How To Choose The Right Lipstick Colour

The perfect lipstick colour has the ability to pull together the whole makeup. Choosing the wrong shade, on the other hand, could make even the most perfect look seem awkward. If you find yourself spending hours at the store choosing the right color, or if you just can't seem to work out a foolproof system when it comes to buying lipstick, this article will help to take some of the frustration out of choosing a shade and will bring some of the fun back into your makeup shopping! 

Keep in mind that lipsticks come in a vast variety of shades as well as price ranges. Whether you choose to splurge on products from high-end brands or find the perfect color from a trusted drugstore brand, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort with the help of the suggestions below. You can also save big by staying on the lookout for the latest coupons or discount vouchers that can make even the most high-end cosmetics so much more affordable. Just go to Discountrue.com and browse the offer of such stores as Sephora or Neiman Marcus, and you'll be sure to find something good for yourself! 

Understanding Your Skin Tone 

Does your skin have a warm or cool undertone? The answer to this question generally determines what shades will look best with your complexion. If you're unsure about your skin's undertone, there are two easy ways to figure this out: 1) determine the color of the veins on the inside of your wrist; if they appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone, and if they appear green, you have a warm undertone; 2) perform the gold-silver test; if gold jewelry looks better on your skin than silver then you probably have a warm undertone, and vice versa. As a rule, warm colors (soft neutrals, warm reds, etc.) look best on warm skin tones, and cooler colors (shades with purple or blue tones) tend to flatter cool skin tones. 

Choosing The Perfect “Everyday” Colour 

It's important to understand that there isn't just one everyday colour that works perfectly for everyone. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when choosing a lipstick shade is picking one that you thought looked great on someone else. An everyday color is typically subtle, so a good rule to follow is to choose one that is just a few shades deeper than the natural shade of your lips. Remember, darker lipsticks will make your lips look smaller, while lighter ones can have a plumping effect, so choose accordingly! 

Pulling Together A Look 

When getting ready to go out, don't feel tempted to match your lipstick too closely to your outfit – this rarely turns out to be a flattering look! Instead choose a complimentary color a few shades lighter or darker than the main one in the color-scheme. As far as the rest of your make-up goes, it's generally a good idea to either go with dramatic lips or dramatic eyes – going for both usually results in an exaggerated look. 

Perfecting The Art Of Lipstick Shopping 

Most stores will let you try on a lipstick before making a purchase, so don't be too shy to try out one and, when possible, take advantage of the chance to get professional advice from sales associates – they're likely to give you an honest opinion about what shade would suit you best. 

The next time you're shopping for the perfect lipstick colour, don't forget about our suggestions. The more you put the above tips to practice, the more confidence you'll have in your own ability to choose the best shade!

*Guestpost

New from Sleek Makeup - Lip VIP lipstick collection

Sleek Makeup have some amazing new releases to be looking out for in your local Superdrug and I am sharing them with you today. 

The NEW Sleek MakeUP Lip VIP lipstick collection boasts six velvety, on trend shades which have been inspired by the luxuries of being a VIP – think red carpet premieres, the front row of fashion shows and celebrity photo shoots. Each lipstick has a luxuriously creamy, long-lasting formula which glides on smoothly to leave an even, semi-matte finish. These lipsticks are also packed with Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, a new formula which is really moisturising.

The six new shades are:

• Reserved - A sweet candy pink for everyday wear
• Private Booth - A Classic nude, a make-up bag must have
• Backstage - A warm coral pink to take you from day to night
• Guest List - Bright coral, sure to get you noticed 
• Flaunt It - A punchy, stand out orange
• Night Spot - A chic red for opulent Hollywood glamour

So there is a different shade right across the spectrum and here is how amazing they look:  

From L-R we have Reserved, Private Booth, Backstage, Guest List, Flaunt it and Night Spot

The Lip VIP Lipstick Collection are now available from Boots and Superdrug and are priced at £5.49.

Do you have a favourite shade?

Top 5 Lipsticks of 2015

A post about my five favourite lipsticks of 2015 is not a post I ever thought I would be writing, but lipstick has become a huge part of my make up routine and it is something I wear every single day, unless I am at home doing very little.

Over the past year, I have managed to try quite a few different lipsticks and these are the five that I have used and loved the most.

As you can see there is an amazing mixture of brands with the inclusion of Dior and Chanel, plus the well known and much loved MAC, Highstreet favourite Topshop and a brand I haven't seen much about, but it is one I really like and that is RMK.

With lipstick, it has taken me an age to move away from my trusted nude pink shade. I am not quite ready to branch out into red, I simply don't think it is the shade for me at all, but I am hoping some of these might surprise you.

