Katrina Kaif's Lipstick Tips You'll Wish You'd Known Sooner

Don’t Shy Away From Shades

The first step to a great lip look? Finding a colour that makes you feel good. While understanding your skin's undertone can be helpful to narrow down shades, it doesn't mean you have to stick to a particular colour palette.

“Undertone is of course important, but I also think you should have fun with colour. For me, it’s about trying the shade on and seeing how you feel! Sometimes a colour that you don’t expect to work can look incredible once you put it on. I usually like to test a few shades and see which one makes me feel most like myself.”

Never Forget The Prep

A little lip prep can go a long way, but that doesn't mean you need an elaborate routine. The secret is keeping lips comfortable and hydrated and choosing a lipstick formula that feels just as good as it looks.

“Honestly, I don’t like to overcomplicate lip prep. I just make sure my lips feel hydrated and comfortable, and then I go straight in with colour. And that's why the Hydra Crème Lipstick has always been a favourite of mine, and it’s also one of our best-selling lipsticks. I think that speaks to how much people love a creamy, hydrating formula, with beautiful colour. So, for me, when the lipstick itself feels nourishing, you don’t necessarily need to layer on lots of products beforehand. I like that fresh, hydrated finish, especially for an everyday lip.”

Find Your Favourite Finish

Matte, satin or gloss? There's no right or wrong. From a softly defined matte lip to a high-shine finish, experimenting with different textures is one of the easiest ways to switch up your makeup look.

“I think lip finishes really change with the mood and with what’s happening in beauty at the time. We’re definitely seeing a move towards more luminous, glossy and almost juicy-looking lips right now, which I really enjoy. But I still love a good matte lip when I want something more defined and classic.”

Texture Saves You Time

A flawless lipstick application starts with the right formula. The smoother the texture, the easier it is to build colour, define your lips and get an even finish without too much effort.

“I think the texture of the product makes a big difference. When a formula is comfortable, it’s easier to build and fill the colour exactly how you want it. That’s something I really look for when we’re developing products at Kay Beauty: the ingredients and the texture are just as important to me, as the colour payoff.”

Master Your Lip Combo

If there's one makeup trick worth mastering, it's a good lip combo. Combining the right liner, lipstick and gloss can add definition and dimension to your lips, whether you're getting ready for a special occasion or perfecting your everyday makeup.

“I’m quite a classic lip person, so I do love a good lip liner with a softer nude or pink in the centre. And then sometimes I’ll add a little gloss on top. It’s one of those combinations that works whether you’re going somewhere very dressed up or just want to look polished without doing too much.”

The Secret To Fuller Lips

Want to create the illusion of fuller lips without going overboard? It's all about clever placement. A little extra definition around the lip line and a hint of shine in the centre can make all the difference.

“I think a little bit of definition around the lips makes a big difference. I’ll use a liner slightly around the natural lip line, but very subtly and then add a touch of shine towards the centre. I find that a little bit of gloss in the middle of the lips catches the light beautifully and gives the illusion of more volume without making it look overdone.”

The Right Way To Make A Statement

Sometimes, all it takes is a change of lipstick to transform your entire makeup look. And if there's ever an excuse to experiment with a bolder shade, it's the festive season. Think rich berry tones, classic reds and glossy finishes that do all the talking.

“I think the easiest way [to update a look] is simply to change the lip. You can keep the rest of your makeup quite fresh and natural and then add a deeper berry, red or even a beautiful glossy stain. For me, festive beauty doesn’t necessarily have to mean very heavy makeup. Sometimes just a statement lip is all you need.”

“I am really enjoying our Hydra Luscious Lip Tint because you get that beautiful wash of colour and shine, but it still feels very easy and wearable. It’s exactly the kind of texture I love for this time of the year.”

Hydration Is Key

From your morning coffee to dinner plans, keeping lipstick looking fresh throughout the day can be a challenge. The trick? Start with hydrated lips and build up the colour gradually rather than applying one thick layer.

“I think the biggest thing is good preparation. If your lips are dry, the product is much more likely to break down or sit unevenly. I like to hydrate the lips first and then build the colour in lighter layers rather than putting on a very thick layer at once. And with something like the Hydra Luscious Lip Tint. I love that you can get the shine initially and still have that beautiful wash of colour left behind as the day goes on.”

It’s All About Confidence

And finally, perhaps the most important lipstick tip of all? Listening to how you feel. Whether you prefer a barely-there nude, a statement red or a glossy pink, the perfect lip look is ultimately the one that makes you feel your best.

“Don’t overthink it. I think makeup should make you feel good and give you confidence, rather than feel like there are rules you have to follow. I’ve learnt over the years that it’s really about understanding what works for you, your skin, even your mood on the day.”

“And that’s what Kay Beauty is all about. There’s no one definition of the perfect beauty look. It’s about finding what makes you feel like yourself, and having fun with it!”