You know lipstick looks good on you when the shade harmonizes with your skin's natural undertone (cool, warm, or neutral), makes your teeth look whiter, brightens your complexion without washing you out, and feels like a natural extension of your look, often by matching your veins (blue/purple = cool, green = warm) or jewelry preference (silver = cool, gold = warm). The best test is trying it on your actual lips in good lighting to see how it interacts with your natural lip color and skin.
Identify your skin tone and undertone
It can also dictate which colours look best against your complexion – anything from hair colour to clothing to makeup shades. The best lipstick shades for you will share values with your skin undertone – be that cool, warm, or neutral.
"Forbidden Lipstick" refers to a specific, popular line of intensely pigmented, moisturizing lipsticks from the natural makeup brand Rituel de Fille, known for bold colors, a semi-matte finish, and ingredients like castor oil, jojoba, and lavender, offering a natural, cruelty-free alternative to conventional cosmetics. The name evokes daring, rich hues like deep reds and berries, often using natural pigments, with shades like "Carnal," "Written in Blood," and "Fortune Teller".
According to a study done by Manchester University, red lips hold the attention of men longer than any other color, an average of seven seconds. The brighter and more saturated the red, the longer you've got a man's attention.
One easy way to check your undertone is to look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If your veins look more green, your undertone is likely warm. If your veins look more blue or purple, your undertone is likely cool. If you truly see a mix of both, you may be neutral.
Steps to choose lipstick shade correctly?
Instead of outlining the lips, French women place the lipstick only in the center, then use their fingers to gently tap the color outward. This creates a diffused halo around the lips that looks like a natural flush rather than makeup.
While the general results show participants thought slightly plumper lips were more attractive on the female face and slightly thinner lips more attractive on a male face, when disaggregated by gender, men preferred a female face with natural lip size image, with women preferring plumper lips.
Today, red lipstick continues to be a statement of confidence and glamour, but its meaning is fluid and diverse. For some, it represents classic femininity and sophistication; for others, it's a bold assertion of individuality and defiance.
The rule is simple: 3-1-1 stands for 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item, 1 quart-sized bag, and 1 bag per passenger. This means you can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint.
There's no single "No. 1" lipstick, as it depends on preference, but top contenders for iconic status and popularity include Dior Rouge 999 (best-selling red), MAC Satin Lipsticks (wide range/smoothness), and Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink (long-lasting), with luxury brands like Chanel and everyday favorites like Revlon Super Lustrous also consistently ranking high for quality, color, and wear.
“There are tricks I've learned from makeup artists on shoots. They put on the red lipstick, then blot it with a tissue, then they put powder over the tissue and sort of press it onto your lips. Then re-apply,” she shared at the time. "It turns it into a stain that lasts much longer."
A Soft Lip Color Is Best for Mature Lips
If you're wearing good foundation, concealer, and neutral eye makeup, the soft creamy texture of a neutral lip color gives a youthful look. Softer lip colors let your eyes take the spotlight, and they won't draw unwanted attention to mature lips.
If your lipstick is too light or too close to your skin tone, it can take away your lips' colour to make them look dull or sickly. On the other hand, if it's too dark, it may not look nude at all. The key is balance, which is best achieved once you know your undertone.
If your hair is in warmer shades, then you'll find orange tones for your lips work beautifully. For cooler hair tones, blue based colours work best. It's worth noting that during winter when you're missing that natural sun kissed glow, you might need to compensate with some colour!
1. Angelina Jolie. Angelina Jolie is an Academy Award-winning actress who rose to fame after her role in Girl, Interrupted (1999), playing the title role in the "Lara Croft" blockbuster movies, as well as Mr. & Mrs.
Research reveals that men are particularly drawn to a woman's lips more than any other facial feature. So, if you're looking to capture someone's attention, forget fluttering your lashes and simply perfect your pout 💁♀️💫According to a recent study, a woman's lips are deemed the most attractive part of her body.
Full Lips Are Perceived as More Sensual and Seductive
There is no denying that full lips have long been associated with sensuality and seductiveness. From ancient times, full lips have been considered an alluring feature that can enhance an individual's sex appeal.
Choosing the right lipstick color, finish, and technique can subtly enhance youthfulness. Soft pinks, corals, and berry tones, paired with proper application, help lips appear fuller, radiant, and naturally vibrant.
Matte gives a blurred, soft look that suits daily wear, while glossy gives hydration and plumpness that feels fresh. The best choice depends on your skin type, lip condition, and the finish you enjoy wearing.
There's no single "number one" lipstick brand, as it depends on criteria like luxury, budget, or longevity, but Chanel is often cited as a top luxury brand, while MAC and Maybelline are consistently high-ranking for iconic shades and accessibility, with brands like Charlotte Tilbury and YSL also leading for specific finishes like matte or hydrating formulas.
Black women are the least likely to use makeup and skin-care products, Grant reported. That may be because they probably have the hardest time matching these products to their skin color and treatment needs. They are, however, the biggest users of fragrance.
Taylor Swift wears several iconic red lipsticks, with her most famous being MAC Ruby Woo, a classic blue-red. She also frequently uses NARS Dragon Girl, a vibrant pinkish-red, and for her Eras Tour, makeup artist Pat McGrath revealed she used Pat McGrath Labs Elson 4 (a blue-red) and layered with her lip pencils for incredible staying power, with other options including Smashbox and Charlotte Tilbury for different looks.