lip stick and liner

Perfect Pout: Mastering the Art of Lip Liner and Lipstick Duo

When it comes to achieving the perfect pout, using the lip liner and lipstick duo is a game-changer. Lip liner not only helps to define and shape your lips, but it also acts as a barrier to prevent your lipstick from bleeding or feathering and gives you that pouty, plumping lips. For all the girls out there who are still confused about using these 2 amazing makeup items, we are here to help.

Choosing the Right Lip Liner and Lipstick

When it comes to makeup, especially lip products, it’s important to consider your undertone and preference before purchasing them as they’re quite expensive and you do not want to waste your money on items that don’t suit you.

Check your skin tone: How to choose lip liner and lipstick shades won’t be a difficult task anymore if you know what is your undertone. Shades that flatter your skin will enhance your natural beauty and create a more connected look, whereas, colors that don’t match your tone will make your whole look less cohesive.

Match or go well with your lipstick shade: Lip liner should either match your lipstick shade or complement it. If you want a more defined lip shape, choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade. If you want to create a gradient effect or add depth to your lips, go for a lip liner that is slightly darker or lighter than your lipstick shade.

Choose the right finish: Lipstick and lip liner come in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, and glossy. Consider the occasion and your personal style when selecting a finish. Matte finishes are great for a bold, statement lip, while satin and glossy finishes are perfect for a more natural, subtle look.

For perfect lips makeup, we highly recommend you use the best waterproof lip liner as they can stay still for a long time, even underwater. If you haven’t found any, you should try out the best mac lip liners ever, they come in a variety of colors, as well as a usable, stunning formula. These lip liners can pull off every makeup look you can think of and blend very well with most lipsticks that you can find.

Prepping Your Lips

The preparation for the lips is very underestimated, compared to other skincare steps before putting on makeup. Without proper lips preparation, your lips might end up looking cakey and crusty, and you do not want it to happen. So it’s best for you to spend at least 5 minutes on the lips if you want to get that juicy, perfect makeup.

Exfoliate: Use a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips. This will help remove any dry or flaky skin, leaving your lips soft and smooth. You can use other chemical exfoliators for a faster result.

Moisturize: Apply a lip balm or a lip conditioner to hydrate your lips. This will help prevent your lips from becoming dry or chapped, which can make your lip liner and lipstick look patchy and uneven. For all broke girls who can’t afford Laneige or something expensive, Vaseline can do the job very well.

Prime: Use a lip primer to create a smooth base for your lip liner and lipstick. This will make your lip products adhere better to your lips and avoid them from feathering or smudging. This step is not as necessary as the previous steps but if you can afford a lip primer, you should get one because it will improve your makeup look a lot.

Blot: Before applying your lip liner and lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess lip balm or primer. This will ensure that your lip products stay in place and last longer.

See, with just a few easy steps, you now can have the most fabulous, stunning lips ever. It’s never a waste to invest in you, so don’t hesitate to get some high-quality lip moisturizers and primer for a gorgeous, perfect look.

How to Apply Lip Liner and Lipstick

After properly taking care of your lips, it’s time to do the step that we’re all waiting for, putting on lip liner and lipstick. You might want to slow down at this part because this is the part that you don’t want to mess up the most.

Start at the Cupid’s bow: Begin by drawing a small “X” at the Cupid’s bow on your upper lip. This will help guide you as you outline your lips.

Outline your lips: Using short, light strokes, begin to outline your lips starting at the center of your upper lip and working your way outwards towards the corners of your mouth. Repeat this process on your lower lip.

Connect the corners: Once you’ve outlined your lips, connect the corners of your mouth with a straight line. This will help prevent your lipstick from getting all over your lips.

Fill in your lips: For a longer-lasting lip look, fill in your lips with the lip liner. This will create a base for your lipstick to adhere to. 

Blend: Using a lip brush or your fingertip, blend the lip liner towards the center of your lips. This blending process will give you a seamless transition between the lip liner and your lipstick.

