The clever backstage trick for setting your lipstick

The Spring/Summer 2017 international fashion shows have kicked off in New York this week, but it’s not the new season styles that pique our interest. We’re all about the bustle that goes on backstage. And more importantly, the beauty tips and tricks that some of the best makeup artists and hairstylists in the biz love to share while working their magic behind the scenes. 

The first clever trick that caught our attention came courtesy of lead makeup artist Mark Carrasquillo at the Creatures of the Wind Spring/Summer 2017 show. While creating the uber bright lipstick look for the show, Carrasquillo reached for a blush powder. Yes, to use on the lips.

To get the look, the models' lips were exfoliated with a toothbrush and sugar scrub to smooth the surface. “It’s important to start with a clean lip,” said Carrasquillo in an interview with Vogue. Carrasquillo then applied Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl – an intense, matte classic red shade – all over the lips. Here's where things got interesting. Next he dipped a fluffy eye shadow makeup brush into a vibrant fuchsia blush powder and dabbed it over the lips to create a velvety, long-lasting finish. “[Dragon Girl] is like a really strong red, but I’m [amping it up] with fuchsia powder to make a really strong matte, to make the colour a little more rock and roll, and more like PJ Harvey," Carrasquillo told Allure backstage.

Mark Carrasquillo shared a video on his Instagram (@markcarrasquillo) showing the final step: 

See, it's really that easy to take your bold lipstick to the next level, and ensure it lasts all day long in one go. Here's your three-product tool kit:

Image credit: @narsissist
Video credit: @markcarrasquillo