a shade that will positively reflect off your teeth, like a berry color or lipsticks with a blue undertone. These hues help to highlight your teeth, making them look even brighter. On the same token, you want to avoid lipsticks with a yellow-orange undertone. These undertones are often found in certain shades of pink, such as coral or salmon. Hence, I do not wear pink lipsticks as they emphasize the imperfections in your teeth and make them appear yellow.