We don't know about you, but we've found ourselves stuck in a lipstick rut more often than we'd like to admit. Sure, we love our tried-and-true favorites — variations of reds and pinks, and maybe a berry hue thrown into the mix — but every now and then, we find ourselves itching to try something new. And by new, we mean unexpected, unique, showstopping, and all-around cool. In short, rainbow lips.Experimenting with nontraditional shades like yellow, green, and blue can be extremely intimidating. But one look at Rihanna or Lupita Nyong'o wearing unconventional hues and looking exquisitely beautiful and badass, and you can't be blamed for your sudden desire to play with ROYGBIV lipstick. We asked professional makeup artist James Vincent and celebrity makeup artist Ermahn Ospina to give us their tips on how to wear every color of the rainbow. So whether you're looking for the best way to sport a silver pout or a few pointers on upgrading your go-to red lip, there are some tips in here for you.
Red
Red lipstick is one product we recommend every makeup lover have in his or her makeup bag. "It's classic and always on-trend," says Vincent, who suggests pairing the shade with bold, black liquid eyeliner and liberal coats of mascara.
For a slightly more modern touch, Ospina likes to focus on the lips. To achieve this, he suggests keeping your skin looking natural and dewy, using just tinted moisturizer or sheer foundation. Once you're done perfecting your complexion, swipe on a few coats of mascara and you're set.
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Intense Color Lipstick in Moulin Rouge, $20, available at Make Up For Ever.
Orange
Sure, slicking on an orange lipstick might seem a little too bold for daily wear, but Vincent and Ospina both agree that the color complements a sun-kissed glow. When going for an orange lip, Vincent applies bronzer wherever the sun would naturally hit the face (forehead, highest points of the cheekbones, center of the nose, chin, and any exposed shoulder or cleavage) to warm up the skin. Next, he reaches for a pink blush and sweeps the color on the apples of the cheeks — where your skin is naturally more flushed. "Applying the bronzer and pink blush will make [the lipstick] appear more natural and give warmth and balance," he says.
BlackUp Lipstick in RGE 34M, $23, available at Sephora.
Yellow
Shades like yellow and gold can actually lend a high-fashion feel to your look. To pull off such a loud hue, Vincent recommends reaching for a high-coverage foundation to create a flawless base that won't combat the color on your lips. On the eyes, Ospina likes to play up the energy of the lipstick by drawing a clean cat-eye and then tracing over the top of the black line with a white liner pencil to create a "bi-color" look.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar/RTW in Traffic, $15, available at OCC Makeup.
Green
Green lipstick is absolutely stunning, whether applied lightly for a sheer look or slicked on heavily for a dramatic effect. But since the bold shade tends to hide the natural color of your lips, Vincent recommends pairing it with pink and red hues on the cheeks and eyes. "You need to [bring] back your [natural flush] to other areas of the face," he says.
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Plan 9, $21, available at Sephora.
Blue
If you ask us, blue is an incredibly under-appreciated lipstick shade (especially because of the color's ability to make your teeth appear whiter, says Vincent). Ospina likes to keep it simple when wearing blue lipstick by framing the eyes with a thin line of liquid eyeliner and buffing on a sheer, tinted moisturizer. "This color screams attention," says Ospina. "No need to fight it. The more discreet the rest of your makeup is, the better."
Ardency Inn Modster Long Play Supercharged Lip Color in Black is Blue, $25, available at Ardency Inn.
Purple
This time of year, we find ourselves reaching for our purple lipstick bullets almost daily. Since the color is so rich and vibrant, Vincent likes to pair it with more subdued makeup on the rest of the face. "Sheer-coverage foundation and soft eye makeup [will] let this color take center stage," he says. A light dusting of coral blush (Ospina likes Dim Infusion by Hourglass) will also complement the deep lipstick hue, says Ospina.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Violet Fatale, $52, available at Nordstrom.
Pink
Pink is an incredibly user-friendly shade that looks amazing as a stain or packed on boldly. Vincent loves going for monochromatic application for maximum impact. "It stops the color from looking too girly or too dated," he says. Keep all the eye, lip, and cheek shades in the same color family, using different shades and textures of pink. This adds a bit more sophistication to a been-there-done-that lipstick shade, and looks incredible with almost every skin tone.
NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Funny Face, $27, available at NARS Cosmetics.
Silver
Since silver is what Ospina likes to call a "fantasy shade," both artists love pairing it with dramatic eye makeup ("and lots of attitude," Vincent adds). A set of false eyelashes and a pop of pink blush easily add drama to the look, while balancing out the cool-toned, metallic effect of the lipstick.
Ka'Oir Wet Paint Collection Lipstick in Heavy Metal, $18.99, available at Ka'Oir Cosmetics.
Brown
Brown has quickly become the It nude. And for good reason: The shade looks good on nearly any skin tone. As a rule, Vincent suggests sweeping on some bronzer and a pop of blush on the cheeks to pair with brown lipstick. He also recommends adding a touch of gloss to the center of the lips to keep the color from looking flat, which can create an effect that's very '90s — and not in a good way.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown, $32, available at Charlotte Tilbury.
Black
"Despite general opinion, this color is sophisticated," says Ospina, who suggests switching things up by pairing a red dress with black lipstick. Vincent recommends keeping the skin natural in coverage and finish, and pairing the dark hue with a diffused smoky eye "as most people expect some hard liner look."
MAC Lipstick in Black Night, $17, available at MAC.
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