Dior Addict Fashion Night was an instant love for me. Nestled inside a stunning silver case with Dior clearly visible, this lipstick it is described as being a visibly soft but medium-dark berry pink with a mixture of a lighter fuchsia and violet pearl. It has semi-sheer color coverage. It boasts of using a hydra-gel core with a top coat effect for sensational mirror shine. The lipstick isn't at all drying on the lips and glides on effortlessly and it lasts a good 4 hours before the need to re-apply.  Priced at £26.50, I think it is worth every penny.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick - I have shade 62 which is Monte Carlo and I have to say the outer packaging is much more exciting than that which cases the lipstick. I know it is Chanel, but surely they could make it a little more attractive! Described as being a semi-sheer, pinked red with subtle pink shimmer lipstick, this is as close as I get to something being a red lipstick on my lips. The colour is stunning as is the formula which is so incredibly hydrating on the lips because it is enriched with Meadowfoam Oil derivative to protect and maintain hydration for up to 8 hours.  As you might expect, when applied  it glides effortlessly on the lips, where it remains for around three hours before I feel the need to re-apply.

RMK Deep Rose - RMK is a Japanese brand that I came to love via a makeover in Selfridges last year.  They have so many amazing products just waiting to be discovered and this lipstick has been one of my best finds. Packaged inside a silver bulky case, which is really light, this lipstick is described as being a deep rose shade, much like its name. It isn't quite purple, but is on the route to being there and is perfect for those people who are wanting to move away from the pinks and onto purple lips.  It applies really easily onto the lips and stays there for a good 4 hours before you need to apply. It is moisturising and it does give a real pop of colour and it costs just £19.50.

MAC Lipstick - I do love a good MAC lipstick and having become a tad bored with Creme Cup and Fanfare, I decided I needed something new in my life and when bored at St Pancras waiting for your family to get off the Eurostar accidents happen and I found myself in MAC.  The shade I went for is one that is totally out of my comfort zone but one I adore and that Amorous. A satin finish lipstick, Amorous is again moving towards the purples, but is more of a mauve/plum shade. It applies smoothly and gives more than a pop of colour to the lips and it is not at all glossy and nor is it matte, for me it is just right. Priced at £15.50 I think this is an absolute bargain and it is my new favourite MAC.

The final lipstick in my most loved 5 of 2015 is from Topshop.  I am quite new to the Topshop make up range, but do love a good old stroll around BeautyMart touching and swatching everything, it is the bright lights of the sign which draw me in.  I love the simpleness of the packaging and the fact it is such good value for money. The lipstick I chose is Lovestruck, not a shade I had intended on buying, but I loved it.  Described as having a creamy finish, Lovestuck is again a pinky/rose shade which is really pretty and once applied it lasts for around 4 hours, which seems to be the norm for me and lipsticks these days.  It is hydrating and doesn't leave the lips feeling dry, but if you do have dry lips then it does cling to them, so always exfoliate before applying.  For just £8 this is an absolute bargain and well worth the money.

Having seen all of these lipsticks this is how they look swatched and the top photo is with the flash and the bottom without.  Starting from Left to Right we have Dior, Chanel, RMK, Mac and then Topshop and I am sure you won't be surprised to find that the two which stand out the most for their pop of colour is MAC and Topshop, though I love them all.

Do you have a favourite lipstick of 2015?  Are there any brands you think I should be looking at?

5 Biggest Lipstick Putting On Mistakes

Putting lipstick on is not as easy as you might think. In fact, if you wish to wear it long and bright, you need to know a few common mistakes many women do. That might help you out understand how to wear a lipstick right and so – improve your looks radically as well.

1. Forgetting to hydrate

So, one of the firsts mistakes you might do is to forget about the crucial hydrating ritual every time you are planning to apply lipstick. Well hydrated lips will be a lot easier to maintain, and lipsticks will look a lot smoother then applied as well. Moreover, some lipsticks dry out your lips, and it is crucial to hydrate them at least after wearing lipstick too. So a simple lip balsam near your night table is vital to have.

2. Wearing wrong shade

Another big mistake is surely not choosing the right shade of the lipstick. The best way to get the rights shade is to look at your skin complexion, or even to your eye colour. Basic rule would be trying to match your skin undertones with lipstick's. Or do the opposite and match eye colours with the opposite colour of a lipstick. For example, if you have green eyes – purple toned lipsticks will be perfect for you.

3. Not considering your lips shape

You can choose a perfect lipstick colour, but you can still miss the shot if you haven’t thought your lips shape along with that. Rules are simple in this case: dark lipstick makes lips appear thinner while lighter lipsticks can make lips look fuller. So if you were gifted with thin lips stay away from dark shaded lipsticks. And if you are trying to avoid making your lips look even bigger than they are – better pick darker shades nude lipsticks.

