How to Choose a New Lipstick for Spring

When spring arrives, everything looks new. That revitalizing energy makes us want to spruce up our look, too. Choose a new spring lipstick color that coordinates perfectly with your skin tone and the latest spring fashions. Change your favorite lip colors with each season to ensure a fresh, updated look. Remember, your smile is probably your most important asset, so choose new colors that will make the most of it.

Things You'll Need

• Fashion magazines

Instructions

Research Lipstick Brands and Colors for Spring

1. Notice what other women are wearing in lip colors, but remember, just because it looks good on a friend or someone else doesn't mean it will look good on you. You need to try it on to see how it works with your skin tone.

2. Read fashion magazines to familiarize yourself with the new up-and-coming colors for spring fashions. You'll want to choose a creamy rich lipstick color to coordinate with all of the fun, new colors in clothing that will be popular.

Try Spring Lipstick Colors

1. Check out lip colors that will coordinate and not clash with the spring clothing you'll be wearing. Always have a great daytime look, evening color and weekend kick-back shade. Visit a store with a wide selection of spring color testers.

2. Stripe lipstick colors from the testers that you are attracted to on the back of your hand. Draw a matching lip liner color next to each stripe. Choose three favorites.

3. Wait 30 minutes or so before purchasing to see whether the test stripes change color. Some may turn orange, while others may become too dark.

4. Select a lipstick containing an SPF to protect your lips from sun and environmental damage.

5. Look for your best shades among the four basic color ranges. Cool colors are pinks, roses and reds with a slightly blue undertone. Warm colors have a yellow undertone, and include coral to orange shades. Neutrals come closest to your natural color and range from beige to brown. Wear makeup with a cool undertone if you are wearing a cool color such as blue or green next to your face, and a warm color to complement yellow or peach clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• Most companies that sell through private representatives, such as Avon or Mary Kay, can provide you with samples in a range of shades.

• Do not apply lipstick samples directly onto your lips at stores. While you might not be able to judge a color perfectly when you apply it to your hand, there are several chain drug stores that let you return cosmetics that don't work for you once you get them home.

• Never keep a tube of lipstick for longer than 3 months. Bacteria can form on the lipstick.