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There is no doubt about it, nothing grabs attention like a set of ruby red lips! The holy grail of makeup, bold lipstick certainly makes a statement about a person's personality; exuding sex appeal and confidence. However, very few of us feel that we are able to wear bold lip colour successfully...so what is the secret?

It's all in the balance. With bright or vivid colour, usually only a very small amount is needed to achieve great results. Wearing a bright, bold colour will draw attention to the area on which it is worn, creating a focal point. To ease into wearing a bold-coloured lipstick, keep it as the singular focal point of the face. Keeping this in mind, wearing softer tones on the other facial features will create balance, without overdoing the colour. Then, when you feel more comfortable with the amount of colour, you can opt to wear stronger tones on the other facial features such as the eyes.

Another key is finding the right lipstick tone for you. There are no hard-and-fast rules about colour. We can wear lipstick in any colour, but finding one you really like may reast in the hue. Skin tone is something to be considered when choosing lip colours, as the skin is the backdrop for your lips. Hues which are most distant from your skin tone will make the most impact. If you are unsure, following is a general guide to matching your lipstick to your skin tone:

Fair, pink-toned skin: reds include scarlet or crimson, fuschia is a nice pink, warmer browns such as copper or a bright peach. Purple options include wine tones.

Fair, yellow-toned skin: suitable reds are scarlet or brick-red, peachy tones for pink, bronze or gold browns, and purple choices are burgundy or wine.

Olive skin: reds suited include any blue-red, coral to substitute pink, gold browns, and suggestions for purple include berry tones, such as blackberry or vermilion.

Dark skin: reds include crimson and raspberry, magenta and fuschia are suitable pinks, brick-browns, or coral for an orange choice. Purple options include burgundy, berry and plum.

Application

With maximum impact of bold colour, the importance of accurate application is increased. A lip brush is the best tool to apply any lip colour, as it ensures more control for accurate application. Lip pencils prevent lipstick from bleeding and should be sharp. To apply, draw along the edge of the lips and fill in the entire lip. Then, using a brush, apply to the entire lip, from the outside in, as the lip moves easily this way. Adding a coat of face powder and reapplying helps the colour to last longer.

It takes practive to wear bold colour and you should wear what makes you feel most comfortable. When experimenting with bright lipsticks, if you feel the colour is too strong, blot with a tissue to play it down a little. Apply a light stain of colour if it is too bold for you. At the end of the day, it is most benefical to wear what makes you feel good!

Learn more about this author, Cassandra Rae Ferguson.
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