Choosing a Lipstick Colour

So how do you choose a lipstick colour?  There are a couple of things to consider.

The main aspect to consider, once again, is your undertone.  If you have warm undertones, go for warm toned lipsticks.  Cool undertones opt for cool toned lipsticks.  You'll find that this isn't an exact science (I wear some warm toned lipsticks), but it's a good place to start.  Neutral toned lipsticks are pretty much good for every skin tone.

You should also consider how light or dark your skin is.  Dark colours look very dramatic on against pale skins, and can make them look washed out, whereas dark colours look a lot more flattering on darker skin tones.

Three different skin tones all wearing dark lipstick

I love bright colours on every skin tone, however I esspecially love how they pop against very pale or very dark skin.The hardest colours to pull off for any skin tone have got to be super pale colours.  Make sure that you wear blush if you're wearing a very light lip colour.

Light lipstick vs, dark lipstick

The next thing to look at in relation to lipstick colour, is what the rest of your makeup look like.  If you're not used to wearing lipstick, wear bold colours on either your eyes or your lips.  If you're more comfortable, experiment.  I usually opt for similar colour lipstick and blush.  Neither of these things are rules though.It's also important to remember that, more often than not, choosing a lip colour that is pastel, or paler than your skin tone, can make you look washed out.  Blush is a must have if you're wearing an opaque pale lipstick.

Recommendations

Here are some of my favourite lipstick colours.  I've divided them into three catagories; cool, warm, and neatural.

*Images from temptalia.com

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Cool Skin Tones

Maybelline  Color Sensational Vivids Lip Colorin Electric Fuchsia - This bright fuchsia is one of my favourites from the Maybelline range.  Like the rest of the lipsticks in this line, it's soft and creamy to apply, and has good staying power too.

Giorgio Armani Lip Maestroin Red Fuchsia - For a comfortable, yet long wearing red, this is one of my top picks.  This red has pink undertones, so will flatter those with cooler toned skin.

Guerlain Rouge Automatique Lipstick in Rose Bengale - For a frost finish, this is a surprisingly wearable option.  The base is a soft rose, whilst the shimmer is a flattering pink.  This is one of the more forgiving frost formulas I've come across.

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Catfight - A full coverage, cream finish, this hydrating lipstick also has good staying power.  The bright pink-red is sure to get some attention.

Burberry Lipstick in Tulip Pink -If you're looking for a nude that isn't going to wash you out, this may be a good choice.  It's just right in terms of how light it is for most skin tones, as the pink tones keep it from washing you out.

Occ Lip Tar in Black Dahlia - For a darker, more dramatic colour, this wine toned deep burgundy is one of my favourites.  The colour can also be applied sheerly for a more subtle look.

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Warm Skin Tones

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Bang - Oranges don't come much louder than this.  The full coverage, hydrating formula means you get long last coverage with comfort.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstickin Lover's Coral - For a sheerer, more subtle coral lipstick this is a beautiful colour to go with.  The formula is nicely hydrating too.

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color inSoft Nude - This warm toned nude is a perfect every day lip colour.  The satin finish is lightly hydrating, without compromising wear time.

OCC Lip Tar in Super NSFW - If you're going to buy a red lipstick, make it this one.  This liquid lipstick has a gold metallic sheen, making it really stand out.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick inAmsterdam - Nars' matte lipsticks are one of the best matte formulas on the market today.  This dark red has warm brown undertones, and is a great colour for a more dramatic lip.

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lip Color in Shocking Coral - The name pretty much sums up this shade.  A warm toned coral-pink, this colour screams summer.  The full coverage formula is nicely hydrating too.

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Neutral Skin Tones

Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro inBlush - This is my go-to every day lipstick.  A neutral pink that will suit most skin tones, this long wearing formula means it doesn't need to much attention during the day.

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in F-Bomb - For a truly show stopping red that looks great on most skin tones, try F-Bomb.  There's a reason there's an Urban Decay lipstick in each category; they're full coverage, hydrating, and long wearing.

NARS Satin Lipstick in Dressed to Kill - The pinky toned red base is cool, whilst the gold glitter adds a warm tone to this lipstick, making it work across skin tones.  I love shades like this for a slightly more sophisticated red.  For a frost finish, this is comfortable to wear too.

Guerlain  Rouge Automatique Lipstick in Voilette de Madame -Another great every day colour, this nude pink is full coverage with a cream finish.

OCC Lip Tar in Lydia -  For something a little different, try this light plum colour.  Lip Tars are long lasting, and comfortable to wear.

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Caractere - This is another lipstick with gold shimmer that even cool toned girls can get away with.  The nude plum colour looks great across most skin tones.