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Add sheen to your lips

Lip style Let your lips make a fashion statement

When it comes to makeup, the difference between looking garish and classy is an art that many have to master on the trial and error method. And one key component that makes or breaks the look is the lipstick.

Lipstick can be glamorous, subtle or just plain. Picking the right shade is what makes the difference. To get the right shade consider your skin-tone, time of the day and the lip size.

For daily wear, stick to subtle cream and matte finishes. The easiest way out is to select a lipstick a shade or two darker than your natural lip colour. To test, apply the lipstick only to the lower lip and judge in natural sunlight. If it is just a bit deeper than the bare lip, it’s the right colour for daily wear. For day-to-day wear, it’s advised not to try matching you lip colour to the outfit. To get a hint of red, apply a plain lip balm and smudge a bit of red lipstick. Spread it with a finger, to give a cool red sheen.

If in total doubt as to which shade, then opt for a safe neutral shade and touch it up with little gloss or tinted gloss. This usually works for any skin tone.

For the night or party time, use darker shades than your day-wear shade, with a shiny or high gloss finish. For small lips, avoid deep or dark shades. This will only make the lips look smaller. Conversely for wide opt for a lighter shade and matte finish. For thin lips, try glossier tones to make them appear fuller.

A handy tip

To avoid the dark circle of the lip-liner after your lipstick has worn off by mid-day; apply the liner after applying the lipstick.

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