The Lipstick Lore: A Guide To Your Perfect Pout

The Lipstick Lore: A Guide To Your Perfect Pout

When you say lipstick, a small stick comes to your mind; a variation of vibrant shades, combination of colours, fragrance and moisturiser. But a lipstick is much more than just a cosmetic product; it is a lady’s dare and desire, her attitude and her armour. A lipstick is a history of 5000 years sealed in a stick; it’s a medium to express so many unsaid things. Admit it girls, your day is incomplete without a bold stroke of your favorite lipstick.

So as Elizabeth Taylor said, “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together.” And read on….

Choosing a perfect lipstick from an ocean of colours is no easy chore. It’s more a trial and error task than any actual scientific process. And there are a number of variables like the occasion, the outfit, the time, the season and the skin tone to consider.

“Anyone new to the concept of lipsticks can experiment with the dark shades like warm red, which is a universal colour and suits almost every skin tone” says makeup artist and beautician Romma, whose salon Makeover by Romma, is a popular beauty destination in Cuttack. 

A bold eye make-up paired with nude lips is the latest trend. “Normally girls back out from experimenting with nude shades, for the wrong shade can ruin your look effortlessly”, explains Romma. “However, nudes are actually the best out there. Creating and customising a perfect look to match your skin tone is the trick.”

“There are two types of tones, warm nude and cool nude. Any warm nude goes well with Indian skin tone. Go for a shade or two darker than your skin tone to get the desired look.” She explains further. “When you’re experimenting, get yourself some lighter shade that does not enhance your features much. But no need to get worried. Get a darker liner and fill the lips with the lighter shade. That ought to do the trick.”Picture Courtesy: Temptalia

Another item is liquid lipstick, that’s driving the girls crazy. It’s easy to apply, long lasting and gives a matte finish, but it seldom is someone’s first choice. Going for a liquid lipstick requires careful consideration and certain preparation!

While most beauty experts agree on their longevity and colour pay-off, they also recommend certain facts to consider while going for a liquid lipstick. Jyoti Chaudhury of Ananya Bridal Care says, “Most liquid lipsticks provide a matte finish. And you can stay absolutely confident and carefree with it, even in the rains. But you need to follow some tips for smooth application.” Firstly, she recommends keeping the lip ready. “Lips are the only part of body without natural oil. So, they tend to dry up soon. Follow a regular lip-care routine. Cleanse your lips every night lightly, before going to sleep and scrub regularly, may be once in a week. Before applying a liquid lipstick, apply a mild lip balm, preferably one with natural oils instead of petro-chemicals. Apply a coat of lipstick just like a coat of paint. And allow it some time to dry up. Never apply more than one coat, which will give you a messy look. And remember not to rub your lips together. Unlike stick lipsticks, the liquid ones don’t blend too well. Use an applicator brush if you like, but for better results use a lip brush of your choice. Like a paint-brush, they differ from one another, and you should choose one that suits you the best. Use only as much as required, too much liquid will ruin your lips, also it will take more time to settle.”

Jyoti suggests Chamber Flowing Lipstick Passion Rose, Lakme Absolute Lip-Last, Colorbar Kissproof Lip Satin (Haute Latte) and Miss Claire Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick (Shades 16A, 14, 17) as the best bets for Indian skin.

For lip care, Roma recommends using pure home-made coconut oil as a remover. “They remove the colour as well as moisturise the lips. They are the best and without any side effects.”

In 2017, we saw many new colour trends for our lips including fuchsia, orange, suave mauve, coral gold and a number of nudes. But when it comes to choosing a perfect pick for the day, girls get baffled easily. Pratima Rout, from Soundarya Beauty Parlors says it’s important to understand one’s complexion before going for lipstick shopping. “Always try the lipsticks before buying. If you’re not testing on your lips, then go for your fingertips instead of wrist or the back of your hand. Coat your lower lip with the lip-colour and compare with the upper one. If the shade is darker (at least a shade or two), then go for it. Always try lipstick in brightly lit areas. Light can play tricks with colours. When trying lipsticks, avoid heavy make-up, especially bold eye make-up. And ask the opinion of others, freely.”

