Choosing lipstick – 13 expert tips

Lipstick is an integral part of daily and evening make-up. Its application makes the image more harmonious and expressive. Many girls and women buy lipstick based on which shade they like. But this approach is not entirely correct. Makeup artists told reporters that in the process of choosing this makeup product, many factors must be taken into account – the shape of the lips, the color of the hair, skin and eyes, even age. And also the characteristics of the lipstick itself – the form of release, texture, degree of durability. Read about all aspects of the selection of this cosmetic product in our article.

What effect can be achieved with the correct and incorrect selection of cosmetics

A lot depends on whether the selection of lipstick is made correctly or incorrectly:

Correct selection:

1. Perfect volume – lips look charmingly plump.

2. The natural shape of the lips is emphasized and corrected.

3. The shade of the lips perfectly matches the general style of the girl's make-up – evening or daytime, festive.

4. The image is harmonious, lips are accentuated moderately.

Incorrect selection:

1. The lips look too plump or, on the contrary, unaesthetically thin.

2. The shape of the lips is distorted, does not match the general features of the face.

3. The shade of the lips does not correspond to the general style – the lipstick is too bright or, on the contrary, pale, and the makeup looks overloaded, difficult to perceive or unbalanced.

4. The lips look vulgar, like the whole make-up.

5. Visually, the girl seems older than she is.

To get the right lipstick selection, follow the advice of leading makeup artists.

Shape and volume matter

In this matter, you need to remember one rule or pattern – dark tones visually make the lips thinner, reduce their volume. And light colors and shine (gloss, sparkles, shimmer), on the contrary, visually increase the volume.

Holders of plump lips in daily makeup are advised to give preference to muted, pastel tones. When choosing, be guided by the palette of bronze, beige, not bright pink and restrained red shades. If you want to make your lips look smaller or distract attention from them, choose dark chocolate brown and similar shades.

If you have thin lips, try not to use dark colors. The effect can turn out to be unexpectedly unpleasant – the lips are simply stretched out in a straight line, the mouth becomes 'stiff' and the whole appearance becomes strict, unfriendly. To add volume to your lips, use light colors, if appropriate, with gel or glitter.

Appearance color type

Of great importance for the correct selection of a cosmetic product is the type of woman's appearance. You need to build on several parameters:

Skin Tone – Apply some lipstick from the tester to your fingertips and measure the result. If you like how the pigment on your fingers (skin tone in this area is as close as possible to the skin color of the lips) is combined with the color of the skin on the back of the palm of the other hand, then this option is for you. On the pads of your fingers, which are very sensitive, you can also feel the texture of the product.

Hair color:

1. Platinum blond goes well with almost all assortment of berry lipstick colors (pink, lilac, muted lilac, etc.).

2. For blondes with light brown and golden hair, the selection of lipstick in apricot, light coral tones is recommended.

3. Brown-haired women and brunettes are recommended to select decorative cosmetics from chocolate and beige pastel palettes.

Tooth enamel color. If you regularly visit the dentist, carry out preventive and hygienic cleanings, whiten your teeth using Air Flow, Zoom or other methods, you can freely apply lipstick in warm tones and undertones. If the color of your teeth enamel is yellowish, use a cold range of lipstick with a blue undertone. Such a make-up will make the enamel of your teeth visually whiter, which will enhance the aesthetics of your smile.

Woman's age

At a young age, girls can afford any experiments with scales and colors. The selection of a cosmetic product can include different options – from flashy juicy and bright tones to nude, pastel and translucent shades. It all depends on the goals of the girl and the purpose of the make-up. In the selection process, it should be borne in mind that very young girls (up to 15-16 years old) are advised to opt for translucent, slightly pigmented makeup options. But older girls can already safely experiment with gradients and textures.

For women aged 30-35, the selection of standard non-extravagant tones is recommended. Bright, juicy, berry, neon colors, fuchsia – this is a passed stage. It's time to pay attention to the classic scarlet, terracotta, copper, coral shades.

