Princess Diana Lipstick Kiss Portrait

A Love Letter From Millions

I wanted to create a portrait that was not simply painted, but made entirely from kisses. Each lipstick mark represents an expression of affection, gratitude, and remembrance. This artwork combines traditional portrait techniques with an unconventional medium: lipstick. By layering kiss marks, building colour gradients, and carefully preserving highlights, the final piece transforms a simple repeating gesture of love into a detailed portrait.

1. White Canvas
2. Projector
3. Reference Image
4. Pencil/ Light Coloured Marker
5. Paper Masking Tape
6. Various Shades Of Lipstick
7. Nail Polish
8. Watercolour Paints
9. Water and Paintbrushes
10. Cotton Buds and Tissues
11. Sealant Spray or Liquid Varnish
12. Tweezers
13. Blade/Box Cutter
14. old chopping board or cutting mat
15. Sensitive Face Wipes
16. Moisturiser

Begin by projecting a reference image of your chosen subject onto the canvas.

Carefully trace the major outlines, including facial features, details of eyes, hair, crown, any jewellery and any important shadows and highlights. The traced outline acts as our guideline throughout the project and ensures proportions remain accurate and that we don't miss out on the highlights and shadows. I choose to trace to keep the drawing light so that it does not show through the final artwork.

First it's important to identify the areas that need to remain bright white.

Use paper masking tape to cover all strong highlights on the face including eyes, teeth, nose, cheeks, and highlights on lips. Reflections in jewellery, parts of the crown and outlines of any areas where crisp edges are desired. The method I used for this was to stick lines of masking tape overlapping each there on an old chopping board, trace small portions and using a box cutter cut the outer parts leaving behind the one's I need to use like an inverted stencil. You can also use a cutting mat for this purpose.

This step is extremely important before applying any lipstick, as when repeatedly applying lipstick kisses, lipstick naturally transfers from nose to other areas. The masking tape protects important highlights and creates sharp, clean edges in the final portrait. This is the most time consuming process of the entire project. Once this process is done the fun part begins.

Now Apply lipstick and begin transferring kiss marks directly onto the canvas.

1. Start with lighter areas, using pastel shades.
2. Build darker areas using red, mauve, dark pink shades etc.
3. Vary the lip shapes by pressing them together or creating an 'o' shape.
4. Vary the shades by varying pressure and direction.
5. Overlap kiss marks to create texture.

I found it extremely helpful to create an outline and then work inwards. As the kisses accumulate, the portrait begins to emerge.

The goal is not to hide the kiss marks but to celebrate them. Each individual imprint remains visible while contributing to the larger image.

I have had to wipe my nose and lips after every colour change as well to maintain a clean portrait and avoid mis-transfers.

To achieve depth and realism, continue layering lipstick in different densities. Adding more kiss marks for darker areas and increasing overlaps. You can also use deeper lipstick shades.

For softer transitions reduce the number of layerings, kissing with spacing and with less pressure to create a blend between light and dark regions.

This process creates a natural ombre effect, allowing the portrait to gain dimension while preserving the unique texture of the lipstick prints.

Some areas may have patchy appearances due to the striking white canvas showing through. To create a cohesive look, I used diluted watercolour washes. This helped fill small gaps, strengthen shadows, enhance contours and unify larger areas of detail.

The watercolour acts as a subtle supporting layer rather than the primary medium. This helps create a more complete portrait while allowing the lipstick kisses to remain the dominant visual element.

To make the crown and jewellery stand out, add finishing details using nail polish. Paint gemstone highlights, Metallic accents, decorative patterns and sparkling reflections.

The reflective qualities of nail polish create beautiful contrast against the soft, matte lipstick texture while maintaining the recycled make-up theme.

Once all lipstick, watercolour, and detailing work is completely dry, carefully remove the masking tape. This is one of the most satisfying moments of the entire project. The protected white areas are revealed creating crisp edges, bright highlights and strong contrast giving greater visual impact. The portrait immediately becomes sharper and more dimensional.

Evaluate the portrait and make any final adjustments. Adding extra kiss marks were required. If desired, apply a protective sealant suitable for mixed-media artwork.

This portrait is more than an image of Princess Diana. This is a symbolic love letter from millions to the woman whose kindness touched the world. Every lipstick print represents a kiss, a gesture of affection, admiration, and gratitude.