How-to: wear pale pink lipstick

Pale pink. Musky pink. Baby pink. Or mauve, even. Call it whatever you wish, this lipstick hue is divine. And pretty. And wonderfully 60s-esque.

But how does one pull it off? It is rather different to your standard reds, corals, hot pinks and berries, after all. And considering this hue can sometimes be quite milky and have a (somewhat horrible) chalky, streaky kind of finish, donning this light pink pigment does require a little know-how.

So, follow these tips and you’ll definitely find yourself looking just as glorious as Leona Lewis while wearing this feminine hue…

PALE PINK LIPSTICK TIP #1: always conceal or prime

One of the main reasons pale lipstick can look streaky is because the pigment of your natural lips shows through. To combat this, simply apply a thin layer of concealer - or primer - on your lips using a lip brush, before filling in your pout with a nude lip liner. Doing so will also make the colour of the lipstick stand out more.

PALE PINK LIPSTICK TIP #2: apply two coats, separately

Apply one coat of your chosen pale/musky/baby pink lipstick, and then blot it with a tissue, focusing the pressure on the outer rim of your lips. (This will help prevent that ugly build-up of product on the edge of your lips.) Then, apply your second and final coat of lipstick. This will not only make your lipstick last longer, but further prevent the colour from streaking.

PALE PINK LIPSTICK TIP #3: pair it with black winged eyeliner

Lighter lip hues can make fair skin look a little lost, but by adding a slick line of black liquid liner to your eyes, you’ll add extra definition. This trick also works wonders for darker skin tones, as Leona Lewis has so kindly demonstrated. Filling in your brows will also complete this face-framing make-up look.

PALE PINK LIPSTICK TIP #4: always enhance your complexion

Red, coral, berry and hot pink lipsticks instantly boost your skin’s appearance, but light pink hues? Not so much. Apply a baby pink or rosy coloured blush to help breath life into your cheeks, and pop a dusting of powder illuminator over the top to ensure your skin has a wonderful warmth and glow.

Now you know the tricks to wearing this lipstick hue well, want to know which ones are approved by the bh team? These four are absolute gems…

From left to right: glo minerals Lipstick in Socialite, Mirabella Lip Colour in Fleur, Maybelline New York SuperStay 14hr Lipstick in Perpetual Peony, and L'Oréal Paris Shine Caresse Lipcolour in 103 Marilyn.

Do you like the look of baby pink lipstick? What are your make-up tips for wearing such a light hue?