Never worn lipstick...no idea on colour. Help!

[TFM]

Is there a rule of thumb for lipstick colours?? I am a total make up novice despite being in my late 40s but would like to look a bit more polished for an event I am going to in a couple of weeks. But because I am not used to it, every lipstick colour I try just looks wrong to me at the moment! I have medium brown hair that has a bit of red when it catches the sun; hazel eyes; pale skin with a few freckles. I also have quite full lips so strong colours look a bit scary on me! Can anyone advise on what might work? Thanks!

Two suggestions if I may:

• is there a staffed no.7 counter in your local Boots? If so they have a machine that can tell you which lipstick will suit you best.
• do NOT under any circumstances blind buy the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick with the rather bold "suits everyone" claim. It doesn't.

This sounds utterly mental…but hear me out 😂
I once read online that your most flattering shade of lipstick is the same colour as your nipples 🤷🏻‍♀️😂 And I have to admit, I got a liquid lipstick in the closest shade I could find, and it’s a great match and perfect for day time wear!

In Primark they sell lipsticks for 90p. Not bad quality actually - but I was thinking you could buy one in each shade, see what suits you, and if you want a more illustrious product, use the preferred shades as a guide.

https://harpersbazaar.com.au/your-perfect-lipstick-shade-is-your-nipple-colour/#:~:text=Is%20nipple%20colour%20related%20to,same%20shade%20as%20your%20nips.
See! I knew I’d read it somewhere 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

Meant to agree on Pillow Talk. Try before you buy.

Maybe try a lip stain? I think Glossier cloud paint in Storm could be good on your colouring. It's a browny, russetty pinky shade. It's v natural on me.
Agree CT Pillow Talk does not suit everyone!

I find the best wayvto choose your universal lip colour is to bite your lips and try to match the resulting colour... it will basically give you your natural colour but smoother.

I also find it never looks good to wear lipstick lighter than your actual colour.

https://pureseoul.co.uk/products/juicy-lasting-tint-bare-juicy-series-4-colours-5-5g
These are lovely stains in nudes for light skin.

Mac will help you. Velvet teddy is the perfect my lips but better.
Maybe consider a gloss if the lipstick feels too much out of comfort zone. Maybelline lift ones are gorgeous xxx

MAC Velvet Teddy is a lovely colour that might work for you as it suits so many people. Its comfortable and a more matte finish which won't have that sheen that might draw more attention to your lips if you are self-conscious.

I agree with PP Pillow Talk, Charlotte Tilbury isn't universally flattering as nothing is, but worth considering as it does look lovely and not too much on many people.

Finally, I have a massive soft spot Nars Barbara, it was my wedding colour and I think it's beautiful.

As a side note, the lighting in department stores can be deceiving, so if you try something in store like that I recommend you head outside into natural light to check you still like it.

@Ringmaster27 how on earth did you colour match it? Although it does make sense

Yes,i wear pillow talk but it pulls very pale and pink on me
You really do need to try. The girls on the counter will give you a sample no prob x

You sound like you 'could' be a light spring, so light, warm pink or peach would suit you

Well my lips would end up a rather deep shade and that's not really the look I'm going for!

Ive heard this too. Will have to look into it ha.

Try and find a sheer lipstick. Some ranges have them. And then go for a shade just a bit deeper than your lips.

I don't really like strong colours in lipstick so I tend to go for tints - current favourite is Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream lip tint in Plum, which is just a nice natural browny-pink that looks like my lips but better. IIRC No 7 also do a sheer lipstick along the same lines. I'd definitely say don't go for something bright if you're not used to it - you won't feel like you.

Pillow talk very bland on me but I love their (ct) love Angel alessandria, and sexy sienna.
For going out, evening or a more striking look, try revlon 677 or 750 are orangey and work better on my colouring which sounds like yours. Red lipsticks look wrong on me. I have auburn hair id say, green eyes, fair skin but quite brown eyebrows and lashes so not like red head pale.

My suggestion is that you try a tinted balm. Kiko do them as do L’Oreal ( balm/lipstick hybrid)and personally speaking I have found the pigmentation as good as lipstick but have found that it just feels nicer to wear compared to some traditional lipsticks.

Here is a link to L’Oreal’s balm/lipstick hybrid . https://www.loreal-paris.co.uk/lip/glow-paradise/balm-in-lipstick

Might be easier @TFM to look at these in terms of shades etc .

I'm forever loyal to Blankety

@Stardustkid i put swatches on my wrist and nipped to the toilet to check 😂