Lipstick Lessons

NEW YORK—If I were to name this periwinkle box filled with beauty trinkets, I would call it the ‘Shu box’—as most of what’s inside are pieces from Shu Uemura’s previous makeup collections, thoughtfully collected during my years as a full-time beauty editor.

Whenever I feel like eyeing some serious cosmetic candy, I open this box and peruse every item, just like one would upon unearthing the contents of a time capsule.

What usually happens is, I ooh and ahh at its marvelous contents, close it shortly afterward and store for the next viewing.

But last weekend, I mustered enough courage to actually break in some lipsticks and get them out of their packaging (such a pity to smudge the shiny tops!). What started as a simple experiment (ensuring these tubes weren’t expired) became a full-fledged lip color tutorial.

Here are some rouge lessons I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Never judge a lipstick by the tube.

To maximize the full potential of a great lip tint, you MUST swipe it on your lips. The shade on the tube varies from the actual tinge on your mouth.

Case in point: the Shu Uemura Rouge 769 initially came across as a gothic plum shade (perfect for a costume party). But, upon application, it turned out to be a soft, glossy mauve that made my lips look naturally even-toned and full. And now it has officially migrated from the Shu box to my purse.

To make the most out of shopping for any lip product, adapt a gung-ho attitude, keep an open mind and expect pretty results.

2. Know your reds.

Just like finding the perfect robust red wine, it pays to be on the lookout for your best royal shade. The perfect scarlet hue varies from person to person, as skin tone, complexion acidity and different factors come to play (hence, the importance of lesson #1).

If you’re fair, a blue-based red will look just right. If you’re tan, an orange or brown-based pigment will bring out your golden tones. Whichever the case, the wonderful thing about red rouge is that it makes your teeth look whiter (my favorite reason to wear it!).

Three to try: Avon Lipstick in Cherry Jubilee, M.A.C. Viva Glam I and Shu Uemura RD 198.

3. Create a great base.

Lipstick only looks good if it appears seamless on your kisser. If you find mini-grooves and indentations on the pigment, it’s time to exfoliate and condition: Mix a little sugar and lip balm on your palm, and work this paste on your lips. Wipe off and rinse, then finish with a coat of thick balm.

Let it sit overnight, and wake up to a pillowy, pampered pout—the best canvas for an ever-growing lipstick collection.

Mariel Chua is the former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan, Seventeen and Ok! Magazine. She is now based in New York City. Visit NyMinuteNow.com.

(Image courtesy of ShinyGloss.tv. Original Inquirer link here.)