Lipstick Secrets of The Stars
I love that nude lip look like Jennifer Lopez and Pamela Anderson wear, but I can't seem to get it right. It always ends up looking like I have white or concealer on my lips. How do you get that look?
--Name withheld
When you see pictures of celebrities wearing this type of lip look, the result is usually natural, glossy and very sultry. However, since we all have pigment in our lips, the look cannot be achieved with lip gloss alone. The key is to find the right lipstick that works for you, and depending on your skin tone, the color may vary anywhere from a cream or light pink color all the way to a medium coffee tone.
If your lips are flaky or chapped, slough off the dead skin cells with a soft toothbrush or a lip exfoliator. Then, apply a lip conditioning balm or stick to hydrate and soften lips. You can also try a lip plumper such as Lip Fusion ($36 at sephora.com) for more fullness.
The most important thing about this look is keeping the lip line clean and defined. Apply a light layer of concealer around the lip area to eliminate any darkness at the corners of the mouth and to neutralize your natural lip color. This is also necessary if you want to change the size of your lips with a pencil. You can line just outside of your natural lip line to make lips fuller or line just inside of the lip line to thin out your lips. The color of the lip liner should coordinate with your lipstick.
I would suggest using a neutral brown or pink/brown so that you can define the lips. This applies to all skin tones and complexions. Look for a lipstick that is neutral in base but has a bit of brown, pink, peach or even plum in it so that you won't look lifeless. Also, take your undertone into consideration. If you are fair to medium with yellow or golden undertones, try a milky peach or beige color, like NARS Bambi lipstick.
If you have pinkish undertones, you may want to choose a lipstick that has a little more pink in it such as Giorgio Armani Sheer Lipstick in #14. Tan and golden complexions should look for a lip color with more brown and peach tones, like Christian Dior Shiniest Beige. If you have tan skin but you have reddish undertones, try a light pinky brown such as Clinique Moisture Surge Lipstick in Fizzy. For darker skin tones, try a coffee or chocolate color such as MAC Shitaki lipstick. For all skin tones, use a clear lip gloss on top to add dimension and shine.
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