How to wear lipstick: a guide to colors, finishes, and outfit pairings

Como usar batom: guia de cores, acabamentos e combinações com o look

Lipstick is that small item that makes a huge difference. With one swipe, the face comes to life, the look becomes more polished, and your self-esteem will thank you. But when it comes to choosing, the doubt sets in: which color suits me? Matte or gloss? How to make it last? In this guide, you will see how to wear lipstick the right way, from choosing the color to coordinating it with your clothes, handbag, and accessories.

How to choose your lipstick color based on skin tone

There is no forbidden color: the right lipstick is the one you feel good in. Even so, looking at your skin's undertone helps you get it right faster.

Discover your undertone

A simple test is to observe the veins in your wrist in natural light. If they appear more greenish, your undertone tends to be warm. If they look more bluish or purplish, it tends to be cool. If it's hard to tell, your undertone is likely neutral.

  • Warm undertone: usually pairs well with coral, terracotta, peach, caramel nude, and orange-toned reds.
  • Cool undertone: usually enhances pinks, raspberry, wine, plum, and blue-toned reds.
  • Neutral undertone: has the freedom to transition between warm and cool. Feel free to experiment without fear.

A tip for the perfect nude

The ideal nude is one close to your natural lip color, a little lighter or darker. If it is too light for your skin, it can make your face look washed out. Always test it on your lips or your fingertip, which is closer in color to your mouth than the back of your hand.

The right color for every occasion

  • Everyday and work: nudes, soft pinks, and natural lip tones are practical and go with almost everything.
  • Happy hour and dates: corals, brighter pinks, and the classic red add a touch of personality.
  • Parties and evening events: wine, plum, deep red, or a shimmery gloss look great in low light.

A helpful rule: if your eye makeup is bold, choose a softer lipstick. If the mouth is the star, keep the eyes lighter.

Finishes: matte, cream, or gloss?

Matte

No shine, with intense color. It usually has good staying power and looks elegant in more polished outfits. Since it can be a bit drying, moisturize your lips well before applying.

Cream

Has a slight shine and a comfortable texture. It is versatile, works well for everyday use, and is great for those who frequently feel their lips are dry.

Gloss

Adds shine and a visual plumping effect to the lips. It can be worn alone for a light look, or over lipstick to make the color more luminous.

How to apply lipstick and make it last longer

  1. Prep your lips: gently exfoliate when they are flaking and apply a lip balm. Wait a few minutes and remove the excess.
  2. Use lip liner: outline and fill in your lips with a pencil in the shade of the lipstick or your natural lip color. This helps prevent the color from smudging.
  3. Apply in layers: apply one coat, remove the excess by pressing a tissue to your lips, and apply again.
  4. Perfect the finish: a lip brush helps draw the outline more precisely, especially with dark colors.
  5. Retouch easily: keep the lipstick in your bag and touch up after meals.

How to match lipstick with your look

Lipstick acts like an accessory. Some simple ideas:

  • Neutral look, bold mouth: black, white, beige, or denim outfits look beautiful with red or wine lipstick, which becomes the focal point.
  • Printed or colorful clothing: prefer nudes and pinks so as not to compete with the pattern.
  • Tone on tone: repeating the lipstick color in a detail of your outfit, such as a scarf, shoes, or handbag, makes the look harmonious.

Lipstick, handbags, and accessories: the trio that seals the look

A red bag with red lipstick is a classic combination that is very easy to wear: the rest of the outfit can be basic and the ensemble will already be striking.

Buy here: Women's Flap Shoulder Bag – Black or Red

For the evening, an intense lipstick or a gloss pairs well with a shimmering bag. Just remember the balance: if the bag already draws attention, keep earrings and necklaces more discreet.

Buy here: Women's Rhinestone and Chain Party Bag

Oh, and Donnarella's makeup is among the new arrivals coming soon. You will soon be able to pick your lipstick along with your bag!

Frequently asked questions

Which lipstick color suits everyone?

A shade close to your natural lip color, like a pink or soft nude, usually works well for any occasion. For bolder colors, it's worth testing until you find your match.

How to keep lipstick from smudging?

Outline your lips with a pencil, apply in layers, and remove excess with a tissue in between.

Does matte lipstick dry out the lips?

It can leave your lips feeling drier. Moisturizing well before application helps make it more comfortable to wear.

Can I wear red lipstick during the day?

Yes, you can! With a simple outfit and light makeup, red looks elegant at any time.

New arrivals coming soon: jewelry, makeup, and women's clothing soon at Donnarella.

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