Shade parade - Choose the right lipstick shade for your skin tone

Lipstick is the quickest way to change your look.  If you only have a minute or two to apply your make-up, a great shade of lipstick is an instant beauty fix.

Choosing the right lip color isn't as simple as it might seem.  The two most important factors to take into consideration when picking out a lipstick are skin tone and the size of your lips.  As a rule of thumb, people with thin lips should avoid dark colors, and people with full lips should avoid bright colors. Dark colors on thin lips can make them look even thinner, while bright colors on full lips can make them seem even fuller. Now, onto skin tone.

Light Skin Tone 

If you have fair skin, you want to stay away from anything that can make you look washed out - like browns and yellows.  Deep plum reds, berry and wine reds with a blue undertone will help accentuate your porcelain features.  Light medium browns or beiges with a pink undertone also work well.  You should steer clear of very bright, loud pink shades.

Medium Skin tone 

Those with a medium complexion should go for rich deep pinks, deep reds, rich caramels and medium browns with yellow or pink undertones.  Creamy coffee-coloured brown lipsticks are also a good choice.  Avoid very pale browns as they can make skin look ashy and washed out.  

Dark Skin Tone 

 Pink lipstick for dark skin is a trend that is not going away.  Try shades that have more of a red, purple or brown mixed in, rather than white.  Pink lipstick with a white toner added will make your lips look chalky.  If you're going to wear pink lipstick, soften the makeup on your eyes and cheeks.

Once you find the right shade of lipstick (and you might have to try a few), you can move over to the hair colour aisle and decide how you're getting the most out of your luscious locks.