The eyes are the mirror of the soul, the nose a sign of character, and the mouth…?
The mouth does not need defined as it expresses itself explicitly, and not only with words.
The lips communicate through their own expressions: a smile, a pout, a grimace. This expressive ability makes it a detail rich in implications that describe not only the aesthetic aspect but the personality of each person too. Design, shape and colour are elements that also outline a person’s character: the upper lip with a pointed cupid arch would demonstrate a firm temperament, the protruding and fleshy lower lip would express voluptuousness and sensuality, thin lips would reveal a rational disposition, and so on.
Physiognomy is not an exact science, this is actually more of a guide to help you understand the importance of choosing the ideal lipstick for a woman. It cannot be denied that this is the aspect of the face that, more than any other, is unconsciously associated with female sensuality.
Lip makeup has often been associated with fashion and the idea of femininity of the time. In silent cinema, actresses shrank their lips by drawing small heart-shaped mouths; in the forties, the trend was to have very sharp, defined lips whereas in the sixties, in the Pin-up era, full and superfeminine mouths were in fashion. This trend was then erased in the seventies during the period of female emancipation, a time when the eyes were the main focus of an individual’s expression.
Nowadays, make-up for the mouth has abandoned the exclusive models of the past and has become a very important element to harmonise with the rest of the face in a relationship of colours and proportions that enhance individual characteristics.
VELVETS BY CHANEL
For spring 2020, makeup proposals suggest velvet lipsticks.
Velvets (another name for velvety lipsticks) are lipsticks with a silky and moisturising texture that at the same time give a splendid matte finish capable of lasting for several hours. These types of lipsticks do not dry the lips out and are therefore ideal even for those whose lips tend to be dehydrated. In any case, before applying lipstick I always recommend preparing the lips first. To do this I suggest using a scrub followed by a moisturiser.
Among my favourite lipsticks are those from the Chanel range. I recommend these since the quality of the pigments is guaranteed.
The Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extrême lipsticks are ultra-opaque lipsticks with an emollient action and a hold of eight hours. For spring – summer 2020, the maison has proposed the 132 Endless colour – a very hot and intense pink nuance, inspired by the expanses of the desert. The shade is very versatile and goes perfectly with neutral summer eyeshadows fished with golden or earth-coloured reflections.
If this colouration does not convince you, there are always the more classical shades to choose from.
But what precautions are to be taken in choosing the ideal lipstick?
Below is some advice on colours for a conscious purchase that takes into consideration not only the latest trend, but also your characteristics as elements to enhance.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIPSTICK
Here is a guide for choosing the ideal lipstick colour:
- Blonde hair, fair complexion, blue or grey eyes: pink, currant or pink brick lipsticks
- Brown hair, dark complexion, brown, green or grey eyes: brick coloured or dark orange lipsticks
- Light brown hair, fair complexion, grey, green, blue or hazel eyes: coral red, pink brick, light plum or currant lipsticks
- Dark brown hair, dark complexion, brown, green or grey eyes: dark brick, orange, bold red or brown lipsticks
- Black or mahogany red hair, dark complexion, green, brown or grey eyes: dark brick red or lacquer red lipsticks.
- Black hair, fair complexion, grey, green or blue eyes: fuchsia, geranium pink or pink tending to red lipsticks
- Black hair, fair complexion, grey, green or blue eyes: fuchsia, geranium pink or pink tending to red lipsticks
FURTHER TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE IDEAL COLOUR
- If you have thin lips do not use dark lipsticks as they will further reduce the lips. The best recommended shades are light ones such as pinks, bright reds and beige
- If you have full lips do not choose shades of too bright a colour such as fluorescent fuchsia as it won’t be very refined. Colours ranging from beige to pink with a non-glossy mat consistency are fine
- If you wear a green or blue dress choose a soft, pastel, or better yet, nude shade
- With a red dress the colour of the lipstick must be the same shade as the dress or lighter
- If you wear a yellow dress choose a shade of red with golden yellow pigments in it. A brick red lipstick is perfect for a mustard-coloured dress while a lighter, slightly orange-coloured red goes great with a golden yellow outfit
- For mature lips it is better to opt for pearly cream lipsticks as matte lipsticks will highlight any expression lines. I recommend the Rouge Coco selection by Chanel in either the classic or Shine version.
In this makeup I chose to enhance the lips using the Rouge Allure Velvet number 5 lipstick by Chanel.
