by Cassandra Rae Ferguson

Created on: March 03, 2011

Angelina Jolie prefers to go all nude. Nude lipstick, that is. Katy Perry loves fun and youthful pink, whilst Dita Von Teese opts for classic red. For these stars, their lipstick has become a trademark which has set the trend for millions of their adoring fans. “But, choosing a lipstick is easy for them!” I hear you say. “They have their very own stylists!”

Choosing the right lipstick can be just as easy for you – even without the personal stylist and makeup artist. With the know-how, you can set your own trademark today! All you need is an understanding of how color and texture impact on lipstick choice; how it looks, how it feels and how it wears, so you can take these issues into consideration when choosing a lipstick. So, let’s get started – we’ll begin by discussing color.

Color

The shade of lipstick you choose will have an impact on the shape of your lips, your skin tone and the placement of focus on your features. For example, deeper shades can draw attention to your lips, as will brighter colors. Hence, if you do not wish for your lips to be the main feature in your makeup, it may be best to wear a lighter shade of lipstick, as lighter shades will draw less focus. This is ideal if you intend for your eyes to be the main feature in your makeup.

Tip: Nude is the best shade to choose in a lipstick if you desire the least impact possible on the lips, such as when wearing a heavily-smoked eye makeup.

Shades of red (blue-reds such as scarlet, especially) will make teeth appear whiter, whilst paler shades (in particular, pale pink) can make teeth appear more yellow.

If your lips are full and rounded (lucky you!) but you want them to appear slightly thinner, a deeper shade of lip color may assist with this. A lighter shade is ideal for wear on thin lips, as lighter colors help to make lips appear fuller.

There are no concrete rules regarding the relationship between lipstick shades and skin tone, but the secret in finding one to suit you may rest in the hue. Skin tone is something to be considered when choosing lip colors, as your skin is the backdrop for your lips. Hues closer to your skin tone may disappear and possibly make you look washed out. Hues distant from your skin tone will most often make a major impact. Following is a general guide for each skin tone - these are just suggestions and the final decision is of course, up to you.

Fair, pink-toned skin: reds include scarlet or crimson, fuchsia is a nice

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>