It's a jungle out there. Just go into any drugstore or department store and head to the cosmetics counter. It's enough to give me hives just thinking about it. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of lipsticks, lip gloss, lip tints. What's a girl to do?
Is is just me? Somehow I've made it to the age of 44 without being able to pick out a decent lipstick color. They all just look...wrong.
Over the years, I've managed to find a shade or two that I liked, but they were usually discontinued. I'm not the type of woman to wear makeup often, but even I liked to occasionally don some lip color. But I haven't purchased a new lipstick in years. I mean, there are so many colors and types out there, who knows where to begin.
According to makeup and beauty expert, Bobbi Brown, "If I had to teach someone just one thing about lip color it would be this: Find a lipstick that looks good on your face when you are wearing absolutely no makeup."
That makes perfect sense. But how does one find that perfect color?
According to one article I found: "Lipstick and Lip Gloss--How to Select the Right Shade - - And How to Apply It" by Julyne Derrick, it's actually not as hard as it sounds.
"The most flattering lip tones will be one or two shades darker than your natural lip color, according to makeup artist Bobbi Brown. To test shades, apply lipstick or gloss to one lip. If that color is just a shade or two deeper than your bare lip, then you've found your shade. Yes, it's a simple as that. So what to do if you like to buy your lipsticks at a grocery store or department store like Wal-Mart, where you can't try the lipsticks out before you buy? You can trust the color printed on the box. Simply hold it up to your lips in the store and check it out in the mirror. Or better yet, check the color out in a window, where natural light shines through."
Check out this entire article for more great advice and tips at http://beauty.about.com/od/plasticsurgery/qt/lipcolor.htm.
Makes me think I might even brave the lipstick jungle this weekend in search of that perfect color. Even if I don't find it this weekend, I'll keep on looking now that I have a starting point.
6 comments:
I thought I was the only one who had such trouble finding the right shade of lipstick, NJ. LOL
I remember years ago when I would purchase department store cosmetics that came with a free (or greatly reduced) makeup set with all sorts of great little samples. Those are the only times I ever found perfect lip colors. But when the little samples were used up and I went back to buy some more, guess what? The color was either discontinued, or it had only been created for the freebie. How ridiculous is that?
Thanks so much for stopping by to share your excellent words of wisdom for aspiring writers, NJ. I really appreciate it and I know the writers will too! :-D
I personally only use gloss. I can't stand lipstick. I've been lucky enough to find a great company located in Canada that I have done business with for years. But, way back when I still used lipstick I just went with shades that didn't wash me out. I have very light pale skin and darker colors just looked garish on me.
Nope, you're not alone, Daisy. LOL
I can't begin to list how many products I've used that have been discontinued. We now joke that if I like something, it's shelf life is limited. *g*
It was my pleasure to add my two-cents worth on writing, Daisy. Your blog post was very informative and filled with excellent advice.
I usually just use lip balm, Kathy. Have for years. But recently I started thinking I'd like to find a new lipstick. Just for something different.
I rarely wear lipstick but last year I bought one because I was attending RT. I took my girlfriend with me. She picked out a pretty shade that brought me quite a few compliments. Now... how long will it be available? Probably not long!
I just stick with vitamin-infused lip balm. *g* No color, but it keeps my lips from drying out in the winter.
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