Now that you’ve applied your lip liner, it’s time to apply your lipstick. Follow these steps for a flawless application:

Choose your lipstick: Select the lipstick that matches or complements your lip liner. If your lip liner is too dark, choose a lighter lipstick shade. If your lip liner is too light, choose a darker lipstick shade. Always remember to match your lipstick with the lip liner for a more cohesive makeup look.

Put on the lipstick: Start at the center of your upper lip and apply the lipstick toward the corners of your mouth. Repeat this process on your lower lip.

Blot: Using a tissue, blot your lips to remove any excess lipstick. This will help your lipstick last longer and keep it from not smudging.

Clean up any mistakes: Use a small brush or a cotton swab to clean up any mistakes around the edges of your lips.

If you’re into a more intense, darker lips shade, go for another layer.

Lip Liner and Lipstick Pairing Ideas

Even when you have amazing, skilled makeup techniques, you still need to learn about color matching, especially when it comes to lips. In case you’re still confused about this color thing, we’re here to help.

Nude lip: Pair a nude lip liner with nude lipsticks for a natural, subtle look. This is perfect for a daytime look or a casual occasion and goes well with every eyeshadow and blush you can think of.

Red lip: If you don’t know which is the lip liner for red lipstick, all you have to do is pick the liner that has a slightly darker shade than the lipstick. This is perfect for a night out or a special occasion as red is a very standing-out and sexy shade which kinda looks too much for a casual event.

Pink lip: For a fun, flirty and feminine look, a pink lipstick and liner combo is all you need. To those who are planning on a night out with the girls, consider pink as your next makeup look if you’re going for a youthful, cute vibe.

Ombre lip: Create an ombre lip by pairing a darker lip liner with a lighter lipstick shade. Apply the lip liner to the outer corners of your lips and blend to the center. Then, apply the lighter lipstick shade to the center of your lips and blend towards the lip liner. This Ombre lips look will definitely give your lips a plumper illusion as well as add some boldness to your overall look.

Lip liner and gloss combo: This lip combo is perfect for a natural, understated look that still has a touch of glam. It’s also a great option for those who want to add shine to their lips without the heaviness of traditional lipsticks. 

Makeup is all about creativity so don’t be afraid to show people your interest and personality through your makeup, especially the lips as you can wear them in any color, shade or style you want. As long as you like them, they are all gonna look perfect on you.

THE HISTORY AND TUTORIAL OF AUTHENTIC 1940S MAKEUP

1940s makeup is one of the most “vintage” looks, and is rather simple to recreate. There was a push for all things natural, unlike the 1930s and 1950s, which favored reshaping eyebrows and contouring the face. 1940s makeup enhanced natural beauty with just a few tools.

During the war, European women dealt with huge cosmetics shortages, since petroleum and alcohol – some of the main ingredients in makeup at the time – were used for the war effort. When makeup ran out, women turned to home remedies to substitute, such as using beetroot juice to stain lips and petroleum jelly to darken lashes and shape eyebrows.

In the United States, cosmetics continued to be manufactured throughout the war and were seen by the government as a morale booster for the busy women on the home front. Women were encouraged to wear makeup all the time to hide sadness and attract men, even while at work. Athletes even wore makeup. Color films had a big impact on the market, as women could now imitate the shades worn by Hollywood starlets. By 1948, between 80 and 90 percent of women wore lipstick, two thirds wore rouge, and a quarter wore eye makeup.

The 1940s makeup look exudes classic sophistication and is surprisingly easy to recreate. The emphasis was on a flawless, fresh-faced appearance—natural, never overly done. Less was definitely more, which worked out well, especially during the war years when many women had to make do with fewer products and resources.

Although the final result seems simple, a woman’s 1940s makeup routine could take some time—quick five-minute makeup wasn’t a thing! The process began with applying and blending thick foundation. Women were encouraged to shape their face with both light and dark shades of foundation—darker tones could be used to contour areas like a large nose, broad forehead, or square jaw, while lighter shades on the cheeks would add a fuller, plumper appearance.

