Summerize your Winter Lipstick

Yearning for a fresh summer lip shade but can't bear the thought of banishing your winter favorite? Though I'm a big believer in the "no rules" rule, it can feel a bit silly to sport deep red or wine lips on a hot summer day. Tearing yourself away from that deep dark go-to can be tough, especially if you have a hard time finding shades you like in the first place. Luckily, just a couple simple tricks can easily turn your winter stand-by into your favorite "new" summer sizzler!

For the quickest, easiest way to use a dark shade in the summer, think stain. Simply use your finger tip to pick up a small amount of color from the tube. Use your finger to apply a dab of lipstick to each side of your Cupid's bow, then smudge the color into your lips. Don't automatically apply more product to your bottom lip, simply press your lips together to transfer the lipstick and blend a bit with your finger until the color is even. The idea is to look as if you've just eaten a Popsicle or a handful of berries- the color should be worked into your lips until it doesn't feel as if there's anything on at all. This works best with smooth lips, since the color will grab onto any dry or flaky areas and look uneven. (For an easy way to smooth lips, check out my post from December '08).

Another great way to transform deep shades is to sheer them out. All you have to do is apply a clear balm to the lips before you apply your lip color. The balm creates a barrier that prohibits the lipstick from adhering to your lips completely, so you end up with just a tint of your normal color. Almost any clear lip moisturizer will work from ChapStick to Lip Smacker. I like Victoria's Secret's Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm- it has a nice shine, contains Vitamin E and Aloe to soothe and moisturize, and never feels sticky. After you've applied your balm, apply your lipstick starting with your top lip, rubbing lips together to spread color as you did for the stained look. This is a great way to get a "juicy" look for your lips: winter wines become summer berries, scarlet reds become fresh cherries.

Use these simple tricks as a starting point and start experimenting- you may even find a new favorite in a color you never thought you'd wear!