The Ultimate Lipstick Guide: 5 Must-Have Shades for Every Occasion

Lipstick has a rich and fascinating history. Dating back to ancient civilizations, people have been adorning their lips with various pigments to enhance their beauty. Over time, lipstick has evolved into an indispensable item in every makeup bag. It has the power to transform your look, boost your confidence, and express your personal style.

Choosing the right lipstick shades is crucial, as they can make or break your entire makeup look. Whether you're attending a formal event, going for a casual outing, or simply wanting to add a touch of glamour to your everyday life, having a well-curated collection of lip colours is essential.

In this guide, we will explore five must-have lipstick shades that are versatile and suitable for every occasion. We will discuss how to select shades that complement your skin tone, enhance your natural features, and align with the mood and atmosphere of different events. Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to curate a lipstick collection that caters to your unique style and needs.

Whether you're a fan of bold reds, subtle nudes, playful pinks, or timeless classics, we've got recommendations that will suit your preferences. We will also share expert tips on how to apply and maintain your lipstick for long-lasting wear. So, let's dive in and unlock the secrets to creating stunning looks that reflect your unique personality and style.

 

FINDING THE PERFECT LIPSTICK SHADES FOR YOUR SKIN TONE
 

When it comes to finding the perfect lipstick shades for your skin tone, understanding your undertones is key. Undertones refer to the subtle hues beneath the surface of your skin, and they can be categorized into three main groups: cool, warm, and neutral. Determining your undertone can greatly assist you in selecting shades that complement your complexion and enhance your natural beauty.

 

 

To determine your undertone, and for a more detailed exploration of finding your perfect lipstick shades, we encourage you to check out our previous blog post, "How To Choose The Best Lipstick Shade For Your Skin Tone." In that blog, we delve deeper into the different undertones, provide additional tips for determining your own, and showcase a helpful video guide to make the process even easier.

But for a quick summary, cool undertones typically pair well with shades like berry, plum, and blue-based reds. Warm undertones tend to shine with coral, peach, and warm brick reds. Neutral undertones have the versatility to rock a wide range of shades, including nude pinks, mauves, and classic reds.

 

THE 5 MUST-HAVE LIPSTICK SHADES FOR EVERY OCCASION
 

Now, let's dive into the exciting part of our ultimate lipstick guide: the five must-have lipstick shades for every occasion. These timeless shades will ensure you're prepared for any event or mood that comes your way.

Classic Red:

• A classic red lipstick is a staple in every makeup collection. This timeless shade exudes confidence and sophistication. It's perfect for formal occasions such as black-tie events, cocktail parties, or a night out on the town. Pair it with a winged eyeliner and subtle eye makeup to let your lips take centre stage.
  
  

 

Nude:

• The nude lipstick is a versatile shade that works effortlessly for both casual and professional settings. It's ideal for everyday wear, as it enhances your natural lip colour and adds a touch of polish to your look. Nude shades come in various undertones, so choose one that complements your skin tone. It's the go-to choice for a no-makeup makeup look or when you want your eyes or outfit to be the focal point.
  
  
  
   

Pink:

• Pink lipstick offers a playful and feminine touch to your makeup look. From soft pastels to vibrant fuchsias, there's a pink shade for every occasion. Light pinks are great for daytime events, brunches, or garden parties, while brighter pinks add a pop of colour for a fun night out with friends. Pair it with soft, rosy cheeks and a hint of mascara for a fresh and youthful appearance.
  
  

 

Berry:

• If you're looking to make a statement, a rich berry shade is the way to go. Berry lipsticks range from deep burgundies to bold purples, and they add a touch of drama to your makeup look. This shade is perfect for fall and winter seasons, as well as evening events like weddings, parties, or romantic dinners. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let your lips be the showstopper.
  
  

 

Bold/Statement Shade:

• Every makeup collection needs a show-stopping, bold shade that reflects your personality and adds a touch of excitement to any occasion. This can be a vibrant orange, a daring blue, or a unique shade that complements your individual style. Wear it confidently for special events, music festivals, or when you simply want to express your creativity through makeup.
  
  

 

Remember, these are just guidelines, and there are no hard and fast rules in the world of lipstick. Feel free to experiment and mix shades to create your own signature look. The key is to choose shades that make you feel confident and beautiful, regardless of the occasion.

 

TIPS FOR APPLYING LIPSTICK PERFECTLY
 

Once you’ve selected your lipstick colour, it’s time to apply it perfectly. With a few tips and tricks, you can achieve a flawless and long-lasting lip look that will turn heads wherever you go.

Prepping Your Lips:

• Before applying lipstick, it's essential to prep your lips for a smooth and even application. Start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dry, flaky skin. You can gently scrub your lips with a homemade sugar scrub or use a soft toothbrush to slough off the dead skin. Next, apply a hydrating lip balm to moisturize and nourish your lips, giving them a soft and supple base for lipstick application.
  
  

 

Line Your Lips:

• The key to applying lipstick perfectly is precision and control. Start by lining your lips with a LIP LINER that matches the shade of your lipstick or is slightly darker. Outline your lips, emphasizing the cupid's bow and defining the corners. This will create a crisp and polished lip shape. Then, fill in your lips with the lipstick using a lip brush or directly from the bullet. Start from the centre and work your way towards the corners, ensuring even coverage. For a more precise application, use a lip brush to reach the edges and corners of your lips.
  
