Spring is here, and it's hard to resist the temptation to go out and re-stock your closet with bright colors and short hemlines. However, most of us are feeling the economic crunch and feel guilty about buying even a new pair of socks, let alone a whole new wardrobe. Take a tip from our Depression-era forefathers (mothers?) and reach for a bright new lipcolor. Lipstick sales have always risen in times of economic crisis, and for good reason. What better way to put a smile on your face than by giving your mouth a new look?
The New Neutrals:
A nude lip is one of the hardest colors to get just right, but one of the easiest to work into your look once you find the perfect color. Don’t buy without testing, as a too-pale color will wash you out, while a too-dark color runs the risk of looking like you rubbed a caramel apple all over your mouth.
If you’re pale, a peachy nude gives your skin warmth. If you have a dark or olive skintone, be careful not to go too light or white. Use your own skin as a guide, and go no lighter or whiter than the skin at your jawbone. Whatever your skin color, this look is perfect with summery colors like coral, aqua, and pink. Go nude on your lips and bright on your body!
Ravishing Red:
One of the most classic and sexy makeup looks is a bright red lip. A red lip is the makeup equivalent of a black stiletto: seductive, elegant, and polished. Much like the Hitchcock heroine this look evokes, a red lip is high maintenance. Use concealer to line the rim of your mouth and blend outward so that the line of your lip is defined. This will help prevent your lipcolor from straying throughout the day. Next fill in your lips with a liner the same color of your lips to create a base, and then apply your desired red.
Pale girls are best off with a blue based red, while those with a tan can reach for something with an orange undertone. An outfit as timeless as your makeup is the best way to dress a red lip. White makes your lips pop, while black cocktail attire screams drama.
Whether or not you have the finances to upgrade your wardrobe this season, the plethora of lipsticks at almost any price available today make changing up your look as easy as taking a walk to the drugstore. Whether you go nude or red, these two classic lip colors are an easy way to perk up up your old look.