At an older age – from 40-45 years old, women should be careful when choosing a makeup product. As in 35 years old, you need to try to avoid bright colors. The skin of the lips and the area around the lips begins to age; it is not worth drawing additional attention to it. And age obliges a lady to look solid, try to avoid vulgarity. Therefore, it is better to give preference to pastel, delicate, powdery, 'dusty', deep, close to natural tones. An exception is make-up for a holiday, a solemn event. In this case, you can afford to select brighter options that are combined with the general style of the make-up. The main thing is to avoid matte textures, which dry the skin and visually age the woman.

Selection of lipstick depending on durability, composition and other physical characteristics

When choosing, keep in mind that most of the assortment of stores is ordinary decorative cosmetics, which stay on the lips for several hours, after which makeup correction may be required. To wash off such lipstick, it is enough to use water, makeup remover milk or paper napkins.

But there are also persistent drugs that do not wash off with water, do not 'eat up' when kissing, while eating. Such lipstick can last not only throughout the day, but even longer – up to 24 hours. To completely wash it off, you will have to apply foam, lotion to remove long-lasting makeup. Typically, this lipstick has a matte texture, but can be covered with a transparent gel on top to add shine.

Regarding the composition – carefully read the information on the package. According to statistics, women who regularly use lipstick involuntarily eat about one tube of this drug in 12 months. Therefore, it is desirable that the composition contains more natural ingredients, natural dyes, vitamins and oils. And less flavors, artificial colors, stabilizers, preservatives and other harmful ingredients.

When choosing it is important to consider the smell. If a cosmetic product smells bad or just annoying, gives off chemistry, it is better not to buy it. An unpleasant aroma of cosmetics may indicate that you have an individual intolerance to the components of the composition, as well as low quality or an expiration date.

Appearance – the color of the product should be uniform, like its texture. If you notice suspicious blotches, cracks, dents, liquid droplets, delamination on the surface, this is an expired, counterfeit or low-quality product.

First try of makeup – in order to fully test the product, you will have to buy it. But some brands make probes on purpose. They are quite inexpensive (for example, in the Oriflame company), and sometimes they are completely free. What needs to be assessed is whether the pigment lays down evenly and easily, how much it feels on the lips, whether there is discomfort, whether the product spreads under the influence of body heat and sunlight.

Release form and texture, properties of a cosmetic

There is a lot of competition in today's cosmetics industry. Therefore, manufacturers make a lot of effort in order to offer the buyer the maximum variety of release forms and textures. When choosing a product, you can be guided by this factor. On store shelves, you can find the following options for lip makeup:

A classic retractable lipstick. This option is suitable for women who are not used to experimenting and prefer to use just such a traditional remedy. It can be either matte or glossy. There are also two-tone lipsticks that replace a line pencil. The rod consists of two parts, each of which is pigmented in its own color. Passing them along the lips, you paint over the contour more richly, and the middle part is covered with a pigment of a less bright tone.

Lipstick-gloss, lipstick-varnish in the form of a pencil, stick or tube, including with an applicator.

Lip balm with a touch. This remedy is suitable for girls whose lips are dry, chapped, flaky or cracked. The lipstick has a double effect – it moisturizes and nourishes the lips, and also gives them a light shade and a slight shine.

Lipstick selection by texture

The texture of a cosmetic product is also of great importance in the process of selecting the best option for a make-up. The convenience of applying cosmetics and the feeling on the lips depend on this aspect. All girls have different preferences, so the manufacturers tried to provide the maximum assortment for selection:

1. Liquid lipstick that is applied with a special applicator, brush or with a specially shaped tube tip. This option is suitable for those girls who want to apply makeup and adjust it quickly. Liquid lipstick usually has a translucent and not very saturated color, giving the lips a shine. There are also liquid opaque, highly pigmented products.

