Picking out the perfect shade, whether it’s for your own big day or a special occasion, doesn’t have to be a matter of guesswork.
So with a countless possibility of colours available to paint your pout, how do you work out what shade is right for you? Diane Malcolm, product educator for Karen Murrell, says there are some common mistakes people make when searching for that dream shade, and forgetting to think about your lip shape and skin tone are two of them. Tempted to reach for a dark and moody colour because winter is on the way? If you’ve got particularly thin lips, it might be worth reconsidering that chocolate-hued berry lip colour as Malcolm explains that dark shades make lips appear smaller.
Opting for a shade that complements your skin tone is as equally important. “Understanding your colour base helps,” says Malcolm. “Knowing if you have a blue or golden base in your skin and then ensuring the lipstick has the same undertone is a good place to start.” Not sure what your skin’s undertone is? Figuring out what whether gold or silver jewellery suits your skin better can help explains Malcolm. “Those with blue-toned skins often wear silver, white gold or rose gold and golden undertones wear yellow gold,” she says. Neutral skin tones are flattered by both silver and gold.
You’ve probably wandered out of the department store with the back of your hand covered in lipstick lines in an attempt to find that perfect colour, but Malcolm says this isn’t the best way to test for colour trueness on your skin tone. “Always test colours on your fingertips, rather than on the back of your hand as this is closer to your natural lip colour,” she explains. But if you really want to make sure you’ve picked a colour that flatters you, try it on your lips. “For best results ask for help in-store and have the lipstick applied,” Malcolm says.
Go Nude
Nude shades of lip colour are perfect for all skin tones, but once again, the secret to finding your dream shade lies in identifying your skin’s undertone. “We look at the skin tone to see if you suit a yellow-based nude or a blue-based nude” explains Malcolm. She suggests Cordovan Natural – one of Karen Murrell’s best-sellers with burnt cinnamon tones and hints of warm peach – for those with golden undertones, and Orchid Bloom – soft coffee hues with a touch of blush.
Pictured above: Miu Miu ‘My Miu’ handbag, from Net-A-Porter; ‘Sage’ heel, $240 from Mi Piaci, Karen Murrell lipstick in Cordovan Natural, $30.
Think Pink
As far as fashion is concerned, pink has been the colour du jour for the past couple of seasons. If you’re wanting to extend your love of the prettiest shade to your lip colour, you’re in luck as Malcolm explains that most people can wear a shade of pink. Karen Murrell lipstick in Pink Starlet is a great go-to shade for many skin tones she says. “Those with fair skin and blonde hair tend to suit pale and brighter prinks while those with darker complexions and hair colour suit darker pinks.”
Paint the Town Red
When in doubt, you can’t go past a classic red lip for a special occasion but the key to pulling off this statement look is all in the application explains Malcolm. A good lip liner, such as Karen Murrell lip pencil in True Love, will not only define the shape of your lip but can help your lips appear fuller or thinner if desired. “Always use a lip pencil to perfectly define the shape of your lip and then shade it in so if the red lipstick starts to wear off you will still have colour on your lips,” she says. Using a lip brush can also help keep the colour in place for longer.
