Yesterday, we discussed proper eyeshadow shades for individuals' eye color, and today, I am going to share tips for enhancing your skin tone with LIP COLOR. Lip color, like eye color comes in many different shades and textures, so I am going to make it very simple for you!

FAIR SKIN: You can go two opposite ways with a fair complexion. A darker lip using colors like plum-red, berry, wine will create a more sexy look, while light warm browns, and pinks are great for daywear.


A word of caution when going light: Keep eyes fairly light as well, as going too smokey will make you look like you just stepped off a 1994 Calvin Klein runway, and heroin chic is NOT the look for the office!

OLIVE/YELLOW SKIN: Stick with colors that have brown undertones such as brown-reds and dark berry colors. This tone is the most difficult to enhance, so be caredul and avoid bright colors like oranges and pinks. Keep it natural and use a sheer color to avoid looking like a clown.


As you can see, olive complexion and pink lip, DO NOT MIX well, even if you have a beautful face!

MEDIUM SKIN: You can get away with almost any lip color. Deep pinks. reds, and caramels are always a sure thing. Avoid pale colors unless you are going for an editorial look as it can wash out the face and make the skin look chalky if not done right!


As you see here, if you are going to get a little lighter with the lip, keep it in the same tone as your skin color for a natural, clean look.

DARK SKIN: Try to keep your color in the blue range, using reds with a blue base, or almost any shade of brown. Try to avoid orange bases in your colors. For a fun and funky look, try a bright color like pink or purple, as dark skin looks great with this pop!


As you know by now, products are my favorite thing, so lets look at some of the great lip products out there! As with eyes, there are 4 main types of lip color: Lip Pencil, Lipstick, Lip Gloss, and Lip Stain, each with their own use and pros/cons.

LIP PENCIL:
If you are going to cut corners with any lip product, this is the one to do it. A pencil should be your first step to a flawless lip, and should be used as a base for any lipstick. Lip pencils (frequently referred to as lip liner) hold lipstick in place and prevent feathering and bleeding. Pencils can also be used under a sheer gloss to provide a mult-dimensional color.
As with their Aqua Eyes pencil, MAKE UP FOREVER's Aqua Lip is one of the best waterproof lipliner's out there, going on silky smooth, and staying put all day. (Just allow it to dry for 30 seconds before applying lipstick).

$20 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

Another Favorite of mine is the NARS Matte Velvet Lip Pencil. This smooth pencil stays on for all-day color and is great for covering the entire lip as a base for lipstick or gloss, or can be used on their own.

$24 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com and Major Department Stores Nationwide

LIP STAIN:
A great way to keep color on your lips without the weight of a lipstick or gloss! Lip stain actually dyes the top layer of skin on your lips for a lightweight color that really lasts. Also a great basecoat for gloss and another way to provide depth of color on the lips! I like GIVENCHY Printed Lips. Its easy to use built in brush assures even application, and no mess.

$25 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

LIPSTICK:
The tried and true method of getting color on the lips. Available in solids, sheers, shimmer, and velvet: The possibilities are endless! A word of the wise: the longer lasting a lipstick is, the more drying it is on the lips, so if your lips are already chapped, choose a moisturizing lipstick instead of a long wear stick. You can find a great lipstick from almost any cosmetics line. Even drugstore brands offer decent lipwear for the price. One of my favorites, however is LANCOME's Color Design Lipcolor. Its one of the few lasting hold formulas that actually moisturizes the lip, and its available in 36 colors, so you are sure to find one that fits your coloring and personality!

$22 - Lancome www.lancome-usa.com

LIP GLOSS:
Another way to cut corners and purchase something less expensive, gloss has become a favorite among women from supermodels to girls next door. Gloss is a way to make the lips look "pretty" with easy application, fun colors, and no need to worry about feathering or bleeding. Lip gloss is available in many different formulas including semi-matte, sheer, solid, shimmer, etc and the choice is up to you, but by all time favorite gloss is DIOR Addict Gloss.

$27 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com