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Original poster

Lipstick - is it better not to bother?

38 replies

Stuffedcat · 07/07/2011 17:46

Having spent ages searching for the perfect colour (I prefer 'nudes' but they seem to make me washed out, if my latest holiday pictures are anything to go by, I always thought I looked ok, but I just looked sallow!). Pinks, red's make my mouth huge, oranges I look v. odd etc...

I think it may be dawning on me it may be better to wear balm/gloss instead. Wondering what other people do, is it a bit odd to have eyeshadow, mascara, blush etc and 'not bother' with lips, is it a bit unfinished?

OP posts:
CristinaTheAstonishing · 07/07/2011 17:51

You'd still look groomed.

Lipstickgal · 07/07/2011 18:04

Try berry tones. What is your colouring like?

Lipstickgal · 07/07/2011 18:05

Rose tones may work for you.

madmomma · 07/07/2011 20:50

I have this problem, and I've found the best solution to be vaseline (blot), nude pinkybrown liner all over, then a light dab of pink gloss over the top to make it look a bit less flat.

jewelsandgems · 07/07/2011 20:53

I'm just the same! I look better with just a swipe of vaseline, think it's because I have big eyes and with them and a lipsticked mouth, my face just looks too much!

Also not wearing lipstick or gloss is great for kissing Grin

groak · 07/07/2011 20:54

I never wear lipstick, it doesn't look right on me, I feel a bit like a clown, and it never stays put right and I can't be arsed with the maintanence... I use ruby and millie lipglosses... if you have detailed / dark eyeshadow for eve out I can't see why a lipgloss would look unfinished

have you tried nicola roberts dainty doll range, think it's more for pale skins?

otchayaniye · 07/07/2011 21:00

Bobbi Brown Lip and Cheek pot in a colour such as Truffle Rose? Gives a non sparkle, non greasy flush to lips and cheeks, evening out tone and just brightening the face really. Can wear lip balm over the top. Chocolate Cherry is also nice on celtic colourings.

I don't much like BB lipsticks, but have a few of these and use them regularly (can be drying so wear lansinoh on top!)

LuckyMrsT · 07/07/2011 21:00

I never wear lipstick as I feel silly in it. I can't explain why this is, I just feel self conscious about it - like I'm not old enough to be wearing it (34) and people will stare... I can manage gloss and can recommend:

Lancome Juicy Tubes in Disco Melon and Cerise
Clinique superbalm moisturising gloss in Grapefruit
Rimmel gloss in Yummy (also nice and cheap)

All are lovely and sheer without too much colour or glitter. It does finish your face off IMO.

TapselteerieO · 07/07/2011 21:19

I think it is either eyes or mouth you emphasise, keep one subtle, so emphasise your best feature - I cannot wear mascara, never get on with eye make up, so just use very subtle shades and I usually use a stronger colour on my lips.

wasabipeanut · 07/07/2011 21:27

I use the BB Truffle Rose lip & cheek colour - tis lovely and I then whack Vaseline over the top as and when during the day.

I never wear proper lipstick - makes me feel odd and a bit overdone. I don't think I ever really got the hang of putting it on properly.

cybboid · 07/07/2011 21:31

Get a decent rose/light browny coloured lip pencil and use that all over lips

bung a bit of gloss o'er the top if you wish it lasts ages and looks like a darker version of your natural lip colour. I use Rimmel 'nude' I think but its not sallow making

pinkhebe · 07/07/2011 21:33

i have this problem, I use the little tubs by vasaline, the blush one.

Havingkittens · 07/07/2011 21:38

Tinted lipbalm is nice. Burt's Bees do a couple of nice natural shades. Watermelon is pale pinkish nude and Rhubarb is a deeper lip toned pink. Only about £8 and stay on longer than most sheer lipsticks. Also, not sticky like lipgloss. Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier also do nice tinted lipbalms.

omydarlin · 07/07/2011 23:16

yeah i have this problem - i started to use juicy tubes etc about three years ago and havent looked back - also lip tip ala benefit.

HerRoyalNotness · 08/07/2011 04:24

I don't really do lipstick (have full lips, makes me feel self-conscious), however I bought a set from Anthropologie which are more opaque, which I really, really like. They are by poppy king. Gives you a bit of colour, bit more grown up than a lipgloss.

www.lipstickqueen.com/product_frame.htm

HerRoyalNotness · 08/07/2011 04:25

...seems like there are a few of us with the same problem!

muddlinleigh · 08/07/2011 07:42

I'm the opposite, i'm wedded to my red and have been since i was old enough to wear it. Lipstains are good if you don't like lipstick but want a more intense colour than lipgloss can give. You can get the same effect from a lipstick, blotted down to leave a stain.

Alibabaandthe80nappies · 08/07/2011 07:47

I have really full lips and lipstick just makes me look bizarre and over made-up, so I emphasise my eyes when I do my makeup and just use a tinted gloss.

Original poster
Stuffedcat · 08/07/2011 09:21

Great to hear I'm not alone!
I will try some of the tinted lipbalms me thinks and investigate some of the other products mentioned.
madmomma what nude pinky brown liner do you use? my boots No7 nude seems a bit orange for me.

OP posts:
Lipstickgal · 08/07/2011 09:55

But do you look washed out when wearing nothing? Some people look wonderful without it and others need a bit of colour. I'm in the latter. I can't wear any nudes without looking corpse-like. Pinks and browns look hideous, whether they be dark or light, semi sheer or matt. The colours that seem to suit are brick reds, berry tones, clear red and if I'm trying to do natural a rose toned lipstick which is a mix of pink and brown. I think if you work out your season it makes it easier. I'm a clear spring.I'm naturally dark- haired ( after a recent red failure) with pale neutral skin with green/blue eyes. So what is your colouring? If you like lipstick but it's just a colour issue I may be able to help.........

JeremyVile · 08/07/2011 10:01

Lipstick is so overrated.

If you suit really bold colours, post box red, hot pink etc, then with minimal eye make up it can look great, but other than that, I rarely see anyone (over the age of 30) who wouldn't look better with just a bit of gloss or Vaseline.

Also, these pale pinky-beiges are so not flattering. Very ageing IMO, style-wise as well as visually.

Original poster
Stuffedcat · 08/07/2011 10:01

Lipstickgal - I am pale skinned with blonde hair, brick reds / bright colours look dreadful on me I'm afraid.
I do like the sound of the natural a rose toned lipstick which is a mix of pink and brown what ones do you recommend ?

OP posts:
otchayaniye · 08/07/2011 10:02

Lipstick overrated?

HadAThreesomeWithFredAndGeorge · 08/07/2011 10:05

Lipstick never works on me. I end up looking like a clown.

I have given up. Woe is me

Lipstickgal · 08/07/2011 10:33

Well, Revlon Colorstay in ravishing rose is an excellent colour. You can buy it on ebay for not more than a couple of pounds so if it's not for you.... The formulation is great too in that it stays on for ages, doesn't bleed and doesn't flake off. You can just wipe it off too without the need for an oil based cleanser unlike other ones I have tried.
Avon did one where you could adjust the tone. I think it was called spectracolour the roses. That way you could get it just so. I haven't tried it but have heard its pretty good.
Have a trawl of ebay and type in rose. I find Revlon to be a really great brand. If you like matt lipsticks Revlon do one that is called smoked peach.I can imagine this looking great on a blonde. Is it possible that you are a warm toned blonde or do you go towards being cooler? It does make a massive difference. What colours suit you the most?