Next, eye shadow was applied, followed by moist rouge. This was often used not only for color but also for subtle shaping, always ensuring the look remained natural. Afterward, a generous application of powder was pressed into the face with a large velour or wool puff. The powder was applied heavily to ensure a matte finish, covering the entire face. Excess powder was then brushed away with a powder brush to reveal a smooth, polished look.

If the moist rouge needed extra reinforcement, a powdered version was applied on top of the powder. The final steps included defining the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil, applying mascara for fuller lashes, and finishing with the signature bold lipstick.

What You’ll Need:

  • Foundation: Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone.
  • Powder: Loose powder that matches your skin tone to set the foundation.
  • Cream Rouge: Go for a rose-pink cream rouge (avoid powder if possible, unless that’s all you have).
  • Eyebrow Pencil: Choose a pencil that matches your natural brow color, or one shade darker than your hair.
  • Eye Shadow: (Optional, for evening wear) Use matte shadows that match your eye color—avoid shimmer.
  • Mascara: Dark brown or black mascara, or you can even use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) for a more subtle lash effect.
  • Lipstick: A classic, matte red lipstick for that bold, vintage look.

1940s Foundation and Powder

Foundations in the 1940s were quite different from today’s lightweight options. There were fewer shades available, and most foundations had a pinkish tint, which worked well for white women, but wasn’t always suitable for women of color. Many Black women, for instance, either mixed their own makeup or often went without powder.

Foundations during this time were much thicker and creamier compared to today’s formulations. Liquid foundations as we know them didn’t exist, and the creamier formulas helped provide a fuller coverage. Face powder, which was essential, was used to set the foundation and keep the face matte throughout the day. It matched the skin tone but was also used to help the foundation adhere better to the face—foundation alone would often cause powder to slip off.

The foundation and powder were extended down the neck and onto the blouse or dress line, as it was common for the foundation shade to not perfectly match the skin on the rest of the body. This helped create a seamless, blended look.

Tip: For a smooth application, lightly coat your face with baby oil (or mineral oil) before applying foundation. This helps create a smooth base and allows the foundation to blend more easily.

1940S FACE POWDER

Powders should match your natural skin tone as much as possible. Light shades kept a woman looking fresh and youthful, while a slightly bronzed shade added a sun kissed glow, popular with movie stars. Almost all makeup lines carried a sun kissed color or two.

If you are over 40, your skin is prone to yellowing, in which case a powder with a pink tinge will work better for you.  To apply, use a puff to dust your face all over and then brush from the neck up to the forehead. Only brush down once to finish and smooth out face fuzz.

Tip: A fluffy face puff makes a difference. Don’t use compressed powder with a flat pad for early 1940s looks. Pan-cake compressed makeup came out in the mid 1940s with big success. To women who could afford it, it provided more coverage applied in less time. Just remember to always brush up, never down.

1940s Blush

In the 1940s, blush (referred to as rouge) was applied sparingly to create a natural, rosy glow. The shades of rouge were limited, typically ranging from peach and coral to raspberry tones, with darker shades for those with bronze or deeper skin tones. Cream rouge (moist rouge) was the preferred choice, giving a more natural look, and was often blended directly into the foundation. Powdered rouges were also used lightly over the cheeks to give a soft flush.

Although rouge was an important part of the look, it wasn’t strictly necessary for achieving the 1940s style. You could still achieve the desired effect without it.

Tip: If you can’t find cream rouge, a light matte lipstick in a pink or peach shade works well. Simply apply it with your fingers, dab it on the cheeks, and blend it in until it seamlessly matches your skin tone.

Cream or liquid rouges were sometimes found in theatrical costume makeup stores and, in modern times, can be found in some makeup brands on platforms like Amazon.

1940s Eyebrows

The 1940s eyebrows were a continuation of the 1930s style, with thin, beautifully arched brows being the key feature. Eyebrows were kept natural-looking, with only stray hairs removed to maintain a soft, even arch. The arch itself was well-groomed but not overly thin—most women didn’t over-pluck.

