Sometimes, I find it a little wondrous how the use of lipstick can enhance a woman’s look instantly. Same dress, same hairstyle, but the face before and after applying a lipstick can be dramatically different. There is unlimited number of lipstick shades by many different make-up companies. Bright and sultry shades of red, yummy chocolate browns, alluring nudes, shimmering gold and bronze, pretty lilac and mauve and soft pinks and peach shades are some of the most popular. Different hues for various occasions, skin tones and age groups.
Broadly speaking, soft shades of lipstick like nudes, pinks and light browns are ideal for work and routine wear during the day. For parties and night outs reds, plums, dark browns are more appropriate. Similarly, students and girls should opt for corals, pinks and more natural looking colours. Lip gloss either clear or with a hint of colour is one of the most useful girl cosmetics. Women above 25 can go for brighter shades keeping in mind the time of day and the occasion.
However, a more important factor in deciding the lipstick shade is your skin tone. Many of us have ended up spending huge bucks on many lipsticks that are never used because they don’t “look right” when actually applied. Selecting the correct shade in stores can be a little tricky, first because the lighting is all different. Second, mostly we judge a colour by trying it at the back of our hand and it obviously looks quite different on the lips since the skin tone at the back of our hand and the lips might be quite different. Thirdly, we impulsively buy a particular shade because we liked it on a friend!
One of the styling tips for buying a lipstick shade that flatters YOU is to select a shade that is one or two tones darker than that of your lips. While trying on testers apply a small patch of colour preferably on your lips and check it in natural lighting if possible.
There are some thumb rules for selecting lipstick shades according to different skin tones which can be helpful in picking a hue that brings out the best in you, minimising wastage. Women with lighter skin may opt for nudes, pinks, peachy shades and crimson reds. For olive complexions shades of brown, red with a hint of burgundy and medium tones of mauve are ideal. Deep reds, plums, rich browns and bronze are best suited for dark skin tones.
While using fashion cosmetics do remember to take care of your lips so as to maintain their natural moisture and keep them from becoming dry and flaky. Exfoliate your lips by applying some balm or Vaseline and gently rub a soft toothbrush in circular motion over your lips. Alternately you can use a good quality lip exfoliate available in the market. Apply lip balm over the lipstick to moisturise. Put a small amount of balm in the centre of the lower lip and spread by pursing the lips together. At bedtime, moisturise your lips with a good cream, Vaseline, or almond oil. You will wake up with wonderfully soft moist lips.
