SALES of lipstick have hit the skids this year after masks entered our lives.
In what was a £100million- a-year industry, there was a 49 per cent dip in sales between August and October, according to research group NPD. And experts say there is a big link to masks being made mandatory.
Here, celebrity make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, who works on telly hit Strictly Come Dancing and used to be married to TV host Ant McPartlin, explains why our favourite lippie is exactly what we need to lift us in dark times.
LIPSTICK is like your best friend. It picks you up when you are down, gives you strength when you feel vulnerable and always manages to put a smile on your face.
Growing up, I learnt from my mum that lippy gives you the confidence to get on with daily life.
Whether she was popping to the shop, going on a dog walk or doing the school run, Mum would never leave the house without a swipe of her favourite Estee Lauder lippy.
She was not hugely into make-up, but that gold missile-shaped lipstick in a mid-brown hue now reminds me of her every time I see it. It has become quite sentimental. Even the dusky, perfume smell takes me back to my childhood.
When I read that sales of lipstick had dropped by 49 per cent, I was saddened, but not surprised. The pandemic has changed our lives in many ways, and mask wearing is not particularly conducive to sporting your brightest, boldest lip.
You might feel like your perfectly painted pout will not be seen under your face covering, or that your lippy will soon be smudged all over your face.
But I am here to say: Like your closest friends, your lippy will not let you down. So please do not give up on your favourite shades just yet. Remember, this is the little luxury that will get you through the toughest times.
Historically, lipstick sales have gone up during times of hardship, like in 2008 after the financial crisis, in 2001 following 9/11 and in the Thirties during the Great Depression. Whatever happens after this pandemic, I can assure you that your lippy will be your go-to.
Like your closest friends, your lippy will not let you down.
Lisa Armstrong
As a kid, I began painting my own pout and this led to a career as a make-up artist. I was a disco dancer and had to do my own hair and make-up for competitions.
This provided an opportunity to really experiment — the bigger, brighter and bolder, the better. Green eyes would be paired with purple lips. And often, whatever colour my costume was would be matched with the same lip hue — be it orange, pink or red.
It made me feel sassy and fierce and, ultimately, ready to perform. Now, I get to pass this same armour on to the celebrities and dancers on BBC show Strictly.
I’ve worked on the series for the past 12 seasons and often have the ladies coming to me and saying this shade of lippy makes me feel great — so that is what we go with.
Lisa's tips to make it stick
GET SET: Prep with a lip scrub or put your normal face scrub on a new soft toothbrush.
LINE: Define with a liner, then fill in the entire lip as this acts as a base for your lipstick to cling to, and look bolder. Don’t go too far over your natural lip line.
GO MATTE: These formulas do stay in place but can be drying. My creamy faves are Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips and my MATTEiculous Lipsticks as they feel hydrating.
LESS IS MORE: Too much will transfer to mask, and face.
NO GLOSS: Shiny finishes will end up on your mask as the formulas are more moveable with less staying power.
BRUSH ON: Apply with a brush for ultimate accuracy. My go-to lip brush is the MAC 316 Synthetic Lip Brush.
PRESS POUT: Gently press a tissue over your lipstick to lift off any excess.
GO NATURAL: If wearing a mask, stick with a natural, “your lips but better” tone, so if it does move, it won’t be so noticeable. I love MATTEiculous Lipstick in the shade Clarey from my range.
Psychologists have spoken about the courage a bit of colour on your smile can give you. A British Heart Foundation survey found that 26 per cent of women felt more confident when wearing lipstick.
And I’ll never forget actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s pearls of wisdom. She said: “Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kickass red lipstick.”
Lipstick really is a saviour on the rainiest of days, just like your closest girlfriends. During the past three years, I’ve had some real highs — like creating my make-up collection with Avon — but some lows too, and my mates have been my support network.
They have encouraged and inspired me along the way. So, to show my appreciation, I decided to name the lippies and lip-liners in my collection after them. There is Clare, Emma, Jo, Fran, Gemma and Zoe.
Lipstick really is a saviour on the rainiest of days, just like your closest girlfriends.
Lisa Armstrong
Just like close pals, lipstick can provide that brave face you sometimes need.
It helped me be strong when my dad Derek passed away last year at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.
I wore a subtle pink shade that has become my go-to through the years.
Wearing a lipstick you have grown to love over the years can sometimes give you that little hug you need. It is comforting.
There are times when you do not have the energy to put a full face on, but just a coat of colour on your pout can help you face the world. And it does not require training or much skill — absolutely anybody can feel the power of a good old lippy. Not to mention the buzz from impulsively buying it.
I’m definitely a product junkie, because there are so many shades and styles to reflect your personality or mood.Strictly host Claudia Winkleman, 48, for example, is known for her pale pink signature lip, but occasionally she rocks a red just to mix it up.
I’m a sucker for Pat McGrath and I have to admit I own the whole range.
I need to make sure I have got every mood and colour craving covered. For something that does not cost the earth, these little sticks can really lift your spirits.
So why should we let a face mask get in the way of all the benefits of wearing lipstick? Don’t get me wrong. You might get the odd smear stretching across your cheek, but I am still going to coat my lips under my face covering — even if I am going to be masked up all day.
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Despite others not seeing it, it makes me feel good — and that is all that matters, right? Plus, us make-up artists know that lipstick is not just for the lips. Blush hues can double up for your cheeks, too. Just dab on your fingers and blend on your face.
We all need a little more colour in our lives at the moment, and with Christmas just around the corner, why not treat your loved ones, or yourself, to something timeless?
After all, it is the pocket-size pal we all need. So get your lippy on, put your chin up and go.
Keep on smilin'
WANT a lippy that won’t budge under the mask? SIOBHAN O’CONNOR picks the best ones . . .
- Lisa Armstrong MATTEiculous, Clare lippy and liner, £15, avon.uk.com – buy now
- Fenty Beauty lip paint, £20, Boots – buy now
- L’Oreal signature matte liquid, £9.99, feel unique.com – buy now
- Rimmel lasting finish, £5.99, Superdrug – buy now
- Maybelline superstay matte lipstick, £9.99, look fantastic.com – buy now
- Sleek Matte Me, £4.99, Boots – buy now
- Bare Minerals longwear, £14, John Lewis – buy now
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