  

 

Making Lipstick Last Longer:

• To make your lipstick last longer throughout the day, there are a few tricks you can try. First, blot your lips with a tissue after applying the lipstick to remove any excess product. This helps to set the colour and prevent smudging. For added longevity, lightly dust a translucent powder over your lips or use a lip primer before applying the lipstick. This creates a smooth base and helps the colour adhere better. Additionally, consider using a long-wearing or matte lipstick formula, such as our POWERLOCK MATTE LIPSTICKS, as they tend to have better staying power. Finally, carry your lipstick with you for touch-ups throughout the day to maintain a fresh and vibrant lip look.
  
  

 

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to applying lipstick. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to achieve your desired look. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. With time, you'll master the art of applying lipstick flawlessly.

 

CONCLUSION
 

We hope that "The Ultimate Lipstick Guide" has inspired you to explore the world of lipsticks and empowered you to choose the perfect shades for any occasion. Remember, makeup is an art form, and lipstick is your artistic tool to express your unique style and personality.

So, go ahead and experiment with different shades, mix and match, and most importantly, have fun! Let your lips do the talking and embrace the confidence that a swipe of the perfect lipstick can bring.

What two things have been hidden all year? For us, it’s our tan – and our lips, hidden beneath face masks. After skipping lipstick for so long, we’re ready to celebrate our pout for a beauty-ful holiday: International Lipstick Day!

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We’re breaking down the best way to color match your lipstick to your skin tone, and detailing the top ingredients to avoid while lipstick shopping.

What’s Hiding in Lipstick?

The mouth is one of the most defining features of our face, and accentuating it is a form of artistic expression – but not with just any lipstick. We’re picky about what we put on our mouths, especially considering how much lipstick we inadvertently eat. That’s why we stick to natural lipsticks, free of questionable ingredients.

What are some common lipstick ingredients?

• Carmine, a pigment used to create red beauty products made from crushed beetles

• Parabens, known to be endocrine disruptors

• Guanine, made of fish scales, and commonly used to add a pearlescent shimmer

• Heavy metals, which can disrupt normal bodily functions

• Coal tar dyes, which are a toxic carcinogen

This list is why we focus on making natural lipsticks that anyone can enjoy!

Color Matching Lipstick

Everyone needs a signature shade of red, but choosing the perfect lipstick shade isn’t as simple as popping on any old color. There’s a complex color theory at play when it comes to matching lipsticks to your skin tone, and it can make or break your look. We’ve shared our full breakdown on the perfect lipstick before, but here are a few quick tips on color matching lipstick shades:

1) Determine undertone
Undertone can be described as the ‘temperature’ of our skin. It presents itself as a golden, olive, neutral, or cool toned hue. The easiest way to determine undertone is to take a glance at the veins on the inner wrist. Veins that glow through green are typically found on warm skin, while veins tinted blue or purple are common with cooler skin tones. A mixture could indicate neutral-toned skin.

We’ve found a lot of luck with lipsticks that have a similar hue to our skin. For example, golden and honey skin tones look stunning in corals and bright, poppy reds. Like speaks to like!

2) Consider skin tone
Now that we have the undertone, we can make more informed lipstick decisions about which ones flatter our skin tone. ‘Skin tone’ is essentially the depth of melanin in our skin combined with our undertone; common skin tones are fair, light, golden, tan, bronze, deep, and rich.

We know that anyone can pull off any look with confidence, as long as they love it – but we’re not always feeling our most confident! We generally find it easier to wear lipsticks in a similar depth to our skin tone, with some exceptions for those dark hues we favor in the colder months. Going for similarly pigmented shades can take some of the guesswork out of picking a flattering natural lipstick.

3) Categorize colors
With our undertone and skin tone figured out, we can now find flattering lipsticks in a variety of color categories. Classic categories include red, berry, plum, peach, pink, and nude.

4) Finishing touch
The finish of a lip product – satin, shine, or matte lipstick – is just as important as the shade itself. The general rule of thumb is that the brighter or more contrasting lip colors are to our skin, the easier they are to wear in a matte finish. Shine in satin and gloss finishes attract light and can change the way a color appears with our skin tone, which is why choosing lipsticks in similar hues and depths makes for a flattering pair.

5) Experiment with glosses
When dipping our toe into a color family we don’t often wear, we find it easier to commit to a lip gloss. It’s like taking the color for a test drive; since gloss colors are often less saturated, they can be more forgiving. It’s easy to layer lip gloss with our favorite lipsticks and liners for a custom look.

6) Be cheeky
When searching for a signature lip shade, we’ve noticed that the same blush shades we favor tend to be in line with our go-to natural lipstick choice. Take a peek at the blush shade you love and find a cute coral, velvet mauve, or petal pink lipstick to match.

7) Add variety
Once we find shades we feel comfortable with, we add variety with finishes. We like to build collections with sheer to saturated products, from balms and tints to liquid lipsticks. Only love one shade? Keep multiple finishes on hand to mix things up (at least a little).

8) Enhance
The last step is to build a complete lip look that complements your skin tone and lip shape.

Bolder, deeper, and more matte lipstick shades draw the most attention to the shape of the lips.

Glosses and satin lipsticks tend to magnify the lips and make them look larger.

Lip liners, especially in slightly darker shades, create depth and dimension for a fuller, juicier pout.

Layering lip products together can create a totally custom, long-lasting lip tailored to our unique complexion.

Want more lipstick tips? Read on: