How do I choose a lipstick that suits me?

[brokenspoon]

I never usually wear lipstick but would like to, however I’m struggling to choose the right shade for me.

I’m quite pale (with a pink undertone), with blonde hair and blue eyes. My lips are naturally quite full and red. I have slightly yellow teeth (or at least not completely white) and am quite self conscious of them so would like a colour that makes them appear “whiter” (or at least doesn’t accentuate yellowing).

Bought a colour the other day but it was way too pink and dark and I don’t like it. It also made my lips look quite chapped. Are you supposed to moisturise your lip beforehand? I’m wondering whether a lip gloss would be better as I don’t like the dry/matte look...

I don’t think you can get lipstick samples and I can’t get to shops at the moment so have to order online.

Any tips for choosing a non-matte lipstick/lipgloss in a subtle colour (nothing too red or dark) for a pale blonde woman?

I don’t wear much other make up (just tinted moisturiser and some mascara), I just want to give my lips a bit of extra colour.

Any advice appreciated!

Ooh I almost posted this exact thread recently!!

My husbands just left (whole other thread) so I'm finally picking myself back up out of the rut he put me in and was wondering how I would choose a shade of lipstick. Like you, it's not something I've ever really worn seriously but would like to give it a go. We have similar skin tone but my hair is dark brown.

Glad I’m not alone @DriftGames! Sorry about your marriage but well done you for picking yourself up and dusting yourself up. Up and onwards to a more glamorous you😊

www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/finder/lipstick/finder-steps?category=makeup__lips__lipstick__gloss&sku=LGLO35DX1R&shade=2&step=RESULT

This website lets you choose a model that looks like you and then you can see colours that might suit you. But £24 still seems like a lot of money when you can’t try it on...

@DriftGames you sound very similar in colouring to me so might be easier for me to help you.
@brokenspoon which celebrity do you have the same colouring as?

It takes a bit of time to get used to wearing a strong lip colour because it does look different, but blue tones are a great trick to make teeth look whiter.

A decent lip balm and gently rubbing lips with a muslin cloth or flannel.

@DriftGames Clinique rose pop was recommended on here and I love it.

@Twilightstarbright thanks for replying. I don’t know about celebreties but if you click on my link above it brings you to the pic of the model that most looks like me (I picked the palest blonde one basically), though my hair is a few shades darker...

I often look at well-known women with similar colouring and buy what they’re wearing (often possible to get a brand name when a makeup artist takes credit for the work).

Although I posted on here once that I often bought lipsticks known to be worn by well-known women and received a lot of rude ‘eh?’ responses so presumably this isn’t a common thing to do.

That’s a good idea @MissTrip82 thank you.

@Twilightstarbright the rose pop one you mention looks gorgeous but I worry it’s too much for me. I very quickly look “made up” and it’s not a look that suits me. I love strong colours on other women but for me (bit scruffy) I really just want a lipstick that enhances what I look like already, rather than a bold colour.

@Twilightstarbright thanks for the help. That's very bright but I definitely think it could work! As you say, it takes a lot of time to get used to something like this but I'm happy to give it a go!

@brokenspoon thank you! He's shown his true colours which has made getting on with my life a million times easier, plus I've got DD in tow to keep me busy!

I'm fair with pink undertones & blue eyes, blonde highlights (natural shade is dark blonde).

Red lipstick - Mac red is good for me & I started mixing it with lip balm to build up confidence when I was younger. I think it's satin and it looks old despite me sometimes biting my lips

So there’s lots of ways to make a lipstick less strong. Blotting, dabbing it on with a finger, putting lip balm on top. The images on a website make the colour look as strong as possible but it doesn’t look like that in real life. I’ll try to take a photo of myself to demonstrate.

You sound like you want a nude which is quite hard tbh as they look very different on people we despite similar colourings. I don't think CT try it on thing is that realistic for example.

Yes blotting is a good way of toning a colour down

@brokenspoon

This colour might suit you

I am the same kind of colouring as you. Try lipsticks with brown undertones, so stear clear of pinks and go for beige tones. If wearing red, go for a deep red, not a bright one. Not many people can pull off a bright red lipstick, as much as they try.
I just got a really nice one from soap and glory. Beige something. Its nice and light, but adds a good colour.
I usually stick to bigger brands, but that would be a good tester to see of it suits without being too expensive.

Soap and glory matte cinnamon beige. Its called. It is matte but its not dry your lips put matte. I blot, add more, blot again and stick a little gloss or vaseline over the top if I just want a bit of colour.

To avoid expensive mistakes, look at Essence at Wilkos.

They do lovely satin lipsticks in lots of CT and MAC dupe shades.
I just found the most beautiful lip liner from them - shade 103 - it is honestly the best shade I've ever worn. A pretty, deep but bright neutral rose shade which makes my teeth whiter and lifts my skintone. I mix it with an Avon pro collagen lip balm to keep lips moisturised and it leaves a lovely stain.
NYX also do some lovely inexpensive shades - Shanghai is beautiful.

I was always told to aim for blue based colours, as warmer based ones can make your teeth look yellow.
I use a 24 hour one colour number 340 it has colour on a wand one end and a clear balm on the other end .
I'm pale skinned blonde . I get mine in boots or Superdrug for about £9 it lasts for aaaaaages !

Thanks so much all really appreciate it

A peachy or orange shade lipstick will make your teeth look yellow.
Sadly those shades of lipstick suit my colouring but I can't wear them because of the yellow teeth issue even though my teeth are reasonably white.

Just tried the lipstick I bought with a small amount of Vaseline and did some blotting and it looks so much nicer already🤩

Videos on You Tube are really helpful - Lisa Eldridge has some great ones.

This article is an old one, but useful. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/sep/02/sali-hughes-six-lipsticks-suit-everyone She also writes about masks and lipstick. www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/nov/21/face-masks-and-lipstick-do-not-mix-try-these-tinted-balms Clinique's Black Honey is one I use, and Burt Bees tinted lip balms are great - add colour without looking overdone. Max Factor Colour Elixir lipsticks in Nude Rose and Raisin are both flattering for blondes, and not too pink.

I have fairly pale cool skin, blue eyes and medium brown hair. I absolutely love Bobbi Brown Sandwash Pink and MAC's Syrup.
They are both kind of neutral cool pinks.
In fact I think the Duchess of Cambridge has been known to wear the Bobbi Brown one.