By Jane Ward

Finding that perfect lipstick can be a nightmare. There are endless choices of colours and shades, glossy or matte, lip tints or long-lasting. It’s also the most difficult product to try properly, only a brave few put those testers near their lips, and a bad lipstick can really stand out against an mismatching complexion.

One of the most important things to remember is to choose a lipstick that matches your skin tone rather than your clothing or eye shadow. Next time you go shopping for a lipstick, go armed with these simple rules.

Fair Skin

If you have fair skin lipsticks with a blue undertone work best with your complexion. Nude colours like light brown or beige with a pink undertone also work really well.  The same goes for tinted lip-gloss.

The colours to avoid are any with orange or yellow undertones such as deep brown or purple.

Medium Skin

If you have medium skin tone opt for deep brown or deep reds with blue undertones, warm red or medium brown with yellow or pink undertones or deep rich pinks with brown undertones.

Dark skin

Dark reds with blue undertones, deep plum work well with dark complexions. So will any shade of brown, soft pink and beige.

Dark Hair and Light Skin

Look for rich colours but in subtle tones like caramel or deep pink.

Olive skin

Rich browns with red or mahogany undertones look beautiful with olive skin. Dark berry shades and rich pinks with yellow undertone look good if your skin has a yellow hue.

Remember

Red lipstick works with every skin tone, it’s just a matter of finding the one that works for you. So many women say they can’t “pull-off” red lips, but don’t give up the search too soon. Beauticians at make-up counters will be more than happy to help you find that perfect shade.

The price doesn’t determine the quality. Some of the more affordable brands are just as good as the more expensive counterparts and are a good way of testing the water if you’re looking to try a new colour.

Some shades of lipstick can make your teeth appear whiter. The lipsticks for fair skin with blue hues will make teeth look brighter.

Finding a truly good lipstick is tricky, so the only sure fire way to find one that works for you is to experiment.

If you have fuller lips wear matte shades. Avoid very glossy or shiny colours.

When applying make-up emphasise eyes or lips but not both. If you’re going for a dark, dramatic lipstick wear lighter eye shadow, with dark or smoky eyes pair a lighter or nude lipstick.

Finally, take care of your lips, keep them well moisturised and use a lip balm with SPF in warmer months.