Lipstick is like a magic wand. One swoosh, and you feel prettier. Another swish, and you can even change your look. Go from a dramatic, sophisticated red to a fresh, natural pink. Experiment with shimmer or matte, gloss or cream. There’s just so many lipsticks—and they’re so cheap, you can easily start a collection without going broke!
But all the available lipstick options that a trip to the beauty counter can get very overwhelming . Here’s a simple guide to lipstick lingo and how to pick the best shade for your skin tone.
Lipstick formulas
Matte lipstick has the most amount of pigment. It lasts longer, and the colors are very bold and dramatic. Try a deep red matte lipstick (just keep your eyeshadow simple) for instant evening glam! But matte lipstick tends to dry out lips, and really reveals any flakiness. So, gently exfoliate lips with an old toothbrush before applying it, and moisturize lips regularly to prevent dryness. (For this, you can use lip balm, which comes in clear and tinted formulas. Some also offer SPF protection.)
Semi matte lipstick has a softer sheen, and is better if you have dry lips. (Read our natural remedies for dry and chapped lips.) But, if you want lots of shine, reach for lip gloss. The only problem with gloss is that it tends to smear off, so you need constant reapplication. If you want lipstick that stays on forever, try lip stains or chubby lip pencils.
Choosing a lipstick color
It’s fun to experiment with different lipstick colors! Pale shades include beige, the softest pinks, and light corals. Medium shades include brownish rose, mauves and berry. The darkest lipsticks are almost like chocolate or deep plum, and of course, that dark red.
However, do include one lipstick that is at least one or two shades darker than your natural lip color. One trick is to buy lipstick without any other makeup on. If the color instantly makes your face look brighter, then you’ve found your best color! And never go more than one tone lighter than your natural lip color, because your skin might look a bit ashy.
Cool lipstick tricks
Try mixing different lipstick colors to extend your color range. See what happens when you layer your favorite pink lipstick with a brownish gloss! You can also scoop out the remaining lipstick in a tube and mash it into small pots or available lipstick palettes.
You can also mimic the effect of lip stains by applying a very dark lipstick shade and then blotting most of it off. (This is a great way of salvaging a lipstick color that’s too bright or dark for your taste.)
To make lipstick last longer, apply lip pencil that matches your natural lip color before putting on your lipstick. Or, pat some powder or blush on your lip, add balm on top to moisturize, and then add your lipstick.
And, in a pinch, you can smudge lipstick on your cheeks for a hint of blush!
Photo from beautyaffair.info