A reader Sabrina left a comment on my previous post about Maybelline Watershine Lipsticks as follows:-
Ooh I would love to give this a try.. But I wouldn’t know which shade is the best for me, trying out on my hand is useless since my skin is a lot darker there..
Do you think you could recommend some colours that would work for a typical chinese-malay complexion?
Now, I can’t really recommend a colour because its hard to do so without having first seen the person. Other than skin colour, the other factor to consider is always personal preference.
In my case, I’m not afraid of bold colours or bright colours so I do tend towards brighter reds and corals and I even do plums or berries. I however don’t go near pinks because they wash me out and make me look pale and in a word, dead. I’ve had people ask me if I was feeling unwell all because I wore pale pink frosty lipstick. On another girl it would look lovely and fresh and sweet! Go figure!
To choose lipsticks from the dazzling array of colors at the counter, use this tip.
- Test lipsticks on your finger tips. The back of your hand is not really a good place to test lipsticks because the colour is different from that of your lips. It is a good indicator to check for colour tone but for lips, swipe the colour on the pads of your fingers.
I read this one in a magazine and I tested it out for myself. It works. Your finger tips may not look like your lips but somehow in terms of colour it comes up with a close approximation of how it will look on your lips.
So, if you want something close to your lip colour, pick a colour that blends into your finger tips. If the colour looks too garish on your finger tips, it would probably look as garish on your face. Be warned though that sheer lipsticks don’t show up very well so you should bear that in mind when checking for colour. That said, sheer lipsticks are the best way to wear a colour you won’t normally wear, because its light and you are less likely to look awful with it!
The colour selection at lipstick counters can be mind boggling, but after a spell you should know which colour group works for you and which doesn’t. And to get the exact shade that will make your lips look lovely and kissable, swipe those testers on your fingers and choose!
I hope this tip helps someone!
Maria says
June 20, 2008 at 10:58 amwoww one good advice! really i never thought to test lippie on the fingertips.. i always try it on the back of my hand. and yes, it came out differently when i applied on to my lips. my skin colour is not that fair, nor that dark.. so far, i’m suitable to wear something nude pinkish beige or mauve.. still afraid to try bright red.. maybe i should try one! 🙂 (the first thing i’ll buy for red will be the same as yours, maybelline watershine dragonfly.. hehe)
nkp says
June 20, 2008 at 1:33 pmthats good advice. ive nvr thot abt it before.. which is why i always end up with lipsticks that i dont use in the end i guess. but then again im a sucker for pretty colors and will get anything tht looks pretty in the tube.
Monstro says
June 20, 2008 at 3:35 pmWow, what a cool tip-first time I’ve heard of this! Will try that out next time i swipe:-) Thanks PB!
rinnah says
June 20, 2008 at 3:35 pmNice tip, pb! I do the fingertip test myself, and I’ve gotten some weird looks from other customers. LOL.
Nikki says
June 20, 2008 at 4:05 pmIt’s my first time to hear about the finger tips test! thanks for this PB! another great tip!!!
With regards to choosing lipstick, I would always use your last piece of advise, to check out what color group I’m more interested in, I learned that when I was in need of a “red lipstick” and I find it so easy to find the right lipstick that I want 🙂
ParisB says
June 20, 2008 at 4:10 pmMaria: I love red lippes! Try the Maybelline one – its sheer enough if you are new.
nkp: Better to get pretty colours that look good on you too right? 😉
Monstro: Try it and see for yourself! It actually works.
Rinnah: Yeah most people swipe on the back of the hand. I usually end up with all 10 fingers coloured haha…
Nikki: Using colour group is the easiest way to find a lipstick but sometimes browsing brings up gems too!
Nikki says
June 20, 2008 at 4:12 pmooohh no! i’m definitely not into “browsing” now..as I’m sure i’ll not only find gems…but specifically 10carat diamond! LOL
Reeka says
June 20, 2008 at 9:46 pmcool, PB. I’ll try it….
I usually -almost always- try a l/s directly onto my lips LOL..ehhehehe
I swipe it with clean tissue to sanitize it then try it! ehehhe it’s the most accurate way…
I found l/s colour is always good when u swipe it to the back hand….so it would be bias.
Tine says
June 20, 2008 at 9:57 pmGreat advice! Didn’t know this, will definitely try this out the next time I go lippie shopping 🙂