For everyday wear lipsticks, she advises to choose lighter shades. “Shades that will look more natural enhance your look and yet won’t draw undesired attention. Like for fair skin, light pink, peach, coral and light orange are the go-to shades. For medium skin tones, try rose, berry and plum shades.”

For dusky skin, she recommends wine, purple, caramel, copper brown and bronzecolours “It’s true that red is a universal colour but every skin tone requires a different red”, she continues, “For fair skin,coral red looks the best. For dusky skin, it should be metallic red.”

Picture Courtesy: Toronto Caribbean Newspaper

Lip Care Tips

No matter how good your lipstick is, you can’t hope to get a good pout without nourished well cared for lips. Like your face and body, lips also demand some of your time. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your lips sexy.

– Use a lip balm daily: Many ladies tend to ignore lips once winter bids good bye. But invest in a good lip balm with Vitamin E, SPF and natural oils. It’ll take care of your lips in summer as well as winter.

– Don’t lick: When lips feel dry, many of us use our tongue to supply some moisturiser. But once the saliva dries up, it leaves lips drier than before. So, avoid this altogether.

– Remove make-up: At the end of the day, don’t forget to remove the coat of lipstick with a good remover. You can also use homemade coconut oil as remover.

– For dark and pigmented lips: Nothing works better than honey. Use a mixture of honey and rose water 4-5 times a day to get rid of dark discoloured lips.

– Lip scrub: Mix half spoon honey, 1 spoon sugar, ½ spoon crushed cinnamon and ½ spoon oil (olive/almond) together and use this mixture to scrub your lips. Wash with luke warm water after 1-2 minutes.

– Maintain a Vitamin C enriched diet: Eat as much lemon, orange, gooseberry and other Vitamin C enriched fruits. They provide necessary nutrition to lips.

– Keep them hydrated: Drink sufficient water to keep your lips soft and moist

The Right Shades For You

Dusky Skin

Wine/Purple: L’Oreal Paris Rougue Magique, Lakme Crease-less Crème Lipstick – CM3 Plum Pick, MAC Hang Up, Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Wine Not

Bronze: Lakme 9 to 5 Crease-less Crème Lipstick- CB3 Caramel Cut, Maybelline Bronze Metal Color Sensational Lipstick, L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick- Bronze Coin

Caramel: Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Lip Color- Buttery Caramel, Maybelline Color Show Lipstick- Warm Caramel, Caramel Custard

Medium Skin

Rose: Lakme Enrich Satin Lipstick- P166, Lakme 9 to 5 Creaseless Crème Lip Color Rosy Review, Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipstick, Eternal Rose, Maybelline Colour Sensational Moisture Extreme Lip Colour – Windsor Rose

Berry: MAC Rebel, MAC Odyssey, Maybelline The Jewels Color Sensational Lipstick – Berry Brilliant, L’Oreal Paris Infallible Lipstick – Enduring Berry

Fair Skin

Pink: Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Lip Color – Silky Blush, MAC Mehr, Loreal Paris Shine Caresse Lipstick- Aphrodite Scarlet, Colorbar Crème Touch Lipstick Dreamy Pink, Lakme Absolute Gloss Addict- Berry Rose, Lakme Enrich Satin Lip Color- P146

Peach: Lakme 9 to 5 Primer+ Matte Lip Color – MP19 Blush Book, Lakme Enrich Satin Lip Color – P143,NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp, MAC Fanfare

Coral: Lakme 9 to 5 Primer+ Matte Lip Color- Coral Date, MAC Creamsheen Crosswires, Maybelline Moisture Extreme Bronze Orange Lipstick

Feature Image Courtesy: Guerlain