Charm Born from "Slightly Disrupting" the Balance

My preferred balance in hair and makeup is to "slightly disrupt the balance." For example, if both makeup and hairstyle are meticulously perfected with not a single flaw, it can give the impression that the wearer's own charm is confined within that "perfection," making the hair and makeup stand out more than the person.

So, I might add a touch of cuteness with blush, or slightly muss the hair to disrupt the "perfect" balance. Instantly, the woman's own charm seems to bloom from the gaps created by this disruption. I've witnessed this moment countless times in makeup rooms on set, and it always moves me.

Dewy x Matte Creates a Real, Light, and Strong Presence

Now,I mentioned in the previous installment that "making the skin and cheeks dewy doubles the realness, naturalness, and healthy allure."On the other hand, "matte" is a texture that doesn't naturally exist on the human face. Therefore, it's not "real." In other words, my proposal this time is to combine a base makeup with a real texture with a lipstick of an unreal texture to "slightly disrupt the balance."

A combination of dewy base x dewy lips aligns in the same direction of "realness," "health," and "transparency," so those charms are simply amplified. Dewy base x matte lips, by combining opposing elements, creates charms like "dynamism" and "strength" that are not found in predictable harmony.

This spring and summer's fashion features many items in colors and materials suggesting "purity" and "cleanliness." On the runways, I noticed many brands adding elements of "realness" and "light strength" through makeup and hair. "Realness" was conveyed through hairstyles and base makeup that looked almost untouched. "Light strength" was handled by brows emphasizing hair flow, eyeliner, or edgy, deep lips. In particular, makeup using matte lipstick felt like it had a light, modern strength.

Givenchy's Ultra Matte Lipstick

The "Givenchy Rouge Givenchy Matte (6 shades)" I'm featuring today is a lipstick characterized by its smooth, hydrating texture and beautiful color payoff, despite being matte. The three shades in the photo are ones I've selected for their ease of use.


(From left in top image)
No. 216
A nuanced pink with a slight grayish tone. You'll find that pink is more subtly wearable when matte.

No. 329
Matte red lipstick is one of this spring and summer's trends. This is a pure, sophisticated red that is neither too bright nor too dark. It's wonderful how it instantly brightens the complexion.

No. 110
A nuanced beige-brown color. It creates a sophisticated impression that conveys composure and femininity. A color that suits any occasion.

How to Apply Deep Matte Lipstick

When people hear "deep matte lipstick," many seem hesitant, thinking, "It applies so vividly, it takes courage to put on," or "I'm afraid it will look too stark on my lips." However, with attention to the following points, such worries are unnecessary.

Leave the lip contour to a lip pencil.
The lip pencil doesn't have to be the same color as the lipstick. Think of the lip pencil purely as a guide for the contour, and draw the outline with a natural color that you can apply without tension.

Start applying lipstick from the inside of the lower lip.
It takes courage to start applying a deep lipstick from the contour. I myself start from the inside. Of course, don't forget to layer it over the drawn lip line.

After applying, use a tissue to balance the color intensity and strength.
After applying, always use a tissue to soften the contour or blot the entire lip, adjusting the lipstick's strength and intensity until it feels right for you. Deep matte lipstick isn't complete without this step.

Paying attention to these points will surely lessen any apprehension about deep matte lipstick! And by adding the charm of "unbalanced" with matte lipstick, you can enjoy spring and summer fashion even more!

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