How to Find the Correct Lipstick Color
Applying lipstick is one of the fastest ways to perk up your look and add color to your beauty regimen. Lipstick enhances your natural lip shape and size while adding color and vibrancy to your appearance.
The color of your lipstick can make you look professional, dressy, or ready for date night. Choosing the correct shade of lipstick for your skin tone and lip type, along with the appropriate pigment for the occasion can be tricky, but fun.
Follow the steps below to determine what shade of lipstick works best for you.
Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
Ask Yourself Questions
-
1
Look in a mirror and consider your skin tone. Do you have a pale, medium or dark complexion? Light-brown shades with pink or orange undertones look good on women with fair skin, while women with dark complexions are flattered by dark purple, wine and deep red shades. Women with medium skin tones look good in reds with brown undertones, light brown and raisin-colored lipstick.
-
2
Ask yourself where you will be wearing this lipstick. Are you selecting a lipstick to wear to the office each day or is this a lipstick you will be wearing for dates and nights out with the girls?
Light and matte shades of flattering colors should be worn to the office. A darker version of a shade you like should be worn for dates or nights out. Lip glosses and lip stains are a great option for daytime.
At night, apply the lipstick, blot and then cover with a gloss for a glamorous date-night look.
-
-
3
Also consider your lip shape. Are your lips average, thin, or large and voluptuous?
If you want your lips to look larger use a lighter, high-gloss shade. If you have full lips wear a dark shade to make lips appear smaller.
-
4
In addition to considering your coloring, lip shape and time that you will be wearing your lip product, think about your wardrobe and your usual makeup routine. Do you tend to wear a lot of eye makeup? If so, you may want to consider a lighter shade of the color family you like for your skin.
Do you wear muted colored clothing or bright items? Think about how your lip color will look in relation to your outfits. Provide a contrast of complimentary colors for a sophisticated and put together look.
Visit a Department Store
-
5
After considering your options, shop for lip color at a department store or cosmetic store where makeup specialists can help you find the colors you would like to try. Make sure to ask if lipsticks are returnable. Some stores like Sephora allow you to return products if you don't like them.
When you visit a local cosmetic or department store with a makeup section such as Nordstrom, Dillard's or Macy's be sure to ask the specialists questions about the lipsticks and colors because often there are different product lines that are long-wearing, moisturizing, or have other benefits.
-
6
Be sure to apply several samples of lipsticks in shades that match your needs. A lipstick may look one way in the tube, but once you apply it to your lips it can look very different.
-
7
After trying on lip shades, don't be afraid to ask a makeup consultant for her opinion if you are unsure.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consider purchasing a colored gloss in an attractive shade for everyday use.
When trying on lipstick fully remove one shade before trying on a new color.
Resources
- Photo Credit lipstick image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
