As the world celebrates Lipstick Day on July 29, we cannot be any less grateful for this game-changing piece of makeup. However, with countless colours and finishes to choose from, the search for your ideal shade of lipstick can be both exciting and overwhelming. But fear not! With these top tips from Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India, you’ll be able to figure out how to find the right lipstick shade for yourself.
Finding the perfect shade of lipstick can be daunting but it is like discovering a little piece of magic in a tube. Lipstick can change the world as it elevates your entire look and fills you with a new boost of confidence. Doesn’t that make you feel unstoppable? But when you discover that one shade that complements your complexion and enhances your overall look, it becomes a whole new ball game. Here are some top tips to help you find your perfect lipstick shade.
Determine Your Skin Undertone
As you venture out to find the right lipstick shade for yourself, it’s important to you’re your undertone. There are three main undertones: warm, cool, and neutral.
- Warm Undertones: Skin with a yellow, golden, or olive hue. Best shades: warm reds, oranges, and browns.
- Cool Undertones: Skin with a pink, red, or bluish hue. Best shades: blue-based reds, plum, and berry.
- Neutral Undertones: Skin with a mix of both warm and cool hues. Best shades: a wide range from both warm and cool palettes.
To determine your undertone, you can look at the veins in your wrist area. If they are green, you likely have a warm undertone. If they appear blue or purple, you probably have a cool undertone. And, if it’s hard to tell, you may have a neutral undertone.
Consider Your Natural Lip Colour
Have you noticed how the same lipstick looks different on different people? Your natural lip colour can affect how a lipstick shade appears.
- Pale Lips: Almost any colour stands out. Try pinks, peaches, or corals.
- Naturally Pink Lips: Again, most shades will work well. Consider light pinks to deeper reds.
- Darker Lips: Rich shades like deep reds, burgundies, and browns look flattering.
Match to Your Skin Tone
Your overall skin tone also plays a role in choosing lipstick. Here’s a guide based on different skin tones:
- Fair Skin: Light pinks, peaches, and nudes are flattering. Avoid very dark colours as they will overpower all your features.
- Medium Skin: Rose, mauve, and berry shades look great. Bold colours like reds and oranges also work well.
- Olive Skin: Browns, caramels, and warm shades like terracotta complement this skin tone. You can steer clear from light pinks and light nudes.
- Dark Skin: Deep plums, wine reds, and chocolate browns enhance dark skin. Bright colours can also create a striking look.
Test Different Shades
- Apply a small amount on your wrist or the back of your hand to see how it looks against your skin.
- If possible, test the lipstick directly on your lips for the best result.
- Always check the colour in natural light, as the yellow store lighting can be misleading.
Consider the Occasion
- Everyday Wear: Choose shades close to your natural lip colour. Nudes, pinks, and soft mauves are great choices.
- Work or Professional Settings: Opt for classic shades like soft reds, pinks, and berry tones that are not too bold.
- Special Occasions: Feel free to experiment with bold and vibrant shades like bright red, deep plum, or striking orange.
Ask a friend or An Expert
- Sometimes, a second opinion can be helpful. Ask a friend or a beauty consultant for their thoughts. They can offer an outside perspective and might suggest shades you haven’t considered.
- Finding the perfect lipstick shade involves considering your skin undertone, natural lip color, overall skin tone, and the occasion. By testing different shades and finishes, you can find the ones that enhance your beauty.