How to Choose the Right Lip Product (It’s About More Than Just the Shade)
When someone comes into Shimmer and asks, “Can you help me pick out a new lip color?” it’s never as simple as me just grabbing a shade I think would look good on them. Lip color is personal — and the “right one” depends on so much more than whether it matches your skin tone or your outfit.
To really find the perfect match, I need a little more information from you. Together, we figure out what you’ll actually enjoy wearing, and what will perform the way you want it to. That way, you leave with a product that doesn’t just look good… it feels good, fits your lifestyle, and makes you excited to put it on.What really helps me guide you to the perfect lip product is understanding how you want it to feel, how you want it to perform, and what your main goal is when wearing it.
Here are the questions you should have the answers to in order to find a lip product you’re totally happy with:
1. What texture do you like?
Do you love the cushiony feel of a gloss? The lightweight slip of a balm? Or do you want the drama of a matte finish?
If you want hydration and ease, a balm-like formula might be your best friend.
If you want bold, long-lasting color payoff, matte and satin lipsticks are where it’s at.
If you love shine, a gloss can give you that fresh, polished look.
Texture is just as important as color because if you don’t like how something feels on your lips, you won’t reach for it.
2. What’s your main goal for your lip product?
This is the most important question I’ll ask you. Do you want:
A product that lasts as long as possible without reapplying?
Something light and easy to swipe on without a mirror?
Shine that makes your lips look extra polished for photos or events?
Here’s the honest truth: if your main goal is all-day wear without ever reapplying, that product simply doesn’t exist.Even the most long-lasting formulas fade a little after eating and drinking. Marketing tactics will make you think otherwise.
That said, the RMS Legendary Lipstick Serum comes very close. It gives you incredibly long-lasting color that feels silky-smooth — but you’ll still want to reapply after a meal.
3. Are you open to layering?
Layering is the secret to both longevity and versatility.
Apply a lip liner first, then layer lipstick over it for extra staying power.
Want shine without sacrificing wear time? Add a gloss on top of your longer-lasting lipstick.
Love balm but want more color? Use a tinted lip liner or lipstick first, then top with balm.
Layering lets you customize both the look and the feel of your lip product so it works exactly how you want it to.
4. Don’t skip lip prep. (Not a question, but still important!)
If you want your lip colors to look smoother and last longer, using a lip scrub regularly makes a huge difference. Exfoliating removes dry patches so your lipstick goes on evenly, while also allowing your lips to better absorb vitamin E and nourishing ingredients from balms. The result? Healthier, softer lips and lip colors that look their very best.
5. Do you want an everyday shade or a pop of color?
This is where most people just want me to tell them what to wear… and that’s totally fine! To get there, I’ll ask if you’re looking for a color that fits seamlessly into your daily routine or if you’re after something that makes a statement. From there, I can guide you to the perfect match.
The bottom line
Choosing a lip product isn’t just about picking a pretty shade. It’s about understanding how you want it to look, feel, and perform in your everyday life. Once we’ve nailed that down, I can help you find a color you’ll not only love but actually love wearing.