How to Buy Lipstick

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It looks so simple, just going out to buy lipstick. There are many choices these days, and various ingredients that go into some of the lipsticks, that prior to purchasing, understand what exactly is in that lipstick you want to buy.

Steps

Hold the tube to your mouth to see if it suits your complexion. Avoid using on your mouth, fingers, or hands as it isn't hygienic. If you feel that you must try it out, wipe the surface of the lipstick with a tissue.
Check the ingredients: Be careful of the chemicals if you have allergies. See Skin Deep,for help on assessing what's in your lipstick. A woman is said to swallow about 4-6 pounds of lipstick in a lifetime (almost 100 tubes) - make sure what is being swallowed is palatable!
Ask for samples: if you're still not sure you like the color and texture, reputable makeup sales counters will have samples to offer you to try out at home. If at a drug store, ask about their return policy. Most will let you return it if you don't like it.
Choose your color:Base your choice on your skin tone - for skin with pinky tones choose cool-toned colours, if your skin is more yellow toned then warm colours work best.
Consider how bold you want the colour to be, the general rule is more natural colours for day time, stronger colours for the evening or under artificial light.
Understand that complexion and your clothing colors should affect your color choices. Try to wear something typical of your favored wardrobe coloring when buying a lipstick (and any other makeup).

Tips

When choosing between matte, sheer or glossy, remember that glossy or sheer finishes look best when first applied and need to be reapplied more frequently. Matte colors are not shiny. They last longer and bleed less but are also less moisturizing to the lips and so tend to dry them out more; try and select one that is not too dry.
When applying lipstick, you can "prime" your lips like a painter primes a wall for painting by coloring them in first with a lip pencil of a color close to your lips and then add the lipstick. This behaves like a fixative for the lipstick to remain on your lips longer.
A natural look can be achieved using just lip pencil coloring-in of your lips and clear gloss over this.
Be happy with your choice - if you don't like the color the sales assistant is insisting looks good on you, trust your own instincts first!
Lipstick lasts longer if stored in a cool, even refrigerated environment.
You can create your own lipstick colors by mixing and matching.
If your lipstick or lipgloss tends to wear off very quickly, consider the long-lasting variety. Look for one in a light, subtle color (long-lasting lipstick will seem much darker and brighter) that comes with a moisturizing topcoat, as these lipsticks can be very drying.

Warnings

Avoid trying lipstick samples directly to your mouth unless they are individual sachets - otherwise you risk transferring germs that could make you ill.
Try to avoid lipsticks containing parabens - these have been linked with breast cancer and reproductive system diseases.

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