The GH lip colour CHEAT SHEET
Whether you’re a seasoned lipstick pro or have been wearing the same shade for years, here’s how to try something different…
WHEN YOU NEVER WEAR ANYTHING BUT CLEAR LIP BALM
Make the leap to a tinted balm, or apply a nude or soft pink pencil over a coat of clear balm and blend with a finger to create a muted stain. Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balms, from £3.99, and Tinted Lip Oils, £9.99, give a subtle shot of colour and a hydrated feeling, while YSL Volupté Liquid Colour Balm, £26, is a dewy lip tint that’s more mega balm than lipstick.
IF YOU’RE STUCK IN A (NEUTRAL) COLOUR RUT
Do make sure you have the right nude. The darker your skin, the stronger a tone you can take, so if you’re on the paler side think sheer and pink – too dark a nude will drain the colour from your face. We like Bareminerals Gen Nude Patent Lip Lacquer, £17, which offers full coverage and a high shine in 10 nude shades, and its Radiant Lipstick, £18, a creamy formula in 12 shades.
WHEN YOU DIDN’T THINK YOU’D WEAR GLOSS AGAIN
Unfashionable for years, the new generation of glosses are less gloopy and sticky than before, plus beauty technology means they contain more pigment. Keep it in the centre of the lip for a modern approach. Packed with vitamin E, Max Factor Colour Elixir
Cushion, £8.99, is high-shine and comfortable, while L’oréal Paris Color Riche Shine Lipstick, £8.99, is intensely glossy yet feels like a balm.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LONG LASTING
Go for a liquid lipstick with a matte finish. Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Liquid Lipstick, £8.99, is a GH favourite, and now has 14 new shades. We also rate Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick, £22, which looks soft and feels comfortably bouncy all day, and Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Paint-on Liquid Lipcolor, £25, which comes in matte, vinyl and metallic finishes. Caroline Barnes recommends applying liquid lipstick with a fine lip brush – with lips stretched tight over the teeth – to help pigment sit along the lip line.
WHEN TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
For sheer, pretty colour, give the multi-tasking Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush, £28, a go. It gives a luminous matte look to lips and cheeks. Our picks of the six shades are Teasing Pink and Corail Naturel. Clarins Water Lip Stains, £19, give a natural-looking pop of colour and are so easy to apply you could do it with your eyes closed.