Choosing the right lipstick color can sometimes be a challenge, especially with so many options available. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you find the perfect shade that enhances your beauty and matches your complexion flawlessly.
1. Determine your skin tone
The first step in choosing a lipstick is identifying your skin tone. Skin undertones can be warm, cool, or neutral. Warm undertones have a golden or olive hue and look great with gold jewelry. Cool undertones have a pink or bluish tint and are better complemented by silver jewelry. Neutral undertones don’t show obvious golden or pink tones, meaning they can wear a wide range of shades.
Tips & Tricks: Look at the veins on your wrist—if they appear green, you likely have a warm undertone; if they look blue, you have a cool undertone. If you see both colors, your undertone is neutral.
‣ Warm: If you have golden or olive skin, you likely have a warm undertone. Gold jewelry suits you better than silver.
‣ Cool: If your skin has more pink or bluish tones, you have a cool undertone. Silver jewelry looks better on you than gold.
‣ Neutral: If your skin lacks obvious golden or pink tones, you may have a neutral undertone, meaning a variety of shades will suit you.
2. Select the shade according to your undertone
Once you've identified your undertone, you can focus on finding the lipstick colors that suit you best.
Tips & Tricks: Always test lipstick directly on your lips rather than on the back of your hand for a more accurate match, and do this in natural light to see the true shade. Don’t be afraid to mix lipstick shades to create your perfect color. For a more precise and long-lasting look, use a lip liner in a matching shade. Also, be sure to choose a lipstick color that complements both your makeup and outfit.
‣ For warm undertones: Go for warm colors like coral, peach, orange and warm reds.
‣ For cool undertones: Cool colors such as pink, fuchsia, burgundy and cool reds are suitable.
‣ For neutral undertones: You can experiment with different shades. Neutral undertones can tolerate both warm and cool colors, so you can try different shades of red, pink and nude.
3. consider your natural lip color
When choosing a lipstick, it is also important to consider the natural shade of your lips.
Tips & tricks: Apply a concealer or primer to your lips before applying lipstick to ensure the color stands out more vividly. Adding a shimmering gloss over the lipstick can enhance the depth of the shade and make your lips appear fuller. Use a lip liner for more precise application and longer-lasting wear. For better staying power, apply lipstick in several layers, dabbing with a tissue between layers to set the color. Additionally, gently exfoliate your lips regularly to keep them smooth and help the lipstick last longer.
‣ Light lips: Choose light and subtle shades to make your lips look natural. Nude, light pink or peach would be a good choice.
‣ Medium-dark lips: Medium shades of pink, berry or coral will add vibrancy to your lips.
‣ Dark lips: Bold colors like deep red, burgundy or plum look beautiful on your lips.
4. consider the opportunity
The choice of lipstick should also be based on the occasion. Softer, more natural shades are perfect for daytime or casual settings, while bolder, darker colors are ideal for evening events or more formal occasions.
‣ Day make-up: nude, soft pink, coral.
‣ Evening make-up: burgundy, deep red, strong pink.
5. consider texture and finish
Matt finish
Benefits:
‣ Long-lasting: matte lipsticks usually last longer on the lips without having to be reapplied.
‣ Matte colors have intense pigmentation that highlights your lips.
Disadvantage: They can be drier.
Tips & Ticks:
‣ Use lip balm before applying lipstick: Moisten your lips with lip balm and leave it on for a while.
‣ Exfoliate your lips: Before applying matte lipstick, use a gentle lip scrub to remove dry and flaky patches.
‣ Apply a thin layer of lip balm during the day: If you feel dry, you can lightly apply lip balm over matte lipstick without removing lipstick.
Glossy finish
Benefits:
‣ More fullness: glossy lipsticks add volume to the lips and provide plenty of moisture.
‣ Moisturizing.
Disadvantage: They can be less long-lasting.
How can you improve the staying power of a glossy lipstick?
‣ Use a lip primer: Apply a special primer under your glossy lipstick to make it last longer.
‣ Use a lip liner: Contour and fill in your entire lip with a lip liner in the same or similar shade as your lipstick. This gives the lipstick a base and increases its durability.
‣ Apply several layers: Apply the first coat of lipstick, blot lightly with a paper napkin and then apply a second coat.
Satin finish
Benefits:
‣ Comfortable to wear: satin finish lipsticks have a pleasant texture that is comfortable and does not dry out the lips.
‣ Natural shine: They offer a soft, natural shine that is less intense than glossy lipsticks.
Disadvantage: Less defined finish.
How can you improve the less defined finish of satin lipsticks?
‣ Use a contour pencil: For a more defined look, you can emphasize the edges of the lips with a contour pencil.
‣ Set the lipstick: After applying the lipstick, lightly dust a transparent powder onto a paper napkin. This sets the lipstick and makes it last longer.
‣ Apply multiple coats: Apply two thin coats instead of one thick one to make the lipstick last longer.
Sheer Lipsticks
Advantages:
‣ Moisturizing: cream lipsticks contain moisturizing ingredients that keep lips soft and supple.
‣ Comfortable to wear: The creamy consistency makes these lipsticks comfortable to wear and easy to apply.
Disadvantage: They may not last as long.
How can you improve the longevity of a creamy lipstick?
‣ Use a lip liner: Fill in your lips with a lip liner before applying the cream lipstick to make it last longer.
‣ Set the lipstick: After applying lipstick, dust a translucent powder over it with a paper napkin to set the lipstick and make it last longer.
‣ Applying layers: Apply the first layer, press it into the tissue and then apply a second layer to make the lipstick last longer.
With these tips, you can minimize the downsides of each lipstick and enjoy their beauty and comfort all day long. Also, remember to moisturize and condition your lips regularly so they are always ready for any lipstick application. The lip balms and scrubs from Pawpaw can help you with this.
Choosing the right lipstick color can be a fun and rewarding process. The most important thing is to consider your skin undertone, your natural lip color, the occasion and your personal preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment and discover new shades that will give you confidence and enhance your beauty.
We hope this guide will help you find the right lipstick that will become your favorite.
