Three of life's greatest and most enduring mysteries:
What happens when we die?
Exactly how big is the universe?
And where the hell is that perfect shade of lipstick?
This is a mystery Plato would probably not have pondered, but it's a question on most women's lips, whether we admit it or not.
Not too pink, not too brown, not too nude, not too matte, and just silky enough without being shiny. Too much to ask?
For years I've been searching for a universally-flattering, 'your lips but better' shade of lip colour, and it's been a quest similar to the search for the Holy Grail.
I reveal to you, dear blog-readers, my Top 5*:
NARS 'DOLCE VITA' LIPSTICK: This sheer dusty rose lipstick is often voted the most “universally flattering” lipstick shade by industry professionals, and they're right. High levels of long-lasting colour pigments are suspended in a silky, transculent formula to give a sheer and natural tint, rather than a matte block colour. And the colour flatters pretty much everyone.
CLINIQUE ALMOST LIPSTICK IN 'BLACK HONEY': Inside the sexy little silver tube, the colour looks scarily dark (almost black), but appearances can deceive. Once applied, it's almost transparent. If you're not keen on super-nude shades but still want something neutral and flattering, this is for you. Suits almost every skin tone.
BENEFIT SILKY FINISH LIPSTICK IN 'GOOD TO GO': A very pretty shade of slightly deeper pinky-brown, this flattering silky-finish colour is sheer and buildable, so you can customize your look from natural to amped-up depending on how many coats you apply.
NATIO LIPLINER IN 'NUDE': Applied gently over the entire lip area, a liner can be just as effective as a stick, providing you add a good quality clear gloss or just a Chapstick on top. Bargain brand Natio have invented a colour that deftly manages to be that elusive blend of warm pink with a hint of brown - and for $10, it's a bargain.
My Runner-up lip liner is MAC's Spice, probably one of the most recommended lip liners of all time. Looks great on everybody, works well on its own and also blends with almost every lip colour. Tip: be careful with lip liner or risk working the 'Eminem's Ex Wife' look.
MAC LIPSTICK IN 'TWIG': One of the most popular shades in my collection of 72 (and counting) lipsticks. Coveted by brides who ask to look pretty but not 'made up', and worn a daily basis by women who can't be bothered with full makeup but want to look polished.
HONORABLE MENTIONS GO TO:
Chanel Lip Liner in 'Nude' (handed like a sacred baton between makeup artists, and worth every cent); Revlon Superlustrous Lipgloss in 'Shocking Spice' (Limited Edition but worth hunting for).
TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR PERFECT SHADE:
For Olive or Medium Skin:
To highlight olive or tanned skin, always go for shades that will warm up your complexion, such as something with highlights of warm pink or gold.
For Dark Skin:
Go for brown and gold hues. Your natural look should contrast your dark skin-tone ever so slightly, so pick a brown shade with flecks of gold and then finish off with a slick of gloss.
For Fair Skin:
The trick for you is avoiding the "washed out" look unless you want to look like you've not eaten vegetables for the past 5 years. Whatever you do, avoid a beige-nude. Go for a colour with peachy or pinkish-brown tones in it.
Happy nude-ing!
Coming soon... Rosiecheek's Beauty Awards 2009 - The Best and Worst Products of the Year.
~ Rosie x
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