How to Choose Lipstick

Because there are so many lipstick options, it's easy to make a mistake and choose the wrong color when buying a new tube. Although color is the most visible part of any lipstick, which makes it an important deciding factor, you must also take the formulation and other aspects into consideration when choosing which one to buy.

• Decide what you are looking for in a lipstick. Are you wanting to make your lips appear plumper? Does your lipstick fade quickly? This will help you to determine what type of lipstick to look for. For example, if you want to make your lip color last, purchase an extended wear lipstick.


• Decide on whether you want a matte or creme lipstick formula. If your lips tend to be dry, a cream lipstick provides more moisture, but lasts only a few hours. Matte lipstick is longer lasting, but can be drying to the lips.


• Choose the color that's the most flattering for your skin tone. Generally women with pale skin tones look well in pink, peach and golden brown colors. Women who have dark skin tones look good in deep colors such as wine, plum, rich browns and deep reds. Women with medium skin tones can easily wear pinkish browns and reds. The most fail-proof way to choose a color is to try it on as selecting lipstick color by skin tone is not absolute.


• Choose colors depending on what time of day you plan to wear them. For daytime, subtle, toned down colors are best, while evening colors can be more bold.


• Go to a room that is well lit with natural lighting when choosing colors. This way you'll be able to discern the true color and how it looks against your skin.