Lipstick Inc.

During World War Two women were wearing bright red lipstick, possibly to cheer themselves up during that period of fear and grief.   Many cosmetic manufacturers have noticed a recent increase in sales, in spite of the current recession, suggesting that perhaps women like to treat themselves with a small luxury such as a new lipstick rather than embark on a full blown shopping trip.

Now that Christmas is over and the New Year has begun and the newspapers are full of doom and gloom about the economy, we would all be forgiven for feeling a bit glum.  Buying a lipstick, is a fairly inexpensive way of treating yourself, and just think how much better you will look and feel, wearing a splash of colour on your lips. Finding the right shade of lipstick is crucial and once found you will notice how it will brighten and lighten your face.

It is important to mirror your natural look with the type of colour you choose for your lipstick.  If you have deep or dark colouring, you can wear deep dark reds.  If you have any warmth or auburn streaks in your dark hair, avoid shocking pinks and choose reds that have a hint of orange in them.

If you have light or pale colouring, a deep or dark lipstick will overpower your face.  Again if there is any hint of golden or yellow in your hair, opt for a coral or warm brown lipstick, but nothing too dark or heavy. 

If you have ash blonde, grey or white hair, pink lipsticks will be more complimentary.  A nice clear fuchsia or rose pink will be very flattering.

If you have light or dark blonde hair, pale skin and soft brown, green, blue or grey eyes, you will look best in soft shades of pink, brown or coral lipstick. 

Before you apply your newly purchased lipstick, make sure your lips are in good condition and not chapped and sore.  Apply some lip balm regularly and â??buffâ? your lips with a soft toothbrush and a small amount of moisturiser.

It is good practice to apply a lip base under your lipstick.  Lip base acts as a moisturiser and will also give extra â??sticking powerâ? to the lipstick.  Now apply a lip pencil in either a neutral shade or a close match to your lipstick.  Outline the lips and then fill in over the whole lip area.  This will stop lipstick â??bleedingâ? into the area around your lips and give another layer of colour.  Finally apply a coat of lipstick, preferably with a lip brush.  

There is a vast array of lipsticks available in many different colours and varying degrees of price.  It isnâ??t necessary to spend a lot of money but it is important to find the right colour for you.  Beware of artificial lighting in some shops as colours can be distorted.  It may be worth asking for a sample to take home so you can see the true colour before you buy.

If you decide to treat yourself with lipstick, take your time, savour the shopping experience and find that perfect colour that you will wear many times.

Joanna Steele-Perkins
http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/choose-the-right-colour-lipstick-and-it-help-carry-you-through-the-recession-713747.html