Lipstick for beginners

[Pooshweens]

I'm 39 and decided I would like to figure out how to wear lipstick. I've only just learnt that you are meant to wear lip liner as well, I'm useless!!

Can anyone recommend an easy to use lipstick?

Tried a couple so far but I look really mumsy and my already thin lips look thinner!!

What sort of colour are you using? I have a lovely YSL shade I am using. I was given advice at a beauty counter and was advised again a very close shade that apparently would 'wash me out'. Could you visit a counter? What's your budget?

What colour are you hair/eyes/skin? What colours do you wear RE clothing? They're always good starting points!

I never use lip liner, but if you want to overdraw your lips (make them look bigger) I suppose it's helpful. I like the idea of clear lip liners (see Urban Decay, although there's loads of cheaper dubes) as you're less likely to have to start again if you mess it up.

As for lipsticks my go to is Revlon, they're cheap and have a good range of shades. Their matte ones are moisturising but don't budge (although you do have to re-apply them if you eat or drink as they will wear off.) Liquid lipsticks are a pain in the arse, I can never get the edges looking right!

I feel your pain op! I’m in my 50’s and I wear other makeup but could never settle with lipstick...I feel really self conscious in it! Like I’m pouting all the time! It makes people look so polished I’d love the confidence...maybe I’ll try the pp’s idea and visit a counter...I’m brunette with hazel eyes and red (which logic says should be okay) looks dreadful! Good luck with your quest (and please let me know if you discover any tricks!)

If you're 39 don't outline the outside of your lips OP

Why what's gonna happen if someone at 39 uses lip liner? I didn't realise there was an age limit

OP why do you think you need to use lip liner anyway? What a faff. I wear lipstick a lot and I couldn't be arsed with using lip liner too. You really not need to you know?

What does "mumsy" look like?

Essence - Wilko's stock in the UK, they're a vegan brand from Germany - have just brought out a range that you pick your skin tone and then it gives you the perfect fit colour.

I absolutely love the range and am so happy to be spending less on it in Wilkos than I used to online! None of their lipsticks are over £4, usually around the £2.30 mark. They've also recently brought out a foundation mix n match liquid that rivals MAC for tones. Around £4 also. And of course my holy grail mascara (I could cry at how much I've spent on that from different brands and counters over the years!) Anyway. Try it you'll be surprised!

It really depends on your skin tone & lip volume. Trial and error sometimes.
Also, depends on the occasion.

That's great that you don't need to wear lip liner. I only thought that was a must because I watched a couple of you tube tutorials

Colour wise, I am blonde with blue eyes. I'd love to wear something bright, maybe more coral than red as I don't think red would suit me, but not sure bright would suit either. But doesn't pale make you look washed out!? Seems a minefield right now!

Pop into a boots no 7 counter - they can scan your skintone and will give you a card of colours that will suit you. I was really impressed and I like the texture of the lipsticks too.

Try Frog Prince by Lipstick Queen. Really really moisturising and gives gorgeous rosy pink, supposedly uniquely tailored to your colouring... not sure I believe that but it is absolutely gorgeous and so easy to put on, you don't even need a mirror!

I think blonde with blue eyes is the most difficult to get right with lipstick.

It also depends a lot on your undertones.

Look at pictures, find someone who has your colouring and try and find something similar.

Also, Clinique have a colour wheel for lipstick, to adapt to you skin tone. Try that.

If you're a lipstick novice, you might be best to try a balm-type lipstick. These are very comfortable to wear and usually sheer, so they're a bit more foolproof to apply. I really like Chanel Coco Flash, but most brands have something similar so I would suggest going to a makeup counter (preferably at a quiet time, so maybe not a Saturday afternoon!) and getting someone to help you try a few on.

@Pooshweens you don't need tutorials as that can be overwhelming and pretty baffling to a make up novice, just try some lipsticks on & see what suits you and that you like the feel of. It's as simple as that really.

There are some very good cosmetic counters where you can have free trials and advice too.

Thanks everyone

I popped into Mac and they sorted me out. Got a nice easy to apply lip balm type one

Well done, first of many lipsticks to come.

The Clinique chubby sticks are great for a beginner too, but be careful which shade you go for as some of them are quite bold (on me anyway).

You absolutely don't need lip liner. It can be useful for making certain shades look more even or defined, but it's definitely not necessary day to day.

Lip liner in some cases is supposed to stop the lipstick bleeding into the fine lines around your mouth. I'm not really convinced though. You can also get a lip brush and just use the lipstick as a liner if you're worried about straight edges

Choose a lipstick you like,test it in the pad of your finger,if it looks 'right' it'll look right in your lips.