Struggling wearing lip colour?
Many of us just stick with a gloss or nude lip colour just because we always have, some of us are unsure which shades suit us and there is a few of us who want to reach out to wear a bright but just feel unsure as to which one? Sound familiar? Let me help…
How to figure out my shade?
When it comes to lipstick its pretty simple, we mostly, have a ‘go to’. That shade you feel totally comfortable in! If you’re that person that sticks to nothing or a clear gloss then the first step would be the lighter or nude shades to just get used to wearing it. It’s unlikely that you’re going to be donning a ‘summer bright’ in your first choice. But for those of you who will have some colour let me share with you some great shades and how the finish can alter the overall look.
Colour in a nutshell
Without going through an entire colour wheel and over complicating it just think of these categories. Peach, Pinks, Corals, Orange, Red. Most bright lip colours will fit into these categories.
Do I go cheaper or more expensive?
When it comes to lip colours the cheaper brands tend to have more limited shades. So, I would say take a look at my below suggestions for colour, formula and feel. These are more premium brands but the shade options and feel of the lipstick on is far superior.
Exploring Nars Lipsticks
The image below will show you their top ‘brights’ at the moment. ‘Truth or Dare’ is great for someone who doesn’t want to go too bold and ‘Ravishing Red’ for someone who wants a bold matt. Despite its name it does have a warm orange colour to it (it isn’t a true red). I have also chosen shades that aren’t too difficult for most to wear, for example cold or polarising.
I also picked out some softer shades with a bit of bright for the less daring. Orgasm, which is an iconic pink with a golden hint, Voyer which is a brighter taupe and High Gear which has a more subtle deeper burnt orange tone.
Charlotte Tilbury colours
One of the things that is great about this brand is the lipsticks and there isn’t ‘too many’. The top brights of the moment are Hot Emily, a true orange/coral really striking and bold. Coral Kiss, a softer pinker version, but as you can see from the image both have a slight sheerness so a creamier texture. Then Miranda May which is a deep pink with a hint of red and Sexy Sienna which is a much peachier coral, but more matt.
I also picked out some more subtle shades. Carinas Star, still bold but less bright. Then Glowing Jen, pinky with a hint of orange and In Love With Olivia a lighter demi bright pink.
Other great things about the Charlotte Tilbury lipstick range is you can buy the full size lipstick and if it is a ‘fancy lip case’ not the traditional style you can take the lipstick out and buy a refill.
MAC Lipsticks options
No brand gives you colours like MAC! The number of colour ways is always brilliant BUT also overwhelming for most. Note that MAC changed their packaging a while back, so its easier to know what finish the lipsticks will be a shiney lipstick case means a creamsheen finish so more refelctive. And a matt one meaning a more matt finish.
The formula and price point is great though. So lets take a look at the image below. The bold matts are No Coral Nation, the most amazing red/coral and Morange pure orange. You then have the softer brights like Flamingo, a matt pinky with a hint of peach. CB96, pink with a golden shimmer and Kissmet, orange but sheer. The others are brights but not true bold brights with pink and red tones.
I’ve chosen these brands specifically around the formulas, pricing and colour ranges as there are obviously so many brands out there. I always tell people to learn what their true shades are first and have a couple of day-to-day shades then something to ‘go out’ in and then build your collection from there.
If you’re wondering where to start with lips, we cover this and all the tips and tricks on how to make the most of lip shape through the second session of 1:1 coaching or you can book yourself a virtual session solely for this. Talk to me, no question is ‘silly’.