Self conscious in lipstick

[InJest]

I usually do a very natural look, or no make up at all.

But i've discovered that bright lipstick makes my skin look much less ruddy, and makes my eyes sparkle. But I feel so awkward wearing it.

Does a bold lip do this for everyone?

Is there a trick to keeping the brightening effect, but not looking so 'done'?

You may have tried this already, but I find (if I can be bothered) to apply lippie with a lip brush, it's much more subtle. If you haven't tried it, and don't own a lip brush, a cotton bud will give you an idea whether it would be better for you. That way, you know you're using a colour which is good on you.

I dont really suit lipstick so it feels very obvious. I've found a lip pencil that I wear all over that gives a more natural finish.

But if your lipstick is doing wonders for skin and eyes then maybe just persevere until it becomes normal to you.

I feel ludicrous after eyebrow dye but everyone assures me it's fine!

What shade is it out of interest?

Sheer lipsticks rather than matte look less 'look at me'. But if you start wearing lipstick regularly, you get used to it after a while and stop feeling so self-concious.

@BexR There are two that look great. The best one is the attached pic, Bourjois Flamingo. Second best is Mac Ruby Woo. Seem to have had them years and not used them.

Nothing subtle about either of them!

I havent tried a lipbrush. Will give that a go. Fushia in particular seems to do wonders for me.

You do get used to it, but you will look different if you are wearing a bright colour- same if you piled on heavy black eyeliner.

Try blotting the lipstick with a tissue.

I feel self conscious in any make up. So I don’t wear it at all.
So you’re not alone.

Apply lip balm, then one layer of lipstick, blot with a tissue - this should give a stain effect.

I was going to come one and say lip balm before lipstick. Also apply with a lip brush, and then blot with a tissue, it makes a big difference

Just to say OP, I've been wearing red in the house, it's a good time to just mess about. I used to wear red every day and then gradually stopped while married to my abusive ex. Have rediscovered the magical affect it has on my hair, my eyes, my skin. Try wearing it around the house, look in a mirror occasionally, take a selfie. You'll get used to it

As others have said, get used to wearing it around in the house and under a facemask until you feel less self concious. I also shaved of a tiny piece of my lipstick and melted it in the microwave with a little bit of coco-butter (in pellet form) to make a sort of super moisturising lip balm that was exactly the colour I wanted. It is more subtle than putting the lipstick on my lip direct so you could try that. I did it because I wanted a tinted lipbalm but couldnt find one in the shade I wanted.

@InJest
Those are two of my favourite lipsticks!

Excellent choices and I agree -they are very flattering!

You might like Mac Rebel and Girl about town too. They are of the fushia pinky purple colour variety. I think the only way forward is to keep wearing the lipsticks until you're used to seeing yourself in lipstick.

I agree that it's just a matter of getting used to it. I only started wearing reds in the last couple years and it took a while to get used to my face! I'm not bothering at the moment because of masks and I'm really missing it.

Practice wearing lipstick colour at home and get used to the way it looks. A well chosen colour is one of the most flattering ways to wear make up. I'm quite olive skinned and an orange-coral toned lippie lights up my old face better than any other cosmetic.

Thank you everyone. I will try the lipbalm/brush trick tomorrow.

I've worn the pink one all day at full strength, and its stupidly flattering everytime I catch a glimpse of myself. Yes, better than any other cosmetic or makeup item I ever owned.

I found the mac thread, and the suggestions upthread and i've got more lipsticks heading my way!

Always find makeup ageing on me, but the brightening is making me look bright and happy, which is way better.