Let's be honest...choosing the perfect lipstick can be torturous. You have this idea in your head of how your perfect lipstick looks, but as soon as you try to explain it to someone else, you may as well be speaking gibberish. Trust me, I've been on both ends of the spectrum. For me, though, I think my biggest pet peeve is this: "I need your help finding a lipstick. I'm open to whatever. Choose something that will compliment my complexion." Done! I got you, girl. I'll hold you down.
Five lipsticks later...
"I just can't wear any of these colors!"
*sigh*
It just hurts my heart when I hear people say that. Honestly, we can wear any color that we want to. Now, are there colors that compliment one complexion more than another? Sometimes, absolutely! Have you ever seen a lipstick color on someone else, fell completely in love with it, then when you tried it on it looked awful? I know, it happens. One shade that I cannot wear is soft, bubblegum pink. No, ma'am. No bueno. Against my skintone, it just looks harsh and unflattering. I would have to either use a deeper lip liner to give the lipstick some more depth or deepen the lipstick (a different shade of pink) for it to look aesthetically pleasing. That's how I like to break my clients down into trying different things; getting them to look at shades and tones, not just the color itself. The next time you try on a color that you feel like is too bright, take it a couple shades darker (or vice versa). Think about going from bubblegum pink to a fuchsia or mauve. Or going from a pale peach to a burnt orange. You're sticking with the same color family, but you're just adjusting the tone or the shade.
Another issue that comes up is the type of formula the lipstick is. The trend as of right now is the matte formula. Personally, I love matte. They stay on all day so I don't have to worry about constantly reapplying and I love the pigment payoff. There are the traditional cream lipsticks which are a little more hydrating and have a little bit more sheen to them, but it transfers easily and you'll most likely have to reapply after a meal or drink. The glosses are the least pigmented and transfers the easiest. This for is perfect for someone who strays from color, but just want a hint of something. There are a few other formulas like balms and tints that fall right in the middle of a matte and a gloss. The kind you choose is based on preference and preference alone.
In the grand scheme of things, it's about what makes you feel most comfortable. I feel like a damn goddess when I wear my go-to matte red lipstick. Well, I actually have a few favorite red lipsticks, but you get my point. Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind to conquer your lipstick woes:
~mattes tend to make full lips appear smaller, while glosses tend to make full lips appear fuller.
~exfoliate your lips! Not only will it keep your lips supple and soft, but also make any lip product look even better.
~use a nourishing balm on your lips before you go to bed at night. Your lips will thank you.
~lip liner is optional! Just remember, the creamier the formula of lipstick, the more likely it is to bleed and smear. Lip liner can help prevent that.
~getting ready for professional photos? Don't go too glossy...it can look a little harsh.
~over lining your lips? Choose a matte, not a gloss. And use a liner first!
Happy lippie hunting!
