Hey Lykkers! You know that feeling when a swipe of the right lipstick makes us stand taller and smile brighter? It's like instant confidence in a tube.

But let's be honest—actually applying bold lipstick in real life can make us hesitate. A little hand shake, a little second-guessing... sound familiar?

So we reached out to Thomas de Kluyver, the global makeup artist for Gucci. He's the genius behind the brand's eye-catching lipstick looks—ones that feel effortlessly cool and even a bit "imperfect" on purpose. His take? Lipstick isn't about chasing flawless standards. It's for everyone—any age, skin tone, or lip shape. And with a few smart tips, we can all rock it beautifully.

Prepping Makes All the Difference

Let's start with the basics: a bold lip won't last—or look smooth—without proper prep. De Kluyver says it's all about the foundation.

Here's what we can do:

1. Start with a gentle lip scrub to buff away dry flakes.

2. Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm.

3. Let it sit for a bit, then blot off any excess with a tissue.

This routine gives our lips a clean, hydrated base to hold color better and longer. Bonus tip? If we're going for a bold or vivid lipstick, prepping is especially important—dry patches can make bright colors look patchy. If we're using a soft, natural shade, the flaws aren't as noticeable.

Two Great Products to Try

Here are two favorites that Thomas recommends:

• BY TERRY Rose Lip Scrub, 15g (HKD228.00): A gentle exfoliator that smells amazing and leaves lips silky-smooth.

• GUCCI BEAUTY Lip Balm (Shade: Joslyn Clair 1, HKD273.00): A soft balm that hydrates without feeling sticky.

The Best Way to Apply

Now comes the fun part—putting on the lipstick! De Kluyver says we don't need to follow strict rules. We can be a little relaxed with how we apply it.

He often just applies lipstick straight from the tube. But if we want a softer, more even texture, he suggests warming the lipstick first by swiping it on the back of our hand. This melts it slightly, making it glide on more smoothly.

From there, we've got two main ways to go:

• Use a brush: Dab the lipstick onto a flat or square-tip lip brush and layer it on. This gives us a long-lasting finish and sharp lines—almost like using a lip liner.

• Use your finger: Want something quicker or bolder? Thomas's go-to backstage trick is using his pinky finger to press the color onto the lips. He finds it gives a richer, more natural payoff and is perfect when we want a less "done" look.

Less Perfection, More Personality

What really sets Thomas's style apart is that he doesn't chase perfection. The "just-bitten", soft-edged lips we see in Gucci's campaigns? They're intentional. According to him, beauty doesn't have to be symmetrical or spotless. A little smudge, an uneven edge—it all adds character and makes the look feel alive.

So if your lipstick isn't 100% perfect? That's okay. In fact, that might just be what makes it stunning.

Time to Try It

Lykkers, the next time we reach for a bold lipstick, let's remember: we don't need a makeup degree or a steady hand to make it look great. A little prep, a flexible method, and a bit of confidence go a long way. And if we ever feel unsure, just tap it on with a finger, smile at the mirror, and go on with our day.

What's your go-to lip color? Have you tried any of these methods before? Come chat with us—we'd love to hear your lipstick success stories (and even the funny fails)!