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Lips are back!

From vampy red at Michael Kors and frosted purple at Zac Posen to nude and sensual at Yves Saint Laurent, lipstick is big news again. And with so many options, you’ll find the hardest part is choosing just one pout partner. The good news? You don’t have to!

 

Fiery red Just like a soul mate, there’s a red lipstick out there for you. If you’re fair-skinned with a cool, rosy undertone (have a look at the skin inside your wrist), a blue-based red is best. If you have a warm undertone (like most olive and dark-skinned ladies), your most flattering red has an orange or gold base. Worried about thin lips? Makeup artist Mary Gouveia advises, “Dark red makes your lips appear smaller, so if you’re looking for the opposite effect, go for a brighter or more neutral red.” TRY Revlon ColorBurst in True Red.  

 

Moody nudes If you’re going for a natural look, first exfoliate your lips and then look for a nude lipstick with a tinge of peach in it; too much brown pigment can look dirty, while too much white can make you appear lifeless. Before applying lippie, define your mouth with a little highlighter on your cupid’s bow so you don’t look washed out or flat. TRY Dior Addict Lipcolor in Beige Negligée. For more coverage, pat on concealer and follow with shimmery lip balm. Contrast a minimal mouth with dark-rimmed eyes. Yardley Ko hl Eyeliner in Black glides on easily and makes eyes pop. 

High-shine wine Although this look’s the most dramatic, it’s actually the easiest to create. One wine-inspired hue will see you through the year. Wear it on its own or add gloss. We love the gleaming effect of Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry. Just remember: with such a bold lip, your skin should look as natural as possible. To minimise shine, dust powder or apply black|Up Mattifying Base over your T-zone (you want the focus on your lips, not your forehead). Then, load up on mascara to balance out your lips.  

 

TIP Avoid lipstick on teeth – put your index finger in your mouth, close your lips and pull out.

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