4. Not using a lip liner

Lip liners were invented for a reason. And, in fact, there are a few reasons! First, a good lip liner will keep lipstick away from bleeding outside of your lips. Second, if you apply it all over your lipstick – it will last much longer. And finally, you can make your lip game a lot better if you use a slightly darker shade to create more visual interested and fuller lips.

5. Not having a lipstick in your purse

Finally, you are making a big mistake if you leave your home without a lipstick in your purse. First of all, you can’t predict whether or not it will stay in shape during the day. Also, every time you eat or drink something, more and more lipstick removes from your lips. So you are taking a risk of walking with weirdly coloured lips. Just by having one extra lipstick in your purse you will always be ready to fix things up and enjoy being a woman all day long! 

Can you think of any others?

*Guestpost

Unicorns Unite Lipstick Collection by Makeup Revolution

If ever there was a brand who would create something that was not only quirky and kooky but also has that 'OMG' factor, it would be Makeup Revolution, who have, right now, some amazing products soon to hit the shelves.

The Unicorns Unite Lipstick Collection is literally quite something and I am pretty convinced there will be something for everyone within it.  Consisting of five shades Magical, Myth, Throne, Legend and Magic.  If you are looking for some new lipsticks, want something a little bit different or just want to be every bit daring, then look no further!

Each and every one of these five lipsticks are not only really pigmented, much more than I expected them to be considering they cost just £1 each but the shades, I mean look at them, they are just crazy brilliant.

Horn of Magic is a fabulous light yet bright blue shade which in the sunshine looks to be almost ice blue in colour but it is actually mint green.  It glides effortlessly onto the lips and looks every bit cool. 

Legend is my favourite shade of all the lipsticks within the Unicorn Unite range because it is every bit the mythical shade I expect to be associated with a Unicorn.  It is a bright yet sparkly shade which glimmers in the sunshine.

If ever there was a shade to excite me, it is Pink Myth.  I absolutely love the colour pink and this lipstick is bright, sassy and bold.  A beautiful shade which again glides on effortlessly and looks fantastic.

Throne is a stunning shade of purple, quite dark and mooding but it looks fabulous on the lips. This is the kind of shade I wish suited me because it is so pretty.

Finally we have Magical which looks blue in the sunshine but on my skin it is a brilliant bright purple that shimmers in direct sunlight so you can see how purple it is, but when not in the sunlight it is a brooding dark shade, almost blue.

I think these lipsticks are a lot of fun, they are totally different to anything else I own and I sincerely believe there is something for everyone.  Not only that but if you are bored with your pinky nude shade, then these are perfect for trying something new and they cost £1 each, which is amazing value for money!

What is the most 'out there' Lipstick shade you own?

Must-have summer beauty products

Summer is well and truly here and it's time to make the most of it! One way you can celebrate summer is to try some of the brilliant beauty products that are suited to this season. Here are some must-have products to have in your handbag.

   by  Idhren 

A bright lipstick

Whilst autumn and winter catwalks are always full of deep plum shades, summer is the time to break free from dark make up and try a pop of colour. A bright lipstick is a great way to dress up a summer outfit or just celebrate the fact that it's bright and sunny outside.

Perfect for: a summer barbecue or celebration. For extra impact, play down the rest of your make up to make the lips pop.

   by  danielmviero.com 

Skin illuminator

To give yourself that dewy, healthy glow this summer, try one of the many skin illuminating products on the market. St Tropez have one for £12.26 that comes in gold, rose or violet to match different skin tones.

Perfect for: summer sports events, whether you're watching the football with your other half or betting on the cricket with your friends. When your skin is going to be in the sunshine you want to make sure it has a healthy sheen to it.

   by  Paeonia* 

Tinted moisturiser

On long, summer days the last thing you want to be worrying about is whether you are sweating off your make up. Tinted moisturiser is the solution! It's lightweight and doesn't seep into creases, leaving you with a lovely light coverage that doesn't look cakey or overdone. Laura Mercier does a great tinted moisturiser for £33 which is worth investing in.

Perfect for: family days out with the kids, when you definitely don't have time to re-touch your make up or worry about your foundation.

   by  danielmviero.com 

Sun protection factor

No summer beauty queen is going to be without sun protection this summer, whether you're jetting off to a package holiday or chilling at the British seaside. Your skin needs protection from harmful summer rays. Choose something specifically designed for the face and avoid heavy, pore-clogging body lotions. Boots has a product called Soltan Once 8 Hour Sun Care Cream for the face which is ideal, and comes in SPF30. It costs £9.99.

