So you have a drawer full of lipstick colors that you just can’t use? Maybe melon burst looked great in the department store mirror, but once you got it home, it just looks like you attacked a cantaloupe. You’re not alone. I get a lot of mail from girls who are baffled by the whole concept of undertones and how to pick lipstick that suits your complexion. While there is some truth to the fact that finding perfect makeup matches involves a lot of trial and error, there are also some easy guidelines to follow that will point you in the right direction.

Understanding Undertones

It’s true that your skin has undertones of either blue or yellow. But don’t despair. Here’s an easy test I stumbled across years ago to help you figure it out. Most of us prefer either gold or silver jewelry because it looks better on us. If you don’t know, hold a piece of each next to your face. One is bound to compliment your skin tone better than the other. If it’s the silver, then you likely have blue undertones and will look best in cool colors. If it’s gold, chances are you have yellow undertones and will look best in warmer tones.

Lipstick Colors Demystified

Now you may be thinking- that’s all well and good, but I’m not sure I’d know a warm lipstick shade if it sat next to me on the subway. Never fear. A key step of how to pick lipstick that suits your complexion is knowing who to ask. (That would be me!)

Warm shades include coral, peach, amber, melon, and brick red. Cooler shades include mauve, cherry, plum, rose and crimson. Look at the Bare Escentuals Lipstick Cat’s Meow lipstick to get an idea. This is a warm coral tone. Now contrast that to the Nars Lipstick Flaming Dust. This is a cool cherry tone.

These are just the basics. But the basics are exactly where you need to start when learning hot to pick lipstick that suits your complexion.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Tags: Make Up