How to wear light lipstick shades without looking washed out
Even the best of us cannot resist the charm of a good lip makeup. After all, selecting the right lip shade can make or break any makeup look. While the dark shades of lipsticks like reds, browns, and maroons look elegant and sophisticated and preferred choice for many, light lipstick shades like nudes and pastels have their own panache. Only if you know how to wear it correctly! So, if you’re someone who has always steered clear from lighter shades because you don’t know how to pull it off, this detailed guide on how to wear light lipstick shades is for you.
If you are a no-makeup makeup enthusiast, you can always choose light lipstick shades to pull off a perfect glam. Apart from going for a subtle makeup, you can also choose light lipstick shades to go well with dramatic looks such as a smokey eye makeup. Unlike most dark lipsticks, these lighter shades can be matched with any eyeshadow and blush combination without having to worry about colors clashing. Light lipstick shades, however, can sometimes make your makeup look pasty and shallow. Thankfully, here are a few quick fixes that can come to your rescue.
Here’s how to wear light lipstick shades without looking ashy and washed out.
1. Find the right light lipstick shade for your skin tone and undertone
Consider your skin tones and undertones before you choose a light lipstick shade. If you feel that a light lipstick shade is making you look washed out, you have probably chosen a shade that is too light or pale for your complexion. One of the best tips to wear light lipstick shades is choosing a color that’s at least a shade darker than your skin tone, especially when choosing nude lipstick colors. Pay attention to your undertones and choose light lipstick shades that complement it.
Light and fair skin tones can opt for light lipstick shades with a soft pink undertone while those with darker skin tones will look effortlessly chic in lipsticks that have brown or peachy undertones. For example, the shades Make me Blush and Major Crimson from the Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick range are gorgeous powdery pink and peach lipsticks that will add a light hint of color to your lips without making you look washed out.
2. Add some dimension and color to your lips with a lip liner
If you are puzzled with how to wear light lipstick shades effortlessly, liners are your answer. One of the best tips to wear light lipstick shades is using a darker liner to add some depth and dimension to your lips. A simple outline will help you create a contrast between your lighter shade and your skin. Darker lip liners also contour your lips and give them more volume. Using a lip liner also keeps the lip color in place and prevents it from feathering or bleeding outside your natural lip line. Now, you can be carefree as when you choose light lipstick shades!
If you’re wondering how to wear light lipstick shades with a darker liner, blending is your answer. Blur the edges of your lip liner and blend it with your light lipstick shade to create a soft ombre effect.
Need help with applying lip liner the right way? Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply lipsticks to know more!
3. Make a statement with your eyes
Sky is the limit when you know how to wear light lipstick shades with bold makeup! These light shades are perfect for playing with color on the rest of your face. From dramatic black smokey eyes to a bright orange face makeup, you can always choose light lip shades to complement these looks. Neutral lips are great when paired with bold eyes, so go all out with your eyes if you want to take attention away from your lips. Depending on your lipstick color, you can either create soft monochrome makeup looks with similar colors on the eye or create a dramatic contrast with dark and vibrant eyeshadow colors. Use bronzer and contour to carve out your facial features and add warmth to your face, and follow it with a bright-colored blush to emphasize the high points of your cheeks. Add a pop of blinding highlighter on your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose for a glowy, sun-kissed look.
Bonus hack – Ever wondered how to wear light lipstick shades outside your lips? You can double these soft pinks to add a flush of color to your cheeks and eyelids to create a quick monochrome look with just one product. The Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick in the shade Touch of Spice is the perfect soft lipstick for a monochrome no-makeup makeup look.
While dark lipstick shades add drama and glam, it's best to choose light lipstick shade to look effortlessly young and fun. These neutral colors are essential to create a minimalist look. Just follow these simple tips to wear light lipstick shades to create a statement even with the simple colors.
Not convinced just yet? Use the Maybelline Virtual Try-On tool and try out our different neutral and light lipstick shades to create a look that does not make you look washed out. The Virtual Try-On tool is great for experimenting with different Maybelline makeup products in real time with zero commitment. You can also check out the Foundation Finder Tool to find a perfect shade that’ll complement your skin tone and your light lipstick at the same time. Simply use the Live Camera feature or upload a photo from your gallery and see yourself glam up with Maybelline!