The Sun on My Lips: Orange Options for Spring

It's the color of some of our favorite things--peach cobbler, tangerine Italian soda, perfume with peach notes, and that super-cute cardigan at Urban Outfitters. OK, so maybe those are some of my favorite things--but I'm sure my fellow Cool Pinks can relate:) Orange lipstick shouldn't be a makeup taboo for women of color. In fact, it's pretty chic--if done correctly, of course. Here are a few nectarine-hued paints for your pout that will make springtime just a little "springier". Hey, my blog--my words :)

Makeup Forever lipstick in "Satin Bright Orange"

This orange lipstick is ideal for warm skin tones. So, if you look great in red dresses, and your skin has more of a glow when you wear white and tan than when you dress in gray or dark blue, this lipstick is for you. Although, I wouldn't recommend wearing this with a red dress--you'll look like all parts of a peach. Just a little free fashion advice:) Use a nude lipliner to keep the pigment in place, and wear a sheer, oatmeal-colored eyeshadow and medium brown eyeliner so that  your lips are the main feature. Apply bronzer instead of blush for this look to give your whole face an attractive glow. It will bring out the red, orange, and slightly yellow undertones of your skin quite nicely:)

 
MAC lipstick in "Electro"

This lipstick looks great on both warm and cool skin tones. If you have cool undertones (e.g. gray dresses look great against your skin, light blue eyeshadow is your friend), this lipstick will keep your complexion from appearing "washed out"--especially at the beginning of the spring season when the weather is still kind of cool. If you have warm undertones, mix the lipstick with your favorite clear gloss for a subtle pop of color that looks great with heavily-lined eyes. And FYI, this is a wonderful eyeshadow when you're wearing a nude lip. Mix a little of the makeup with your finishing powder and sweep it across your lids. Makeup blogger RenRen also suggests using the lipstick as an undereye concealer, which I think is a genius makeup move--especially if you have dark skin. You can find more information on that here: http://www.makeupbyrenren.com/2008/12/another-use-for-mac-electro-lipstick.html

MAC lipstick in "Good to Go"

Warm-toned ladies--this lipstick is for you. The tangerine color is perfect for bringing in the spring season, and a dark pink blush will pull the entire look together. A soft brown lipliner (not too brown, though--we don't do Great Pumpkin lips around here) helps to keep this coral-kissed shade intact. A throwback cat-eye with very dark brown or black liner will give you a sexy, Stepford wife look. A sand or bone-colored outfit is the perfect way to pull this entire look off.


So, try some orange lipstick this season. You just might love it!:)