Think lipstick is not for you? Forget that embarrassing first experiment with your mother’s lipstick. Here is our guide to finding the next best thing to the perfect guy – the shade of lipstick that never lets your down!
Red: Not just for Bond girls and movie vamps, red is an excellent colour for Indian skin tones. Don't be afraid to sport a scarlet hue, especially if you're in your thirties or older, when the assurance of your years will help you carry off this dashing colour. Matte red is great for day-time functions. Fire-engine red is a smoking hue that works well for evening events, but reserve it for an intimate dinner in an chic, exclusive restaurant with your significant other or an outing to an upscale nightclub. Cherry-red is great for very formal soirées and it works particularly well with a sari. Remember, red lipstick with a glossy finish works only for night-time, so lay off the shiny reds during the day. And never, ever, mix glitter with red.
Orange: Okay, first off, we are not talking about the orange goop sported by heroines in the 60s. For the fair-skinned Indian woman, shades of orange are a better bet than pinks, since rose tints are primarily made with Caucasian skin-tones in mind. Opt for soft coral, brick or burnt orange lipstick for work. For a casual day out, try a glossy apricot or tangerine to max out your skin's potential. Nectarine and peach lip glosses are excellent options for college-going teens. For inspiration, look to diva Diya Mirza, whose collection of pretty orange-toned glosses is an education in itself.
Maroon: For ‘a woman of a certain age’, grape and burgundy are excellent choices. They complement olive and honey-toned skins really well, and sometimes go with fair complexions as well. No matter what your skin tone, though, make sure that your shade doesn’t run to a Goth purple. Brown can make dusky tones look dull and dingy, so pick a maroon-toned lipstick over a brown-toned one. Women with thin lips should steer clear of this hue, though, since it can thin out your mouth even further.
There's nothing like a hint of colour to bring that extra va-va-voom to your smile.
