LIP SERVICE
Hollywood is tickled pink with vibrant kissers, but the happy color isn’t paying lip service to everyone
Celebs like Christina Milian and Chloë Grace Moretz rock new hues in search of the perfect pout
So long, dark, moody lips — A-listers are rekindling their carefree tween years by painting their pouts in flirty, feminine shades of pink. “It’s such a fun color to wear now because it’s bright enough to make a glam statement but still casual enough to go with that laid-back summer vibe,” says makeup artist David Rodriguez, who created Christina Milian’s youthful look. But take note: The perfect shade is just pink enough to define lips — one that’s too bright can end up highlighting flaws, and one that’s too chalky can leave skin looking dull. Take cues from these celebs to find out which shade will flatter your skin tone and which will fall flat. And for best results, Rodriguez tips: The natural tone of your lips can alter the color you apply, so start with a clean slate by dabbing lips with concealer first.
DARK SKIN? BABY PINK BRIGHTENS
“When it comes to darker skin, it’s all about creating a contrast,” says Rodriguez, who used MAC Satin Lipstick in Snob ($17, maccosmetics.com) on Christina Milian. The hue’s lavender tint pops against her skin to highlight its golden undertones.
OLIVE? HOT PINK MAKES YOU GLOW
Emmanuelle Chriqui’s makeup artist, Shannon Pezzetta, chose the electric-pink hue because it complements the green tones in the star’s olive skin and imparts a rosy glow to cheeks. One to try: L’oréal Paris Colour Riche La Lacque Lip Pen in Lacque and Roll, $10, drugstores.
MEDIUM? COTTON CANDY IS AGING
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s purplish pink draws out skin’s ruddy tones in an unflattering way and makes teeth look yellowed. A hue with fewer blue undertones (like L.A. COLORS Hydrating Lipstick in Pink-a-boo, $2, Family Dollar stores) would have erased years.
FAIR? MATTE ROSE WASHES OUT
A flat, lip-toned pink left Chloë Grace Moretz’s porcelain skin looking blah (especially with the contrast of harsh bronze eye shadow). A shimmery rose (like Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Pink Wink, $6, target.com) would have been better.