Picking The Right Lipstick To Wear, Tips And Tricks

Number one rule: Take your lip color, and go three shades darker. Too little and what's the point of wearing that stuff in the first place? Too much and that's all people will see when they look at you. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes that's the idea. Just make sure that if you are going lipstick-nuts that evening, to keep the eye makeup to a minimum.

Of course, that's just what will be the most flattering match. But you never know. Your combination of skin and eye color may demand something different, so be sure that you're not a robot in your decision. It's about choice. Many drug stores now offer a policy of being able to return make-up if you've tried it and didn't like it, so take them up on it.

People often try and make it easy by saying that brunettes and redheads can wear the deeper, warmer tones that blondes should stay away from, but again, do the research yourself before making any sweeping statements or sadly putting that beautiful violet color back on the shelf.

Now to the shimmery, matte, and glossy options. This is about age. If you're over forty, I would recommend sticking with wither matte or glossy. Not that I'm ageist, far from it, but I would imagine that you might come off as looking like you're trying too hard. I often base what I will be wearing on whether or not the bf will be around and if I imagine that I'll actually get to kiss him before the lipstick inevitably comes off during dinner (I know those commercials say it won't, but let's be serious).

Speaking of kissing, anything that makes your lips look dark and dry takes the most kissable area of your face and turns it into ‘Don't even try' land. So maybe reserve that for the night when it's just you and the girls, no exceptions (those are good nights . . .).

One more quick tip. Never underestimate the importance of a lipstick brush. It comes in especially handy when you've left that expensive lipstick in the car and smearing it on with your finger will ruin your manicure (ha, I almost wrote pedicure. Now that would be a flexible woman). The brush also makes the entire look more even.

Let's hot it up, my fellow females!