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Orange Crush

Wed., Apr. 7, 2010 ,12:03 pm EDT


Ian Gavan/Getty Images

Don't think you could pull-off a bright orange lip, like Selena's? Think again. From sheer gloss to matte lipstick, there's a formula out there for everyone.

Step One: Identify Your Undertones.
First, you'll need to determine your skin tone. Have pink, red, beige or brown undertones? You're considered "cool." If your skin has a yellow, olive or bronze tint to it, you're "warm."

Now that that's settled, you can find your best shade — of any lip color — in a flash. In terms of orange hues, opt for blue and pink undertones if you're cool, and brown, red and golden if you're warm.

Our picks: (W) Shu Uemura Vinyl Unlimited Lip Gloss in Orange ($20, ShuUemura-USA.com); Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Fruity Orange ($28, Sephora.com), Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte in Orange Shiver ($34, YSLBeautyUS.com), NARS Lipstick in Outsider ($24, Sephora.com); (C) Make Up For Ever Lipstick in Flourescent Orange 201 ($19, Sephora.com), Philosophy Beach Girl Lip Shine ($10, Philosophy.com), Korres Cherry Oil Lip Gloss ($17, KorresUSA.com).

Step Two: Seek Your Most Flattering Finish.
If your lips are thin, opt for a glossy finish when experimenting with bold hues, and a sheer finish when going matte. Also, try priming your pout with a lip plumper for added effect.

Have a full kisser? Go matte when wearing strong shades and glossy when going sheer. Lip liner can also help to define and minimize your mouth, if that's a concern.

Step Three: Find Your Comfort Zone.
If you're fearful of orange tones, don't purchase bright, opaque lipsticks on a whim. You'll never wear them (and won't look comfortable when you do). Instead, experiment with lip stains, balms and sheer glosses to find your best look. Or, if you've already invested in look-at-me lippies, dab a little in the center of your lips and coat with clear (or sheer) lip gloss to minimize impact and maximize wear.

Will you be wearing an orange lip this season?