7 steps to the perfect shade of lipstick

Switching up your lipstick shade can dramatically affect your overall aesthetic. With so many rainbow hues to choose from, however, it can be challenging to find the most flattering formula for your beautiful face. Try these tips to locate the lipstick that works best for your look.

Uncover your undertones

Does your skin have warm, cool or neutral undertones? The answer will inform your lipstick choice since you'll likely look better in reds and oranges with a warm complexion and purples and blues if your skin has a cooler tone.

To figure it out, check the veins in your wrist. You probably have cool undertones if they appear blue, while green means warm. If you still aren't sure, take a tour of your jewelry collection. If you usually reach for gold because it looks great against your skin, you probably have warm undertones, while a preference for silver usually spells cool undertones.

Talk about tones

In addition to your skin's undertone, you might also want to consider the tone of your complexion while choosing a lipstick. Most cosmetic companies categorize skin tone from darkest to lightest as deep, tan, medium, light and fair. If you have dark skin, you'll look fabulous in bright jewel tones - think caramel and claret for warm undertones or plums and blue-toned reds if your undertones are cool.

Tan tones look amazing in popping shades of hot pink for cool undertones and corals and true reds if you have warmer skin. Tomato reds look amazing with warm undertones for medium-toned complexions, while mauve and berry shades are best for cooler customers.

Shape your pout

The size and shape of your smile might also dictate your lipstick choice. To plump up thinner lips, go for creamy, glossy formulas of lighter lipstick. Choose a darker color if you want to draw attention to your perfect pout.

Consider your hair color

The tone of your tresses also plays a role in which lipstick colors look best. If you're a blonde with skin on the lighter side, try lighter pinks with lilac and brown undertones or brighter pinks and peaches when you have a tan. If your hair is dark brown or black and you have fair skin, consider hot pink, plum and cherry shades. With tan and dark hair, go for the gold with bronze and beige.

Brown-haired gals with medium-toned skin look amazing in deep coral and beige hues. If you're a redhead, natural or not, try warmer shades like salmon and terracotta.

Examine your eyes

You can highlight your eyes and create a look that pops by choosing a coordinating lip color. Neutral shades of plum and nude bring out the best in gray eyes, while pink and terracotta tones will flatter your green eyes. Scarlet and cherry colors create contrast with your baby blues, while brown-eyed girls tend to like the way they look in true pinks and reds.

Get high-tech

Want to see how you'll actually look in that shade before you spend your hard-earned cash? Brands like MAC have apps where you can upload your image and virtually "try on" lipstick hues until you find your ideal match.

Try out the trends

If you love to be on the cutting edge of style, you need to know which lipstick colors are trending for the upcoming season. For example, pastel peaches and pinks, bright bold reds, deep burgundy, and warm gold are all slated to be hot in summer 2023. A gloss finish is also the cutting-edge choice, although matte lips are always a classic look.

With these smart tips to choose your best lipstick shade, you'll be ready for the runway in a show-stopping new look.

Cream Versus Powdered Beauty Products: The Winner Is…

When you look at your makeup collection, you likely see a variety of products. Most people have creams and powders for different occasions, but is one better than the other?

Selecting the right makeup or beauty products for your routine depends on many factors, from staying power to skin type. However, in most cases, you can choose a preferred medium.

The Pros and Cons of Cream 

Cream beauty products can help keep the skin moisturized while creating a protective barrier for the skin. The makeup products also provide a somewhat glossy or glowing finished look. However, the makeup choice is not without its drawbacks.

Pros

The primary benefit of cream makeup is the blend-ability. Creams require little effort or skill to apply, so they are great for people who are not confident with makeup techniques and blending. Additionally, creams do not require tools to apply, like brushes, adding to their ease of use.

Wearers can also rejoice in using less of the product. Creams are highly pigmented, meaning only a tiny amount of the product is necessary for preferred looks.

Finally, creams are ideal for drier or more mature skin types. Powders tend to sit in fine lines and pores; creams do not, leaving the skin hydrated and glowing.

Cons

Unfortunately, creams do not last as long as powdered makeup. Additionally, creams are not ideal for oily skin types.

Cream makeups tend to crease around the eyes, possibly becoming shiny. The makeup can also move around depending on the application and environment.

