Choosing a Lipstick Color

Finding the right lipstick color is a chore for me. I have a lot of problems with it. I like to play up my eyes, so I use a shad that's very close to my own. The key is if you play up the eyes, don't play up the lips; play up the lips, play down the eyes. Everything's about proportions. You don't want to look like a clown.

This might be another time where I have to go to the makeup counter and get someone to help me. I'm going to try to see if I can find the solution myself. I've read about color having undertones, which I can't figure out.

Keep in mind I have fair skin, dark brown hair, and bluish-gray eyes. Turns out, not just looking at the skin plays into the color choice. My skin has red tones in it.

1. Light-brown beige with pink or orange undertones complement a lighter skin tone. I think the pink undertones would be best for me.
2. Try medium tones with richer colors, like caramel or deep pink, if you have dark hair and light skin. I usually do a dusty rose color.
3. The most flattering lip tones will be one or two shades darker than your natural lip color, according to makeup artist Bobbi Brown. To test shades, apply lipstick or gloss to one lip. If that color is just a shade or two deeper than your bare lip, then you've found your shade.

Now, I want to go out and test some shades. I lost my great lipstick. It's Rose Aglow from Clinique, but I think it might be a shade too dark. Need to go back and get a shade.

Source: About.com

Applying Concealer

So, the task of finding a foundation is done, now concealer. I love concealer. I use it instead of foundation, but it has been awhile and I've gotten out of the habit. Time for a refresher course for me!

Why exactly is concealer great? Well, it hides blemishes, dark circles, and capillaries, and it helps to brighten the face, giving you that alert look. Also, if your skin tone doesn't always match up naturally, the concealer helps to do that for you.

Choosing the right shade can be problematic as well as knowing where to apply it on the face. You'll want a color that is close to your skin color. Bring your foundation with you so you can compare it. Also, notice if your skin is darker in the summer than it is in the winter and adjust your color choice.

Start with To properly apply concealer, apply several dots of concealer under the eyes, then use the pad of your middle finger to tap it in (always tap, never rub). Apply concealer on other uneven spots on the face -- including the chin, and around the nose and mouth if need be -- and tap in. Be sure to not start with too much! It's best to layer it on as you need it. Remember to start at the center of the imperfection and feather outwards.

Concealer is last; I've been doing it the wrong way these years. The reason why it's last is because it can be rubbed off during the application of foundation. 

Source: combo of Glamour, Fitness, and Instyle magazines