Discover how anyone (including you) can rock orange lipstick like a pro.
Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Vanessa Elese was wowed by actress Jessica Alba’s take on the juicy trend. Instead of going bold, Alba chose to enhance her old Hollywood look with a lighter version, making her golden skin naturally glow. “If orange is too daring for you, try opting for a sheerer version to add the flavor of the trend while still remaining true to your personality,” suggests Elese. “Try a melon shade in a creamy matte formula. Gently apply the color then blot with your finger. This helps settle the color combination into your natural lip tint, making it a touch less shocking.”
Shackleton prefers starlet Kate Bosworth’s rich, luminous lipstick, which kept all eyes on her without going overboard with excess makeup. “It’s all about keeping the eyes fresh and minimal, while focusing on the lips so it looks modern, yet classic,” she stresses. Keep skin dewy and smooth by pairing your look with simple black eyeliner, volumizing mascara, and not much else.
Beauty experts agree that the key to finding your perfect orange lipstick is taking tone of your skin. “Warmer skin tones, like Solange Knowles, look fabulous in hues of tangerine, while cooler, fairer skin tones, like that on Scarlett Johannson, look better in watermelon and coral based tones,” explains Los Angeles-based makeup artist Annie Tevelin, founder of SkinOwl skincare. “Cool skin should opt for blue based tones, while warmer skin tones should opt for yellow based tones.” A simple way to find out whether you’re really cool or warm? Look at the veins on your wrists. Those with green veins are on the warmer side and ladies with blue veins are cool.
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“Bold colors can show every line and crack on your lips,” says beauty expert Hilary Kennedy. “Exfoliate with a little sugar and honey, and rinse before applying your favorite orange shade.”
Orange shades are currently available in a variety of stains, tints, mattes, and creams, so don’t be afraid to explore which one is best for you. And when it comes to your couture, you can always go for a simple, yet head-turning look that will complement your makeup. “(Actress) Lupita Nyong rocked this look from head to toe at the recent Golden Globes with the orange-red hued stunning gown and the sheer orange lip to match,” says Elese.
Don’t want to commit to a bold orange lipstick shade? Keep it safe anytime with a sheer gloss or balm with a hint of color that can be easily swiped on. This also suits women of any age.
Just like with classic red, an orange pout needs careful application to look its very best. Instead of applying directly from the tube, it’s recommended to use a lip brush, which will give you more control of how much of the product is used. Also, keep the makeup flawless with a lip liner, will which define your mouth and ensure that the product stays in place.
“Nothing looks prettier with orange than an opposite color,” says Kennedy. “Cobalt, navy, and turquoise are beautiful shades that should be worn on your fingers and toes.” This trick can also be applied to your wardrobe and paired with nude nails to elongate the fingers.
Think orange is too bright for your personal taste? A safer, yet equally gorgeous color anyone can wear is coral, which experts say is universally flattering and is like wearing an electrified version of red.
Be warned, the shine from orange lipstick can also draw attention to redness and imperfections on the skin. To easily solve this problem, it’s important to use a light-to-medium coverage from a creamy foundation or concealer to keep your features flawless and glowing in all the right places.