In recent years, there has been an explosion in makeup geared towards satisfying the beauty needs of women from different ethnicities. Whether it is foundation shades that perfectly suit our skin tone or skincare products that understand the differences in our genetics, the growing variety of products available can confuse anyone. Do you really need a lipstick? And a lip stain? And a lip lacquer? So many options, but a small budget. So if you’re wondering what are the essential lipsticks one should have in their makeup bag – the ones that are affordable and provide a million different looks; here is our list.
On days when you’re going for a low-maintenance soiree, wearing something too loud doesn’t seem like a great idea. Or when you’ve done quite a lot of eye makeup, a good nude lip can balance out your face. A great nude lipstick I’m using right now is the NYX “Lip Lingerie” in Cabaret Show. It’s affordable and has a creamy texture while applying it, but settles down giving a matte finish.
A Cool Coral
If you want to wear a makeup look that helps add a dash of color to your face, but is easy and quick at the same time – a coral lipstick is a must-have. If your skin tone is on the lighter side, this mixture of pink and orange can make your lips stand out. On the other hand, if your skin is on the darker side of the spectrum; a coral lipstick will give you a bright pop of color. The most vibrant coral lipstick I’ve come across is the Soap & Glory “Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick” in Technicoral. It has a bit of a shiny finish but has the pigmented color-payoff of a lipstick.
A Brave Burgundy
Burgundy is a tricky shade of lipstick to pull off with confidence but darker women can wear it really well. The best burgundy lipstick I’ve come across recently is more of a lip liner, but it gives me the clean, precise pout that I want without much hassle. The Doucce “Relentless Matte Lip Crayon” in Winterberry is perfect for this time of the year. Patting it on my lips just a little bit leaves a soft, subtle shade of burgundy behind.
An Everyday Red
When it comes to makeup, you can never go wrong with a shade of red. That’s why everyone should have one trustworthy red lipstick in their backpack at all times. The one that works for me is the Ciate London “Liquid Velvet” in Diva – True Red. It’s a strong liquid lipstick so for a day look just tap on a few drops.
A Bold Brown
If you want to leave a memorable impression on someone, wear brown lipstick. Most people shy away from this color because it can come off as too strong. But if you need to feel confident, whether it is for a class presentation or a job interview, this is the shade of lipstick that will make you feel powerful. One lipstick that works for me is the Makeup Forever “Artist Rouge Crème” lipstick in Cocoa (M104). It’s just what I need when I want some extra oomph.