Contents
The sizzling heat is no match for these game-changing tricks from French makeup artist Violette.
The dog days of summer have arrived, and there’s no denying it: Lipstick is a bold prospect amid a heat wave.
But leave it to the eternally chic Violette to inspire us. As creative director of makeup for Guerlain, she’s making a case for an equal parts expressive and transformative swipe of color this season, whether a rich nude or striking red.
Her magic bullet of choice? The French heritage brand’s iconic Rouge G lipstick, which recently relaunched with a new formula, packaging (think: ornamental, talisman-like cases in croc and leopard print), and range of 40 “mistake-proof” matte and satin shades handpicked by Violette herself. What could be chicer?
“Summer or not, lipstick really gives you that feel-good power,” says Violette. “So go for it!”
A virtuoso in effortless-looking lipstick, Violette is here to impart game-changing tips and tricks, no matter the forecast. From her go-to application hack to executing a soft-focus finish, here’s how you can up your lip game this summer.
Use the “V” Technique
Whenever she applies lipstick, Violette uses her signature “V” technique to aid in precision and yield a fuller-looking pout. To start, close your mouth and use the tip of your lipstick to trace a “V” along your Cupid’s bow, letting it slightly exceed the natural lip line as you apply it along each side. Once you have your shape, fill it in. Take advantage of the Rouge G lipstick's “sharp, yet slightly oval“ tip for extra precision, says Violette.
Make It Matte
A velvety matte lipstick is longer-lasting and less likely to melt, particularly during the summer. It also happens to be Violette’s preferred finish year-round. “I’m more of a matte girl; it’s very rare that I wear a satin,” she admits. But with a matte finish comes great responsibility. “You need to make sure you’re drinking enough water and your lips are hydrated,” she emphasizes.
Lean on Liner
Another hack for making your lipstick more budge-proof? Liner, particularly if you prefer a dewier satin formula. “If I’m wearing satin in summer, I layer a lip pencil under it because then if the shine goes, you still have that base, and it creates the optical illusion you still have [lipstick] on.”
Soften the Edges
“In the summer, I don’t want to wear something too graphic,” says Violette. “I want something more soft.” Her secret to achieving that diffused effect? Overline your lip slightly, then “massage the edges” with your fingertip to blur for a soft-focus feel.
Embrace Ombré
“If it’s really, really hot, just do one layer of lipstick,” says Violette. “The more layers you put on, the more chance it will melt.” But the reality is if you’re out eating and drinking on summer day, your lipstick will inevitably become more lived-in. Embrace it, she encourages!
“While the outside will fade, the center stays more preserved,” explains Violette. “As this happens, blot lips with a napkin to remove any oil and then blur the pigments along the edges with your fingertips to create an ombré.”
Pare Back the Rest
The beauty of a summertime lip is that you don’t need much else. “No mascara, just a bit of blush, and it looks like a statement,” says Violette. “You can have beach clothes, wet hair, and then a gorgeous lip.”