Matching Lipstick Colors with Your Lip Liner or Lip Pencil Colors

Lipstick colors application is the funnest and easiest part of face makeup partly because there are not as many 'rules' to follow and because the color you put on your lips changes your appearance instantly. You can transform your look from natural pinks to dramatic reds just by changing colors.

Mix and Match Lip Colors

You can even make your own unique color combinations by mixing lipstick colors on your lips to define your mouth, add color to your face and balance your overall look. That way you can customize your lip color to create the effect you want and to match different clothes.

So, with so many choices there is no need to restrict yourself to wearing the same lipstick colors all the time. Your lip colors can range from natural looking pinks and beiges, to oranges, to dramatic and elegant reds. And, as a finishing touch, make sure that your lipstick goes with your blusher.

When it Comes to Lipstick, Pigment is King...

The main ingredient in lipstick is pigment, which provides the color. It also contains oils to moisturize and spread the lipstick colors; and wax to keep its shape. The ratios of these ingredients may vary but the more pigment it has, the more it dries your lips. And quality does not depend on price, you can find good quality lipstick at cheap prices.

Lipstick is available in stick, cream and frosted formulas, and in a wide range of colors. Some can last several hours of wear before having to reapply. Some lipsticks offer high solid coverage, while others are sheer and natural. Since, some formulas may feel dry on the lips, you may want to test them before you purchase. The five basic types are sheer, shimmer, cream, matte, and long-lasting.

Here is How to Choose Lipstick Colors...

Your choice of lipstick colors usually depends on several factors, including the colors of the clothing you are wearing. Your lipstick color should complement your outfit, not clash with it. Some of the most popular brands include: Revlon, Loreal, Mac, Clinique, Mary Kay, Cover Girl and Avon. And the most popular lipstick colors are: plum, fever, skin tone, red, pink and neutral.

The occasion and dress style (casual or formal) are also determining factors. For casual wear natural colors would be more appropriate while deeper colors such as dark reds would be preferable for a party or formal events.

After you have decided on a color, try it on your lips and test the color in natural light (indoor lighting can distort your color perception).

SHEER

Looks naturally, wet and shiny, and it is not long lasting since it contains little pigment. Includes lip glosses (stains and tints), and offer little coverage. If you color in the lips with a light color pencil first your lipstick will last longer.

SHIMMER

Metallic shimmers contain small pieces of mica to reflect the light but this quality looks more subtle after applied to the lips. Shimmers draw attention to the lips and can make them appear fuller.

CREAM

Moisturizing lipstick containing oils and conditioners (like a lip balm), that makes them lighter and smoother than heavy mattes. Cream lipsticks are available in long lasting formula.

MATTE

Longest lasting lipstick colors formula containing the most pigment (which can dry your lips) provides deep opaque colors. Lighter mattes are known as semi matte. With a matte or semi-matte lip color you can create a warm, natural effect and they can also make the lips look thinner.

LONG-LASTING

This deep, creamy, time-release (semi-permanent) formula uses the heat from your lips to stimulate continuous release of color that does not fade and can last up to eight hours.

Color Inside the Lines Using Lip Pencil (Lip Liner)...

Lip liner keeps lipstick within the bounds of your lips and defines the outlines of your mouth to create a crisp, sharp border for coloring your lips. This outline helps make the color last, and prevents lip color from "bleeding".

When shopping for a lip pencil, choose a shade that is not more than one tone darker than your lipstick and test the quality on the back of your hand by drawing a line and rubbing it lightly with your finger. If it smudges, it is too greasy and if it flakes and pulls your skin, it is too dry.

Lip pencils are used to correct the shape of unbalanced lips since it is easier than it is when using lipstick only. They are made from a much harder wax than lipstick and with less oil.

Lip liners are available in a variety of colors and should match and blend with your lipstick colors.

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