Eyebrows were often defined with a pencil that was slightly darker than the hair color, or some women simply applied a bit of petroleum jelly to keep the brows in place and enhance their natural shape. For daywear, this softer look was more common, while in the evening, brows might be more defined.

As the decade progressed, the full, more defined brows of the late ’40s began to take hold, but they were never as thick as modern-day brows.

1940s Eye Makeup

Eye makeup in the 1940s was quite minimal, especially during the daytime. Most women wore just a light coat of mascara, often in dark brown or black. Some even used petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to achieve a subtle lash definition. Mascara came in different forms—liquid, paste, or cake—often built up by adding a little water or spit to the cake to get the desired consistency. Mascara was applied to both the upper and lower lashes for a fuller look.

For evening looks, eye shadow could be used, but only in neutral tones. The colors were typically chosen to match the eye color—blue-grey for blue eyes, grey for green eyes, and brown for brown or hazel eyes. The eyeshadow was applied in a single color, blended from the lash line up to the brow for an elegant and simple look. No smoky eyes or contouring here—just one shade blended well. For evening looks, sometimes silver or gold was added to create a little extra glamour.

Eyeliner wasn’t commonly used in the early 1940s; it was considered too harsh and “fake-looking.” It didn’t make an appearance until the late ’40s, and even then, it was applied only to the top lash line.

1940s Lipstick

Lips were the focal point of 1940s makeup, especially during the war years, when red lipstick was seen as a mood booster. Lipstick shades varied from bluish reds to orange-toned reds, but they were all red! Bright pinks weren’t worn until the 1950s, so reds were a constant. In the fall, red lipstick tended to get darker, and in the spring, it lightened up a bit.

Most lipsticks of the time were matte, and women were advised to moisturize their lips before applying. After applying lipstick, they would often blot their lips with a tissue to ensure the color stayed put. By 1948, lipstick pencils were introduced, allowing for a more precise application and a perfect outline around the lips.

The ideal lip shape was full and even, with a smooth contour on the top and bottom lips. The “Hunter’s Bow” lip shape, popularized by Joan Crawford, involved slightly over-drawing the lips to make them appear plumper. However, actresses like Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman embraced their naturally thin lips and didn’t over-draw them.

Tip: To achieve a perfectly shaped lip, start with the cupid’s bow and draw the pencil out to the corners of the mouth. Fill in with lipstick and gently rub your lips together to ensure an even finish. Touch up any uneven spots on the bottom lip.

1940s Fingernail Polish

In the 1940s, nails were always neatly trimmed, often filed into a long oval shape. During wartime, nails were kept a bit shorter for safety, but they were still manicured regularly. Cuticles were carefully trimmed and moisturized for a polished look.

Nail polish in the ’40s was almost always red, and matching your nails to your lipstick was the norm. Other shades like pink, coral, rose, and burgundy were also popular. A clear topcoat was always used for durability, and some women embraced the “half-moon” style, where the base of the nail (around the cuticle) was left unpainted.

Tip: To create a half-moon shape on your nails, apply paper reinforcements to the base of each nail, aligning the top of the hole with the cuticle. Paint your nails, then remove the reinforcements before the polish fully dries for a neat, vintage look.

1940s Makeup Products to Buy Today

To create an authentic 1940s look today, you don’t need a complicated routine. A bit of face powder, black mascara, well-defined brows, and red lipstick will give you that classic, vintage style. Modern makeup tends to have more shine and glitter, but for a true 1940s look, opt for matte products—especially for your lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Tip: Many modern makeup lines offer matte formulas, but brands like Revlon and Max Factor (which were popular in the 1940s) still offer products that capture that vintage style. Besame is another brand that specializes in recreating vintage makeup colors and formulas from the ’40s.

For a more subtle daytime look, keep your makeup light—just a dusting of powder, a touch of blush, and a swipe of mascara. For a more dramatic evening or pinup style, go heavier on the lipstick and mascara, and use a little more rouge for that retro glam.