Lippy sales are on the rise – thanks to the cost of living crisis.
When times are tough, women still like to treat themselves. And while designer handbags may be out of reach, smaller luxuries get a boost.
A third (32 per cent) of UK makeup shoppers purchased a product as a “treat” last year, according to global market intelligence agency Mintel.
Spending on lipsticks is predicted to have increased by 12.3% last year.
Purchases of color cosmetics – make-up designed for the skin, cheeks, eyes and lips – also increased in 2023, with market spending recording an estimated growth of almost 8% to £1.84 billion.
But if you want to buy a new lipstick, you’ll want a color that looks good on you — and that can be a lottery.
While a nude or beige shade may look good on some, it turns others into corpses.
Makeup artist Bethan Owens says: “Just like certain clothes look better on you than others, there are lipsticks you can wear – while others won’t.
“It all depends on your skin tones. A good rule of thumb is to look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue, you probably have cool undertones.
Dramatically different
“If your veins look green, you likely have warm undertones.
“If they’re a mix of blue and green, you’re neutral and can wear a wider range of tones.”
Once you figure out what your skin tone is, you’ll be in a better position to choose a flattering lippie.
These lipsticks cost less than £10 – but what’s the best value for money?
Bethan (@makeupbeth) continues: “If you have cool skin, look for a lipstick with cool bluish tones.
“Purplish pinks, cool reds, and dusty rose tones work well, as do shades like violet and even blue. The olive skins, which have a yellow tinge, pair well with vibrant reds, oranges, and plums.
It’s not just skin tone that determines whether lip color suits you.
“Features like hair color and eye color also play an important role,” says Bethan.
“And for aging lips, I recommend lighter shades unless you have darker skin, as some darker browns and purples can make you look older.”
To show how the same lipstick can look dramatically different on different people, we asked five women to try the same five lipsticks.
They are: Chloe Haywood, 49, sustainable fashion designer from Cheddar, Somerset; Paulomi Debnath, 44, jewelery designer from Romford, Essex; Joyce Connor, 60, makeup artist from Reading; Niki Woods, 47, wellbeing coach and menopause educator from Leeds; and Jo Francis, 50, from Maidstone, Kent, who runs a digital marketing agency.
Here, Bethan shares her verdicts.
Beige
30
Kiko Milano Smart Fusion in Rosy Biscuit, £4.87, Lookfantastic.com
30
Bethan says: Chloe is fair but has warm undertones, so this nude just works. It’s very similar to her skin color, so it’s a little lost.Credit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: This barely-there shade really didn’t do anything for Paulomi, because it kills her natural lip color. It is not goodCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: Just like with Paulomi, this light shade kills Joyce’s natural lip color. It’s unflattering and doesn’t do anything for herCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: A very subtle look, I liked this on Niki because it softened the red tones in her skin. Her skin has cool tones and she is quite tanned.Credit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: Jo was confident in this color, she prefers heavier eye makeup so this is a good option for her. Suits your cooler tones and lighter skinCredit: David Cummings
pink rose
30
Revlon Super Lustrous in Coralberry, £5.99, amazon.co.uk
30
Bethan says: The subtle earthy pink of this lipstick is subtle and has a pretty, easy daytime look. The color makes Chloe’s face look strong and full.Credit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: Still very nude, it doesn’t complement Paulomi’s warmer, darker skin tones, which need rich orange and plum tonesCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: This is still a very light pink, too light for her warm skin. Not vibrant enough for Joyce, whose personality alone needs a brighter toneCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: My favorite. Niki has very strong eyebrows and dark hair, but this softened her features and highlighted the color of her eyes.Credit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: My least favorite application of this product. The pink color was perhaps a little lost on Jo. It looked like she wasn’t wearing anythingCredit: David Cummings
Classic red
30
Soap & Glory Fabu-Satin Lipstick in Shade and Cherry, £10.99, Boots
30
Bethan says: The red was very glamorous and impressed Chloe. This one draws attention to the cheekbones and the color of the eyes. It really appearsCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: Quite a striking look. Red and the two darker tones look great on Paulomi. They are warm and complement her face a little moreCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: Because of her darker skin and yellow undertones, I preferred the darker shades of lipstick on JoyceCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: The red suits Niki’s features and tan – it flatters her and gives her a glamorous appearanceCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: This flattered Jo’s complexion, making her eyes and hair stand out. Glamorous look for a night outCredit: David Cummings
Claret
30
Natural Collection Moisture Shine in Elderberry, £2.49, Boots
30
Bethan says: This brings out the natural warmth in Chloe’s skin. She looks more tanned, although the rest of her makeup has remained the sameCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: This darker shade emphasizes Paulomi’s beautiful lips and her warm skin tones bring this out.Credit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: Joyce is better able to use darker tones. She looked fabulous in it, she just poppedCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: That seemed a little harsh to Niki. The lipstick wasn’t flattering at all, but I feel like softer colors made her look younger.Credit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: Jo’s neutral tones make nude my favorite, but she can still wear a deep plum shade like this. Rich and strikingCredit: David Cummings
Rust
30
Rimmel Café with Shimmer Lasting Finish, £6, TescoCredit: provided
30
Bethan says: Quite dark and a bit vampy, but Chloe’s warm skin tones mean she can still maintain the color. This also makes her eyes stand out.Credit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: This deeper tone really brightens and frames Paulomi’s face. She could afford to wear a shade darker than the color she chose for herselfCredit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: When this rusty color was being applied, you could really see Joyce’s features starting to lighten and glow.Credit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: I felt like the rust color thinned Niki’s lips and was unflattering. This was my least favorite thing about her and it made her skin look a little too dark.Credit: David Cummings
30
Bethan says: Jo’s hair color complemented the orange undertones of this shade, even though it was warm and her skin was cooler. It made her eyes stand outCredit: David Cummings
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