Lipstick is one of the most fun and versatile part of any makeup look. There’s hardly any makeup look without the lipstick, be it natural or loud. The simplest anyone can go is to use a lip gloss.
However, while lipsticks are an essential part of every makeup look, it can also be overwhelming to choose from so many colors and formulas.
There are different types of lipsticks, each with its formula, texture, and finish. And each of these lipsticks is also suitable for a different kind of look and can instantly transform your look with a swipe of color. Let’s see some of them.
Types of Lipsticks
Gloss Lipstick
This type of lipstick is probably the most eye-catching and glamorous, as it adds a lot of shine and volume to your lips. While it can be worn casually, it is ideal for parties, events, or any time you want to stand out. It can also be worn alone or over another lipstick to enhance the color and effect.
The only disadvantage is that it can also be sticky, messy, and prone to smudging, so you may need to reapply it often.
Matte Lipstick
This is the opposite of gloss lipstick, as it has no shine at all. It is more of a pure color and smooth texture, which makes it very pigmented and long-lasting.
The matte lipstick is great for artistic and sophisticated looks and can make a statement with bold and dark shades. You know, that Bond girl kind of look.
However, it can also be drying, cracking, and hard to apply, so you may need to exfoliate and moisturize your lips before using it.
Stain Lipstick
This is quite similar to the matte lipstick, but has a thinner and more liquid consistency. It is designed to stain your lips with vibrant and lasting color without adding any weight or texture. If you’re looking for something that’s perfect for busy and active days, this is the one.
This lipstick does not need much maintenance or touch-ups, and it can also be layered, either by itself or with a gloss, to create different effects. But the bad side is that it can also be drying and difficult to remove, so you may need a lip balm and a makeup remover.
These are just some of the most common types of lipsticks, and there are many more to explore and experiment with.
Now that you know your lipsticks, how do you find the right lipstick for your skin tone, outfit, and occasion?
How to Choose a Lipstick
To find that go-to lipstick, I have put together some tips to help you pick the perfect lipstick every time.
Know your undertone
Your undertone is the subtle hue that shows through your skin and can vary from person to person. Undertones can be cool, warm, or neutral. And as distinct as each of these undertones is, so also are the kinds of products that are suitable for them.
Not many people know this, but knowing your undertone can help you choose lipstick colors that complement your natural complexion and make you look more radiant.
So here are a few tips you can try;
Cool undertones
People with this undertone usually have a pink, red, or bluish hue to their skin. They may also find blue or purple veins on their wrists.
The best lipsticks for cool undertones are those with blue or purple undertones, such as cherry reds, berry pinks, or plum shades.
Warm undertones
These have a yellow, golden, or olive hue to their skin, and they usually have green veins on their wrists. People with this undertone tend to tan easily in the sun and may find that gold jewelry looks best on them.
The best lipsticks for warm undertones are those with orange or yellow undertones, such as coral, brick, or terracotta shades.
Neutral Undertones
Those with neutral undertones have a balanced mix of cool and warm hues in their skin. They can have either blue or green veins on their wrists, and they can either tan or burn depending on their exposure to the sun.
The best lipsticks for neutral undertones are those close to their natural lip color, such as rosy, nude, or mauve shades.
Have an Everyday Color
An everyday lipstick is a color you can wear with any outfit, and for any occasion. It should enhance your natural beauty and complement your look flawlessly. You know, that one lipstick that you can never go wrong with.
To find your perfect everyday color, look for a shade one to two shades deeper than your natural lip color. You can test this by applying the lipstick only to your lower lip and comparing it to your upper lip. If the shades are drastically different, you need to keep searching.
And here’s a pro tip: when you have so many lipstick colors to choose from, gently press the tip of one of your index fingers, or any of your fingers, and place it close to each lipstick. Whichever one has the same or almost the same shade, that’s your pick!
The idea of pressing the tip of your fingers is that it gives you a color that mimics the natural flush of your lips and will help you pick a color close to it. You’re welcome!
Try Different Colors (you never can tell)
The best way to find your go-to lipstick color is to try out different ones. And even when you’ve found it, it’s still good to try out other colors and shades to see how they change your look and mood.
You can try different shades of the same color family, such as pinks, reds, or browns, or you can go for something completely different, such as purple, black, or green.
You don’t necessarily have to wear them when going out. You can do your little experiment in the comfort of your room. The only problem is that you sometimes need a second opinion to know whether or not a particular lipstick looks good on you.
Other Lipstick tips and tricks
While it is important to try new lipstick colors, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, if you’re wearing a bold or dark lipstick color, balance it with simple eye makeup and a neutral outfit.
In the same way, if you’re wearing nude lipstick, balance it out with a bold eyeshadow, except you want a completely nude/natural makeup look.
Second, if you want to wear a light or nude color, add some blush or bronzer to your cheeks to avoid looking washed out.
And third, if you wear a matte or liquid lipstick, try exfoliating and moisturizing your lips beforehand to avoid flaking or cracking. Likewise, if you wear glossy or shimmery lipstick, line your lips with a matching lip liner to prevent bleeding or feathering.
All in all…
Lipstick is a great way to express your personality, mood, and style; you can always change it depending on how you feel.
The most important thing to remember when picking a lipstick is to have fun with it. There are no rules when it comes to lipstick, so feel free to express yourself and have fun while at it.
Don’t be afraid to try new colors, formulas, and finishes; don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t wear.
What are your favorite lipstick colors and shades? Let me know in the comment section. I’d love to hear from you.
Stay beautiful Queens!
