FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: One, Quick Trick To Detect The Undertone Of A Lipstick

Time for some Beauty geekery today. You know, if some people (especially the makeup shaming group) will just look beyond all the vanities, Makeup is actually a very interesting subject as it's both art and science, and we're going to discuss a bit of the science part now. Just like any science topic, this one's mind- blowing! :D Thank you, Jen, for this great question!

Hi Martha

I’ve been researching on the kind of makeup that’s good for me. I’ve found out that I’m cool- toned. Now that my pockets are set on purchasing makeup, it still bugs me on how to find my true shade. My question is: How do you know if a lipstick’s shade is blue- based? Sometimes, I don’t get it if that shade has a blue or purple undertone. Is there an easier way to determine this?

Jen

Hi Jen!

This photo already gives you an idea on the best, quickest, and easiest way to determine the undertone of a lipstick.

White paper is the best way to detect the undertone of any makeup because it's just plain white and clearly has no undertone that will interfere with the overall color of a certain makeup product, unlike human skin.

Here are a couple of lipsticks that I applied on an immaculate piece of bond paper:

Reds, L-R: L'Oreal Color Riche Collection Star Matte Reds in Pure Rouge, Happy Skin Shut Up And Kiss Me in Hot Stuff, MAC Russian Red, and Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Creme in Tamara Red

Pinks, L-R: Estēe Lauder Pure Color Lasting Creme Lipstick in 60 Fuchsia Fever, Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Yu, L'Oreal Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick in Lincoln Rose, MAC Candy Yum Yum

For Blue- based lipsticks, they don't necessarily look Blue. Shades with this undertone tend to look brighter than any other shade due to the illuminating effect of Blue pigments.

Since you mentioned you're cool- toned, here are a couple of lipstick and undertone combinations that you can try out:

1. Red + Blue base

2. Red + Pink base

3. Red + Red base

4. Pink + Orange base

5. Pink + Blue base

6. Pink + Lilac base

Be sure to bring a sheet of white bond paper with you when going makeup shopping so you can easily spot the right lipstick and undertone combination for your skin tone. If the sales lady gives you a weird look, just wink at her and say "Science." :D

Happy, Happy Friday! Payday's almost here! :D

**Got a burning question about makeups, skin care products, beauty, dieting, and health tips, relationships, and whatever? Just send them to martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com or shoot 'em up at The Beauty Junkee's FB Fan Page via the MESSAGE button and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. (Please, do not send me Math- related queries. :D)

12 Comments

CJJuly 24, 2015 at 1:43 PM
cool post! i haven't thought of it this way. i usually only swatched and by then i knew if it would work on me (unfortunately there are times it doesn't flatter my lips as much as it does on the arm swatch) so this is a really good trick. saved us girls the trouble. thanks Ms. M!
CJJuly 24, 2015 at 1:45 PM
cool post! i haven't thought of it this way. i usually only swatched and by then i knew if it would work on me (unfortunately there are times it doesn't flatter my lips as much as it does on the arm swatch) so this is a really good trick. saved us girls the trouble. thanks Ms. M!

p.s. is it just me or you girls are also having problem with the comment form?
WannderzelJuly 24, 2015 at 3:40 PM
Definitely the best trick Ms. Martha :)

Live Blog Love by Hazel Asoy
UnknownJuly 24, 2015 at 4:06 PM
Haha. I absolutely agree. Makeup is really art and science rolled into one. I genuinely enjoy researching and knowing more about makeup. I knew about different undertones of lipsticks but not as detailed as you've presented here! Reds with blue and brown undertones are my favorites. It flatters my skintone and it makes me teeth appear whiter. This is a wonderful post. Very informative. Thanks! :)
GlendabelleJuly 25, 2015 at 12:22 AM
It's still difficult on my part to know which is which :'(( L'Oreal Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick in Lincoln Rose looks blue based for me.
UnknownJuly 25, 2015 at 12:30 AM
Another wonderful and informative post, Miss M.
BetsJuly 25, 2015 at 4:58 AM
Blue based lippie? I'm Lost! Hahaha
Never knew it existed! Thank you so much to this FMF for the added knowledge. Hihi
UnknownJuly 25, 2015 at 11:08 AM
I also don't get the science behind the undertones. I just swatch a lipstick and look at the mirror if it looks good on me or not. Haha. But the next time I'll buy, I will do this trick. Sounds interesting. :)
jeremy garciaJuly 26, 2015 at 2:00 PM
Wow, this is new tip:) thanks. Will try this soon. Me too, I'm having a hard time on shades. That's why I stick on mauves and nude shades only. Hehe.Even my undertone, mix of blue and green veins. They say it's called neutral? I have a red lippie, I think it's a pink-based( meron ba nun?) Most people says that it does not look good on me:)
Rhania E.July 31, 2015 at 10:48 AM
wOw! i bookmarked this article for it WAS REALLY HELPFUL another learning from you ms martha! gonna grab clean bond paper and do this with the lippies i had =) thank you ms m!
Jen DesturaJuly 31, 2015 at 6:19 PM
OMG! You just answered my question! Thank you, thank you Martha! Bookmarking this right now <3 <3 <3
Tin ocampoAugust 10, 2015 at 6:00 PM
That was amazing thank you miss martha!! Another level unlocked for me!! Haha