2. Creamy lipstick – one that comes in the form of twisting sticks, or in palettes with one to five (or more) shades of creamy texture. This type of decorative cosmetics contains moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, oils and vitamin complexes. When applying such a drug, a feeling of softness arises. And at the same time, the shade of the lips becomes as it should be.

3. Solid lipstick with a high concentration of pigment – available in a variety of sticks and pencils. The advantages of this type of decorative cosmetics are durability and economical consumption, rich color, high overlapping properties. The pigment fills in all small folds on the lips, evens out their surface and makes them soft and delicate.

4. Dry lipstick, which comes in the form of a loose powder, packed in small jars or bottles. Such a product is applied using a special applicator that comes with the kit. The main advantages of such lipsticks are rich color, full coverage, economical consumption. But the fact that cosmetics are available in powder form can create some discomfort during use – there is a feeling of tightness and dryness.

Selection of lipstick depending on its properties

When buying a cosmetic product, you must also consider what properties it should have. There are special moisturizing lipsticks. They are the most widely represented on the market. The selection of such a product is recommended in order to saturate the skin with vitamins, smooth it out, make it tender and soft. Such cosmetics are optimal for daily use. An additional property that such products may have is protection from ultraviolet rays.

Nourishing lipsticks are recommended for use in the cold season. Oils, waxes and a vitamin complex in the composition will help protect lips from the negative effects of wind and frost.

Hygienic lipsticks can be used by girls of any age. Even if applying pigment to the lips is not appropriate. These lipsticks are colorless and help protect and regenerate the skin. They help eliminate flaking, cracks, dryness of the epidermis. And at the same time, apart from a light natural gloss on the lips, there are no traces of the use of cosmetics.

Lipsticks with botox effect. From time to time, funds are released, for example, in the line of the Oriflame brand ('The ONE'), which have unique properties. Applying this lipstick, you will feel that a tingling sensation begins, and the lips increase in volume. The color of the lips also changes – it becomes brighter, more saturated. This effect is achieved due to the composition of the cosmetic preparation. It contains ingredients that stimulate blood flow to tissues. Therefore, the lips become more voluminous for 2-3 hours. After the end of the action, if necessary, the result can be updated by reapplying the drug.

Selection of lipstick depending on the nature of the finish

Finish is the effect that is achieved after applying makeup. The finish can be matte – the latest fashion trend. And also glossy – it helps to embody truly romantic, delicate and sensual images. And satin – a light sparkling, but unobtrusive shine appears on the lips. The transparent finish is almost invisible on the lips. The amount of coloring pigment in the lipstick is minimal, but there may be pearlescent components that add a little volume to the lips.

Keep in mind that most modern lip makeup products have several properties at the same time. Therefore, making the selection of lipstick, you need to find the one that suits you in color, release form, texture, properties, finish. In order to find the best remedy, you can familiarize yourself with the descriptions and characteristics of cosmetics that are on the websites of online stores. Or consult a makeup artist who will make a selection of several options especially for you, taking into account all your wishes and for any occasion.

Selection of lipstick depending on the brand and price

Experts recommend buying well-known brands. Cosmetics can be classified as mass market, luxury or professional segment. If you have already used the drugs of a certain company and are satisfied, then you can try to buy lipstick.

If you have not bought cosmetics of well-known brands, choosing lipsticks for lips, you can give preference to products from Maybelline, L'Oreal Paris, NYX, Bobbi Brown, Pupa, Dior, NOUBA, Vivienne Sabo. It all depends on your purchasing power. The cost of a quality product can range from 70 to 2500 rubles. All that is more expensive is cosmetics intended for use by professional makeup artists.

Selection of lipstick depending on the shelf life

If you are using a stick or hard, dry lipstick, it has a shelf life of approximately 2 years. Experts say that if a liquid product is used with an applicator that is constantly immersed in a bottle, the shelf life of such a lipstick is reduced to 2-3 months. Storage conditions are also important:

1. If the lipstick is kept cool, not exposed to sunlight and temperature extremes, it can be stored and used for up to 24 months.

