Lipstick Colors for African Women

By Del Sandeen

Lipstick colors for African women are available in a wide range of beautiful shades just like the women who wear them. Lipsticks are an easy and usually inexpensive way to add color to your face, but if you're wondering which shades would flatter your skin tones the most, there are some tips to keep in mind to make sure you select your best colors.

Choosing the Best Lipstick Colors for African Women

How do you choose which lipstick colors will look best on you? As for women of any ethnicity, your biggest consideration is your complexion. Because African skin tones run the full gamut of the color spectrum, keep in mind whether your complexion is light, medium or dark. In addition, the undertones of your skin also have an effect on whether a lipstick really makes your lips pop.

Light

If your skin falls into the lighter range of African skin tones, these colors will look good on you:

• Pale to deep pink
• Peach
• Taupe
• Red

Medium

For medium-toned skin, experiment with these lipstick colors:

• Red
• Medium to deep pink
• Bronze
• Magenta
• Medium to deep brown

Dark

If your skin is dark and rich, try these shades:

• Deep red
• Fuchsia
• Magenta
• Chocolate brown
• Bronze

Don't think that just because your skin is in the darker range you can't wear colors that look fabulous on lighter skin. Be willing to experiment. While you can't do this with drugstore cosmetics, you can always visit the makeup counter at a department store to test colors. You may find lipstick colors for your skin tone that you never thought you could wear. There are pink and red shades that flatter all skin tones, so even if you thought you could never wear pink, if you find the right shade, you'll see that you can definitely wear it and look great in it.

Wear it Right

Even though women with darker skin tones can often wear bold shades that may overpower fairer skin, keep in mind the occasion and place. No matter what your complexion is, too much gloss and bright lipstick is still a no-no for a regular office environment. Nighttime is the time to wear brighter and more dramatic shades.
However, if you love bold lipstick, you can make it work for day by making your lips the focus of your face and keeping the rest of your makeup more subdued. Red lipstick is a classic and looks good on any woman once she finds the perfect shade. You can wear red lip color with lightly lined eyes, mascara and a small amount of blush for a look that's suitable for anywhere, including the office.

Choosing Lipstick Brands

While there are cosmetic lines devoted to women of color, you can find flattering and complementary lipstick colors virtually anywhere, which are appropriate for all skin shades. Even mainstream brands feature colors that range from very light to very dark. Because lipstick is usually a fairly inexpensive item, feel free to experiment.
Consider the lipstick from these vendors that cater to the needs of women of color to help you transform your look:

• Interface: Their product line includes a nice mix of matte and conditioning formulas of lipstick as well as lip lacquers.
• Black Opal: The lipstick line includes 16 shades of Black Opal True Color Lipstick as well as related items such as lip correctors, lip liners and glosses.
• IMAN Cosmetics: This well-known beauty line includes an excellent range of shades, including orange-based, plum-based, and brown-based shades to help you find the perfect bold, subtle, or nude lip.
• Valana Minerals: The formulations here are designed to flatter without turning chalky or becoming distorted. Their Mineral Bliss lipstick is made with natural ingredients and if you are vegan in addition to being a woman of color, you will be pleased to know that the lipstick ingredients are vegan as well. Samples are available so you can try before you buy, and there are seven color choices.

You can also create your own custom colors by mixing two or more lipstick shades if you're having trouble finding the perfect one. Plus, it's always a good idea to have several options on hand ranging from light to dark lipsticks. This gives you choices when you're getting ready for the day.

Inspiration

If you don't know where to start when choosing a lipstick, look at magazines for models or celebrities whose skin tone is similar to yours. See what cosmetic colors they wear and if it really looks good on them; then you can shop for your own.

Lipstick Smart

Whether you're a makeup novice or your cosmetics case is full-to-bursting, use lipstick to complete your look. Once you find your best colors, you'll be able to put your best face forward no matter where you're going.