Mastering the Art of Lip & Eye Makeup: Your Ultimate Guide

Your Ultimate Guide to Eye & Lip Makeup

Eyes and lips they're the features that define your look, tell your story, and make the most powerful statement. At Napoleon Perdis, we've spent over 30 years helping people master these transformative techniques, and now we're sharing our insider secrets with you.

Whether you're reaching for that perfect red lipstick or creating a sultry smokey eye, this is your complete guide to lip and eye makeup mastery.

Determining Your Undertone 

Before you can find your perfect red, you need to know your undertone: 

The Vein Test: Look at the veins on your wrist: 

• Green or olive veins = Warm undertones 
• Blue or purple veins = Cool undertones 
• Both equally visible = Neutral undertones 

The Jewellery Test: Which metal makes your skin glow? 

• Gold looks best = Warm undertones 
• Silver looks best = Cool undertones 
• Both look equally good = Neutral undertones 

Choosing Your Red 

For Warm Undertones: Look for reds with orange, brown, or golden bases. Think tomato red, coral red, ruby, or brick red. These warm-toned reds complement the golden, peachy, or yellow hues in your skin, creating a harmonious, radiant look. 

For Cool Undertones: Reach for blue-based reds like cherry, berry, wine, or true crimson. These cooler reds have subtle blue or pink undertones that complement the pink or rosy tones in your skin. Bonus: blue-based reds can make your teeth appear whiter! 

For Neutral Undertones: Lucky you! True reds that balance both warm and cool tones work beautifully. You can also experiment with both orange-reds and blue-reds to find your favourites. 

Choosing Your Red 

For Warm Undertones: Look for reds with orange, brown, or golden bases. Think tomato red, coral red, ruby, or brick red. These warm-toned reds complement the golden, peachy, or yellow hues in your skin, creating a harmonious, radiant look. 

For Cool Undertones: Reach for blue-based reds like cherry, berry, wine, or true crimson. These cooler reds have subtle blue or pink undertones that complement the pink or rosy tones in your skin. Bonus: blue-based reds can make your teeth appear whiter! 

For Neutral Undertones: Lucky you! True reds that balance both warm and cool tones work beautifully. You can also experiment with both orange-reds and blue-reds to find your favourites. 

Napoleon Perdis Red Options 

Our Colour Cult Crème Lipstick and Soul-Matte Longwear Lipstick collections feature a stunning range of reds across the spectrum: 

• Classic true reds that flatter everyone 
• Warm brick and coral-toned reds for golden skin tones 
• Cool berry and wine reds for pink-toned complexions 
• Deep, dramatic reds for maximum impact 

The creamy, pigment-rich formulas deliver intense colour in one stroke, so you can find your signature red and wear it with confidence. 

How to Make Lipstick Last All Day 

There's nothing worse than applying the perfect lip colour only to have it disappear after your morning coffee. Here's how to make your lipstick go the distance: 

Step 1: Prep Your Canvas 

Exfoliate your lips gently with a sugar scrub or soft toothbrush to remove dead skin. Follow with a lightweight lip balm and let it absorb for a few minutes. Blot away excess before applying colour hydrated lips hold colour better, but too much moisture prevents lipstick from adhering. 

Step 2: Create a Base 

Apply a small amount of foundation or concealer to your lips. This neutralises your natural lip colour and creates an even base that helps your lipstick's true shade shine through and last longer. 

Step 3: Line and Fill 

Use a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade (or your natural lip colour) to: 

• Define your lip shape 
• Prevent feathering and bleeding 
• Create a "colour block" that holds your lipstick in place 
  

Pro Tip: Fill in your entire lip with lip liner before applying lipstick. This creates a long-lasting base layer. 

Step 4: Apply Lipstick Strategically 

Apply your first layer of lipstick with a lip brush for precision and even coverage. Blot with a tissue, then apply a second layer. This layering technique builds colour that lasts. 

Step 5: Set and Seal 

For maximum staying power: 

• Dust a tiny amount of translucent powder over a single-ply tissue placed against your lips 
• Or skip powder and seal with a long-wear lip gloss for added shine and protection 

Choose Long-Wear Formulas 

Napoleon Perdis Soul-Matte Longwear Lipstick is specifically formulated for all-day wear. Enriched with: 

• Sunflower Seed Wax for smooth application 
• Passionfruit Seed Oil to keep lips supple 
• Vitamin E for antioxidant protection 
• Husk Tomato Fruit Juice and vegan emollients for hydration 

This lightweight formula provides rich, vibrant colour with a silk-like matte finish that lasts up to 8 hours without feathering or fading perfect for busy days when touch-ups aren't an option.