Lipstick for a newbie?!

purplecow1977

I'm late 20s and I usually prefer lip balms or gloss for my lips. Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice lipstick that might suit my needs? I find lipstick doesn't look 'right' on my wrinkly lips but maybe I'm just imagining it?! There's so many to choose from in the likes of Boots etc but which one!? (Nothing too dramatic either!)

Ah_Yeah

Tbh it would completely depend on what you're wearing, your skin tone, teeth (yellowish teeth can look worse with certain colours), and your makeup (dark smoky eyes and red lipstick = no no).

However, I would suggest a nude lipstick as it's a nice entry into the world of lipsticks, and will pretty much go with any makeup or outfit. It also enhances your lips amd makes them appear fuller, and you could pair it with nude lipliner for max impact. I use mine every day, even at work, it's a Catrice one and cost me 4 or 5 euro I think.

SmallTeapot

purplecow1977 wrote: »

I find lipstick doesn't look 'right' on my wrinkly lips but maybe I'm just imagining it?!

This right here. Maybe it's not the lipstick that is at fault.

I'm early 20's and adore lipstick. One think I have learnt though, that if you want to rock lippie -be it a nude, barely-there lipstick or a loud, OTT number - you're lips have to be in tip-top condition.

They can't be cracked, need to well moisturized and exfoliated. Lipstick will over-emphasize cracked, wrinkled lips and some formulations (i.e. matte) will make your lips drier, enhancing the problem further...

My Tips:

1) Moisturizing - use lip balm shortly (a few hours or so) before applying lipstick; even better would be to wear lip balm daily. (I like carmex or vaseline)

2) Exfoliate - an old toothbrush can do the job - rub along the lips gently to remove dead skin cells. Or you could make a sugar scrub with honey and sugar and apply liberally using said tooth brush and buff off.

3) I always wear a lip-pencil; I have found that using a pencil means that I don't have to touch up as often, it creates a barrier between my lips and the product, and it creates a sharp edge, esp noticeable when I'm wearing a loud colour.

Sorry for going off on a rant there, I know you weren't seeking that advise; so by all means ignore if not applicable I just found that the above works for me. In terms of lipstick colour, formulation, brand - this is really a subjective thing. Like anything, what may work for me, may not work for you.

In line with that disclaimer, I can only offer advice on what I like :pac:

Budget: I like 17.... specifically their 'lasting fix' range. The formulation is matte, the colour is highly saturated and the lipsticks generally have good longevity (....for a night out at least).

Mid-range: I like Mac. They have an incredible selection. Any colour you may ever want or need, I guarantee mac will have it. they have loads or formulations (i.e. satin, lustre, matte, etc.) - I could be here all day explaining the differences, so it might be best to check them out to see what suits your needs.

High-end: Chanel, Nars, Tom Ford. Love them all, but love Chanel most of all (my favourite colour being Chanel Gabrielle Rouge Coco = divine!). I would advise checkig out the budget brands first until you find out what colour palette/formulation suits you best, before forking out for a higher-end lipstick.... they can be an expensive mistake

Colour: without knowing your personal attributes, it is difficult to advise you here. I'm brunette and have fair skin. I find I can rock (and I also prefer) loud, bold lipsticks - crimson red, bright pink, coral, etc. I otherwise find I can't wear a nude as it washes me out. I always keep my eye makeup understated and neutral when wearing a bright lipstick; bit of mascara, eyeliner (catflick) and neutral eyeshadow.

Anyways, tl/dr - to summarize:
- keep your lips in good condition, and you can wear any formulation
- colour and formulation is a personal preference
- lipstick colour depends on your skintone; hair-colour etc.
- try out budget brands to find your 'fit' before forking out the big bucks
- lipstick is pretty

Good luck!

numbernine

I would suggest you try the new brand wet n wild to Ireland in Dunnes, they do a lipstick stick, its a balm so its really smooth but stays and stains like a lipstick, i always use lipstick but tried this for the first time last week n found it great.. Its under 4 euro, and would be a good alternative to gloss before moving on to a full lipstick if you're not used to it

Novella

I would suggest the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. Revlon have also recently released lacquer balms and matte balms - lacquer being great if you like a glossy lip and matte if, as the name suggests, you like a matte finish more.

The reason I really love these is that they have amazing colour pay off and are super pigmented but they wear really nicely and evenly so you don't have that worry of the lipstick ring just around the edges of your lips! They also don't feel drying on your lips like some lipsticks can.

The shade range is pretty great so whether you're in the market for a nude or a bright, bold colour, there is something to suit everyone.

Thoroughly recommend that you check them out!

purplecow1977

Thanks for all of those suggested,much appreciated.

I do keep my lips in good condition but I guess I can always do better!

dancingqueen

I have started using these - as I too think lipstick looks weird on my lips! They last for hours and are less than €6 each in Penneys!

http://www.catrice.eu/products/lips/lip-polish/detail/product/made-to-stay-smoothing-lip-polish-010.html