Finally, cream products only work on top of other cream products, and colors do not blend easily. You cannot use a cream on top of a powder; it will ruin the entire look.

The Pros and Cons of Powder 

Powdered beauty products offer pathways for customization, personal style, and texture. While pros and cons still exist, powdered makeups are often more popular than cream options.

Pros

Powdered makeups are long-lasting, especially when used with a foundation. The velvety, matte finish provides an airbrush quality to the skin, which many people find appealing. Additionally, powder is the best option for oily skin types.

Powdered options can also blend easily and can be layered on top of other powders and creams. Most people prefer powdered makeup around the eyes because it does not crease easily.

Cons

Powder makeup can make the skin look dull and flat when too matte. Additionally, the makeup tends to settle into wrinkles and fine lines, potentially aging the wearer.

Powder also requires makeup application tools, like brushes. Because tools are necessary, powdered makeup takes a little more skill and technique than cream.

Finally, powder makeup can appear less natural because of how it sits on the skin. It can also cause the skin to feel dehydrated.

The Verdict 

For versatility alone, powdered makeup wins the challenge. However, the verdict does not discredit the use of creams. Powders win because they allow for easier customization and can work on top of creams. Still, creams provide a more natural appearance, and for the right skin type, they might be a superior choice for some users. Ultimately, you need to determine which makeup is best for your skin and preferences.

The 5 Benefits of Blotting Sheets: Some Obvious, Some Not

As one of the first forays into makeup and skincare as a teenager, blotting papers were a staple for the oily skin years of high school and beyond. The thin, square tissues were and are highly absorbent, capable of clearing away access oils and leaving your face with a matte-like complexion. 

While many women left blotting papers behind with their high school days, now is the time to reconsider them. Over the past several years, blotting sheets or papers have become more sophisticated, with producers formulating the sheets with more ingredients, providing greater benefits to your skin. 

One of the many reasons women gave up on blotting papers was their effect on makeup, often rubbing it away or dulling and swearing it. The modern changes include formulas that still sop up excess oil, but now your makeup is left alone. Now, these helpful sheets have oil-fighting ingredients, like charcoal, willow bark, rice, flaxseed, and cotton, powder-containing papers to freshen up your appearance, and sustainable materials.  

While the assumption is that only those with oily skin can benefit from blotting papers, that is not the case. These magical little sheets offer several advantages.

1. Removing Excess Oils

Blotting papers maintain their essential function: to eliminate excess oil from the skin’s surface. While there are some cautionary tales about using blotting sheets too frequently, the newer iterations allow for frequent use without many of the problems associated with earlier versions, like dry skin or excess oil production. 

Newer papers help to moisturize and nourish the skin while removing unwanted oil and shine. When used properly, the blotters will restore a healthy matte finish to your complexion.

2. Improving Lipstick Longevity

Blotting paper can also help your lipstick last longer. The powder containing papers absorb surface oil but leave your lipstick. For the most impact, apply your lipstick, blot with the paper, and apply a second coat. Because the paper absorbs the emollients and oils from the lipstick, it will remove the sheen and leave the pigment, providing long-term coverage.

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3. Sealing or Setting Your Makeup

One of the most significant problems with using blotter sheets in the past involved makeup. Many times, women using the papers would notice the papers taking away the makeup or damaging the look. However, with powder-coated sheets and other ingredients, modern blotters can not only remove oil; they can set your makeup, taking away the shine and providing a more sophisticated matte finish.

4. Replacing Dry Shampoo

While not necessarily a typical use for blotting papers, they can act as a stand-in for your dry shampoo if you forget it on your way to the gym. After your workout, take a couple of papers and rub them on your scalp and hair to remove excess oils and sweat. The papers should help freshen up your locks.

5. Cleaning Your Phone

Granted, blotting sheets are designed for use on the skin, but the chemical makeup and ingredients of the sheets also make them ideal for cleaning your cellphone. People spend a lot of time on their phones, meaning that oil can transfer from the skin to the screen. Also, the oil will attract dirt and dust to the phone surface that transfers back to your face when in use. Using blotters on your phone cleans the screen, removing the risk of transference. 

Blotting sheets are among the most helpful skincare and cosmetic car tools. While you do not need to use them all the time, they are handy to have in your purse, bag, or pocket.

What do you think of blotters? Comment below.