Makeup Essentials Part 4- Lips

Initially I was going to pick the lip essentials by product type, ie lipstick, liner, gloss, etc. But whatever type of lip product you prefer is so subjective, some like a strong lip color while others prefer just a nice gloss. So I decided to choose the colors everybody should have then briefly go over the benefits of the different products.


Neutrals- Neutrals are what most prefer to use when doing a bold eye look, since it keeps from looking too made up. This color group can come off as a little boring, but it is needed. Nobody wants to look like a clown. (I'm not saying to never pair bold lips with a bold eye, I'm just saying that it has to be done with care.)

Pinks- Pinks are pretty standard when it comes to lips. There are bright pink, baby pinks, sparkly pinks. Choose whatever you like best, just make sure you have at least one good pink.

Reds- A classic red lip is something that everyone must try at least once in their life. There are a lot of different types of reds: blue based, yellow based, balanced, sheer, ultra pigmented. Again, it comes down to which you prefer. You can never go wrong with a nice, balanced red.

Corals- Corals are my favorite. They just seem to brighten up the face. They're aren't too many different types of corals, which is why it's weird I have so many.

Oranges- This is the color group I have very little experience with. I love using an orange lip as opposed to a red lip in the spring or summer. It just looks fresh. There are different shades or orange, but I don't like any of them other than the red based ones. So you really can get away with just having one.

Berries/Purples- This is my second favorite color group. Some think that darker lip colors can't be used with fair skin tones, but I'm about as pale as they come and I use them all the time. I think they look awesome one everyone.

Glosses are my favorite lip product, since you can find some that are either sheer or pigmented and they feel nice on the lips. I'm also fond of moisturizing lipsticks (not pictured). I haven't had much luck when it comes to lip liners, as I hate the feel of them, but they will keep your lipstick from fading. I have a few lip tars that everyone seems to love, but I have mixed feelings about them. I love them when I first apply since they are amazingly pigmented and look amazing, but unless I top them with a clear gloss the wear time sucks. Plus they dry to a more matte finish which I personally don't like the feel of, but if you don't mind them they can look awesome. I recommend trying a variety of products until you find what you like.