[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]With Valentine’s Day approaching, you’re probably scratching your head trying to decide the perfect gift for your significant other, or where you’re going out, but most importantly — what you’re going to wear. Elaborate eyeliner and overly dusted eyeshadow is a common sight on date night, but lips are often an afterthought with a simple swipe of lipstick. Here’s an easy way to create a gradient effect look that will have both his eyes on you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][divider line_type=”Small Line”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][vc_column_text]What you’ll need:

– Lip balm or Chapstick
–  Your favorite lip color (use something that will stand out against your skin color or match your outfit)
– Nude colored lipstick or lip concealer
– Lip brush
– Cotton swab
– Clear lip gloss[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][image_with_animation image_url=”7538″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][vc_column_text]Step 1:

Apply lip balm or Chapstick liberally on your lips to leave your lips hydrated and smooth for application. You can also exfoliate your lips with scrub beforehand.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][image_with_animation image_url=”7544″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][vc_column_text]Step 2:

Apply the nude lipstick or concealer on both your bottom and top lips by dabbing it on in a line. Using your finger or a cotton swab, blend the concealer. Apply more if necessary. This will act as a base for the lipstick and also will make your lips look natural.

Alternative: BB cream can also work as a concealer base if you don’t have a specific one for lips. If you feel like your lips are already pale enough, then you can forgo the base color altogether.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][vc_column_text]Step 3:

With a lip brush, or the lipstick color itself, dab the color over the inside of your lips in a line. Use a lip brush to spread the color over. Re-apply over for a darker shade if necessary.

Tip: If you feel like there is too much color on your lips, use a lip brush instead.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][image_with_animation image_url=”7549″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][vc_column_text]Step 4:

Use the cotton swab or your finger to blend the color outward and create a gradient effect.

Note: If the color is already too light, or you feel like the color is already in a gradient effect, you don’t need to blend it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][image_with_animation image_url=”7554″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][vc_column_text]Step 5:

Apply clear gloss on top of the lipstick. This will create a shiny look on your lips, as well as seal the color to make it last longer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Step 6:

Smile![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ animation=”none” boxed=”true” centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” background_color_opacity=”1″][image_with_animation image_url=”7561″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” img_link_target=”_self”][/vc_column][/vc_row]