How to Select Lipstick That Complements African-American Coloring

Lipstick adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to your look, and it's a great way to even out lips that vary in shade. When deciding on a color, think not only about your skin tone, but your blush and the tones in your outfit as well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mirrors
• Bronzer
• Foundation
• Lip Balm
• Lip Gloss
• Lip Liners
• Lipstick
• Foundation
• Lipstick

1. 1

   Consider lipstick shades that complement your skin tone. Look for deep currants and luscious plums if your skin is ebony or a rich deep brown, and consider coffees, terracottas and brownish reds if you have medium-brown skin. Lighter skin is radiant in varying shades of caramel, peach and coral.

2. 2

   Choose a lip liner that is one shade darker than your lipstick color. This will add definition, and when filled into the lips, will promote longer-lasting color.

3. 3

   Remember that darker tones will enhance the size of your lips, while lighter shades will appear to minimize them.

4. 4

   Wear lip and blush colors that are in the same color family. Opt for coppery and golden lipstick shades when wearing a bronzer.

5. 5

   Add a touch of foundation to darker lips before applying lip color. Or fill lighter lips in with lip pencil before applying lipstick to both lips.

6. 6

   Choose a finish appropriate to the occasion. Matte formulas offer a classic, more conservative look, while glossy formulas make for a sexy pout.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with lip colors at a cosmetics counter, particularly if your goal is to even out the color of your lips. Make sure the lighting in the store is good, or slip outside with a hand mirror for a better look.
• Matte formulas can dry out lips. Apply lip balm at night to give your lips a moisture boost while you sleep.

on 1/1/2009 Instead of buying several different brands, I have a one stop shop. Flori Roberts (the 1st skincare line for women of color) have a beautiful lipgloss trio that contains three perfect blend sheer glimmering lipglosses in one pan. You'll have three different shades that perfectly compliment your skintone for whatever mood or occassion. You can wear them alone or mix and blend for more of a dramatic look. Just couple it with a lipliner that complement your skintone ( FR Coffee Bean/Mahogany) and enjoy. For the darker skintone I recommend Spirited, for the lighter tones I recommend Cultered. Visit www.colormedirect.com/shuwanahurt for more information. My picture is there and feel free to give me a call for more guidance.

on 12/16/2005 Here's what to get:
A medium brown-toned lipliner (I use MAC chestnut) or a skin-toned brown that is a little darker than your complexion.
Avon Everglaze Lip Ink - either Cocoa Buff or Twig.
Bigelow Lip Gloss - plain or tint #1138 (Bath and Body Works sells it, or try eBay).

Outline your top lip as close to the outside of your lipline as you can. Use a sharp point so the line won't be thick.

Use the lip ink only on the inside (not the whole lip) of your top and bottom lips and let it dry - about 10 seconds or so.

Put the Bigeolow gloss over your lips just as you would normally. Now you have big, full natural lips with a hint of color!

on 11/22/2005 You'll need a lip pencil, 1 or 2 shades of lipstick and lip gloss.
I line my lips (lightly) with a dark brown shade. Then with the darker color, I go over that line and a little beyond. With the lighter color I trace over the darker shade (but not the line) bringing the color in toward to the center of the lip (except for the shade lining the lips the fullest portion of the lips should be clear).
I dot lip gloss on my bottom lip and spread it. Then I take the lighter shade and, starting from the corner, work my way in with light brushing strokes. It's not hard, but keep in mind that there's an effect you're trying to achieve, here. So blending well won't work. The same is done with the top lip, but to a lesser degree.
The results: a soft wet look. The bottom lip should appear full and pouty. The mouth overall should be nicely lined and blended with the color growing progressively lighter toward the center of the lip. Blend, blend blend or it won't work. From here on out you're just blending to your liking.

on 11/22/2005 Avoid looking like you have just eaten chocolate! Do not have a really light color on your lips, then wear a really dark liner. A lighter lip color makes your lips look bigger, and darker colors minimize them. Also avoid the "I just ate fried chicken" look! Don't put on too much lip gloss.

on 11/22/2005 I've found that as far as color is concerned, almost anything goes as long as you blend! Use a lipliner that complements your skin tone on the outside and apply the colored lipstick from the inside and blend the two together.