2. If you always carry cosmetics with you in a cosmetic bag, the shelf life is reduced to 2-6 months.

Little life hacks that will facilitate the selection of lipstick

Make-up specialists shared with the journalists of our online publication little tricks and useful tips that will help you make the right lipstick selection as simple as possible:

Take advantage of modern technology. They will help you save time and choose the best option without leaving your home. For example, you can download and install the free 'L'Oréal Makeup Genius' app on your smartphone. Using the program, you can take your own photo and 'try on' different shades of lipstick. That is, to see how this or that product will look exactly on your lips.

Trial makeup. In corners / shops of many brands, you can take an express course or a make-up master class for free. Qualified consultants are well versed in shades and textures. With their help, you can without much effort and financial investment test a variety of options and make a selection of several of the most suitable ones at once. And also learn how to apply lipstick correctly.

Have a favorite shade, but want to change the finish or try a new texture? Take with you to the store the lipstick you prefer to use – by comparing the shade of the old and new products right in the cosmetic department, you can make the best purchase.

The most common mistakes when choosing lipstick

Considering that modern high-quality decorative cosmetics costs a lot, making the selection of lipstick, it is better to avoid mistakes. If you buy the wrong product, you simply cannot use it in the future, or return it back to the store. Consider the TOP 3 most common mistakes that girls make when they choose lipstick:

1. Lipstick 'like a friend'. This approach to buying decorative cosmetics is fundamentally wrong. Each person has his own type and skin tone, shape and volume of lips, eye and hair color, and other individual features of his appearance. What looks great on your friend may not suit you at all. If you really want just such a shade of lipstick, test the product on yourself before buying. You can ask a friend to use cosmetics or use a sample in a store. But keep in mind that this is not hygienic.

2. Buying lipstick out of habit. Many women, having made a successful selection of cosmetics once, continue to buy the same product for many years. This consistency is not bad in itself. But it must be borne in mind that over time, the shade and condition of the skin (especially in summer and winter), the color of the hair on the head change. The choice of lipstick is influenced by the season and changes in the girl's style. All this must be borne in mind. And also the fact that some firms often allow deviations in accordance with the shades of the same lipstick number in different batches. Or they simply stop making certain product lines. Therefore, a girl should take into account all these aspects and have several independent options for decorative cosmetics for lip makeup.

3. Spontaneous, unexpected, emotional purchases. Sometimes we choose lipstick tones that seem promising for our mood or passion. Especially if the product comes with a discount. Think about whether such a purchase is worth spending money? Better to make a rational and informed decision, that is, buy a product knowing exactly whether it meets your requirements in terms of texture and hue.

4. And the last mistake is to choose decorative cosmetics exclusively for the price. The high cost of a cosmetic product does not always mean that it is much better than less expensive analogues. Read reviews of products of different brands, user reviews – this can save you from unnecessary financial costs.

How to apply lipstick correctly for maximum effect

Not only the selection is important, but also the correct application of the pigment:

1. Clean the lip area with water or a special makeup remover, face wash.

2. Do a light scrub. Alternatively, you can use regular sugar mixed with one teaspoon of honey or sour cream. If you are in a hurry, you can skip this step.

3. Apply to your lips a moisturizing and repairing cream or gel, balm – care cosmetics that you use to heal the skin of this area of ​​the face. Wait 5-10 minutes for the drug to be absorbed into the skin, blot your lips with a paper towel to remove excess. You can also skip this stage if the time for make-up is limited.

4. Apply primer to lips and blend thoroughly.

5. Use a contour pencil if necessary. If you are using a liquid lipstick, moisturizer, or a soft-textured product, using a pencil or eyeliner will keep the product from smudging outside the lips.

6. Apply lipstick, wait a couple of minutes, blot your lips with a napkin, apply a second layer of decorative cosmetics.

If you use lipstick in this sequence, your lips will be protected from negative external influences, and the product itself will last much longer and its shade will not change during the day.

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