How to Pull Off Pale Lipstick
No doubt about it; pale lipsticks are sexy. The look is clean and fresh, and it matches with everything. This hot look has been showing up in magazine photo shoots and on fashion runways, and it's easy to achieve at home, as long as you follow a few basic guidelines.
Pale lipsticks place an emphasis on the texture of your lips, meaning that chapped, peeling lips will truly stand out when covered by a pale coating. Use a moisturizing lip balm for several days before applying a pale lipstick. To choose a pale lipstick, keep your own skin tone in mind. A color you love in the tube may simply not work with your skin. People with fair skin should choose pale lipsticks with a pink tinge, while people with darker skin should look for caramel tones. In general, stick to pale colors that are only a shade or two away from your normal skin tone. If you're heading out for a formal night on the town, look for matte finishes. Pale lipsticks are also great for the office, as they're subtle and professional. Stick to matte finishes here as well. For a more casual look, a glossy finish can provide just the right touch.
Pale lipsticks are truly spectacular when paired with dramatic, smoky eye makeup. Since you're removing emphasis from your lips with your pale lip tones, you can go wild with the eye color choices, wearing more color there than you could normally achieve. You won't look overly "done up," since your lips are playing second fiddle. Avoid pastel-colored eye makeup with your pale lipstick. Using pastels on both your eyes and your lips can give you a pasty look. In a similar vein, dust your cheeks with bronzer or blush, to give the middle of your face a healthy, robust glow.
