For years, I shunned lipstick in favor of lipgloss. Finding the right lip color proved too difficult when I could easily opt for a universally flattering lipgloss. After trying on a trendy, bright coral-orange lipstick (inspired by Pinterest) at the MAC makeup counter that made even my mother cringe, I decided I was done with lipstick for good. Then I began to read about the importance of skin undertones when determining the best lipstick shade (I owe The Beauty Department for this one). As a cool tone, it was no wonder that orange-based lipsticks never looked flattering; those shades look best on warm tones.
If you’re unfamiliar with skin undertones, I’ll explain it simply: a cool tone has a pink complexion and blue veins; a warm tone has a yellow or olive complexion with green veins; and a neutral tone is a combination of both (i.e.: they can get away with any color). Cool tones look best with silver; warm tones look best with gold. I remember feeling vindicated when I first read this because I went through a 50 shades of gray phase during college in which most of my clothes were either gray or silver. I just gravitated to my natural tone.
But back to the topic of lipstick. After figuring out the secret to choosing the right lipstick shade for my skin tone, I returned to the MAC makeup counter – this time for a blue-based red lipstick. I chose Viva Glam I in matte. A MAC makeup artist noticed me and suggested the Cremesheen Raspberry Swirl from the Spring phentermine hcl 2013 collection to apply over the Viva Glam on days when I want a more subdued look (most days). This idea was so brilliant it became a daily lipstick practice.
It comes as no surprise then that MAC Raspberry Swirl is one of my favorite lipsticks – and by far the most versatile. Now, forewarning, because this is a cremesheen it is somewhat drying when worn alone. Although the color itself is lovely, I prefer to wear it as a layer over other lipsticks. Note: I always add balm for moisture before applying lipstick (nothing worse than dry, chapped lips accentuated with a dark lip); I like Yes to Carrots color balm.
Each of the lip prints in the picture above features a top layer of Raspberry Swirl. The first layer is as follows from top to bottom: Matte Viva Glam I; LAQA & CO Lil’ Lip in Pinkman; and ModelCo Party Proof Matte Lipstick in Kitty. These colors are cool and neutral-toned friendly, although I would encourage warm tones to try them out as well. Moreover, these shades can easily transition from summer to fall. Adding a layer of Raspberry Swirl subdues the dramatic red of Viva Glam and bright pink of Pinkman, while adding a striking touch to the soft nude of Kitty.
Have fun and experiment with the lipsticks you have. What shades complement each other? Let me know in the comments!
Lipsticks featured:
ModelCo Party Proof Matte Lipstick Kitty
MAC – Raspberry Swirl (Cremesheen)
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