Perfect for: the beach, of course! Make sure you bring a wide brimmed hat and shades to protect yourself from the heat of the midday sun.

Urban Decay Spring 2015 Collection

Urban Decay is a brand I haven't had too much exposure too, so when this package arrived, I squealed with absolute delight.  The Spring 2015 collection is nothing short of delightful and I have had great fun playing with these items.

Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation - Package inside this beautiful purple floral string bag, is the new Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation can be found in this sleek and beautiful shiny gunmental compact, which shows the Urban Decay logo clearly embossed on the top. With 9g of powder and an accompanying sponge double-sided sponge.

Available in 14 different shades to suit most skin shades, this powder is weightless, gives buildable coverage and leaves a demi-matte finish, I have shade Medium-Light and I find it works well with my skin tone.  The powder when used is really light and promises to give 8 hours of wear time, which it does.  I have combination skin, which leans to the oily side across my t-zone and it still manages to look flawless and doesn't cling to any dry skin making it perfect for using everyday and even though it does stay in place, if I feel the need to touch up any oily skin, the sponge is useful for doing that. RRP £26

Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer - to compliment the new powder foundations comes 8 different shades of the Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealers.  With what is described as being a modern flocked applicator, it uses just the right amount of product to cover redness, blemishes and those pesky dark-circles effortlessly.  

There is also a bit of science to this concealer "Naked Skin Concealer with so many ingredients that are good for your skin, it’s practically a concealer and a treatment in one! Matrixyl 3000 contains anti-wrinkle peptides to improve skin’s youthful appearance and elasticity. Japanese green tea revitalises and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Litchiderm™ (derived from lychee fruit) protects against dehydration, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion. And sodium hyaluronate helps skin attract and retain moisture".  

Now, since having this concealer, I am a tad obsessed with it, it is amazing, it blends really well, it looks natural and once applied it sticks, it doesn't disappear half-way through the day, it does the job it is meant to do and all for £17.50 - it is worth every penny!

Sheer Revolution Lipsticks - There are 10 offerings when it comes to the Sheer Revolution Lipsticks and every single one of them is beautiful. Described as being "creamy, badass luxury meets sheer, pigmented colour" the lipsticks are packaged inside this stunning lilac coloured case which I just adore. The formula is also amazing as they are infused with what is referred to as Maxi-Lip plus an added blend of nourishing oils and antioxidants into the formula along with Vitamin C and E, Shea butter and olive oil so your lips are left feeling hydrated and plumped. I wasn't too sure what to expect from Urban Decay because I am new to the lipsticks, but as well as being incredibly moisturising, the formula has a creamy consistancy which simply glides across the lips leaving behind great coverage of colour and shine but none of that horrible sticky tackiness you often get with lipsticks. 

I was sent two different shades - Sheer Ladyflower and Sheer Rapture, both very different shades but both utterly stunning. 

Sheer Rapture is described as being sheer dusty rose and once on the lips, you can see the transfer of colour which is more of a rosy plum shade, quite out of my comfort zone, but the colour which lasts for a good 4-5 hours before the shine wears off and whilst there is still a hint of colour, you might feel you want to touch up your lipstick.

Sheer Ladyflower is a sheer rose pink shade and when applied it is more of a medium pink, which looks really lovely.  As with Rapture, it lasts 4-5 hours before you need to re-apply.  Both lipsticks retail at £15.50

Moondust Eyeshadow is a product I have come across before, but this range has 4 new added shades which are called Ether, Scorpio and Cosmic. I was kindly sent Scorpio and Ether which are truly beautiful to look at, never mind play with and wear. Like all other Eyeshadows, each of the Moondust shades come packaged in a compact with the cool pop-out feature. You can pop these shadows out of their compacts with no problem and into an Urban Decay customisable Build Your Own Palettes (RRP £8) to create the ultimate travel-friendly collection. Each shade retails at £14.

Ether is described as being a “light purple with pink-blue 3D sparkles and it is quite a fine texture which you can apply with your fingers or a brush easily, though go careful with how much you choose to wear because there is a lot of sparkle! 

Scorpio is described as a “matte black with gold 3D sparkle and within this shade, the sparkles aren't quite as noticeable as they are in Ether, but they are present. For me, this isn't a shade that I wear across my entire eyelid, though it is possible and it looks amazing on a lot of looks ive seen, but I prefer to wear it under my lower lash line, which I fine much easier to applier than eyeliner and it is lovely and smokes out really nicely, again with your finger or a brush.

I am very much enamored with this collection, it includes something for everyone including those of us who are yet to be brave enough to try a lot more colour and on the reverse for those people who love their bright and bold shades.  

Is there anything within this collection that you want to get your hands on?