If you’re a regular here on WOM, you’ll know that I can’t leave my house without my signature pink lip.  I’ve been wearing YSL ‘Rouge Pur Couture’ in Tropical Pink (49) for years after discovering its perfect bubbly pink hue.

A signature lip color is something I strongly believe every woman should know about herself.  Discovering that signature shade all starts with knowing your skin color/tone.  Do you have warm, cool or neutral tones?  Having my “colors” analyzed a few years ago was game changing for me and something I think about constantly whenever picking our clothes and makeup.  By assessing your skin’s color and tone, you’ll be on your way to finding a lip color that will always be your finishing touch to a polished look, as well as a major confidence boost.  

The best way to find the perfect pink lipstick is to test out a lot of them.  Finding your signature color takes time; think of it like dating.  Consider setting up an appointment with a beauty professional at a makeup counter, or do it on your own with less expensive options from the drugstore.  This way, you’ll try a handful of textures and tones to find the perfect one.  

If you have a warm skin tone, you’ll want to find a pink lipstick that has more rosy, coral and orange warm undertones.  On the other hand, if you have a cool skin tone (like me), stick to pink lipsticks that have more blues and purples in them. If you’re still not sure about your skin tone, here are a few easy hacks to figure it out. 

The next thing to consider is the texture and finish you’re hoping to achieve: do you want a high-gloss or matte look?  I personally prefer high-gloss because matte makes my lips feel too dry.  Don’t get me wrong, matte is beautiful, but it’s just not for me.  Since I like a glossy finish, I’ve started to use NARS lip gloss (that has just a hint of pink) on top of my YSL Tropical Pink. 

Once you do find your signature pink lipstick, stock up!  They always seem to discontinue my favorites, and I’ve learned my lesson the hard way.  Tell me friends, have you found your perfect pink lipstick?!  Truly, MKR

Okay, so I’m no newbie to the concept of airbrush makeup.  I’ve always read that it’s the secret to a picture-perfect look, but I figured it was only done by professionals for extra-special occasions.  I actually had my makeup airbrushed for my wedding and LOVED the result.  But then again, it was my wedding!  Could it work for every day?  When Luminess Air reached out about trying two of its new airbrush makeup systems, I’ll admit: I was skeptical.  I mean, airbrush makeup??  It seemed like a lot of work!  Here I am trying to simplify my beauty routine, and the last thing I need is something to complicate it further. But int talking with the Luminess team they assured me they wanted my honest opinion, so I was game.  

I tried out both the Epic 2 and Legend, and my adventure into airbrushing was starting off pretty easy.  I just plugged in the Legend, and was ready to start.  Luckily, the packaging for both devices was really self explanatory, and since the Legend is designed for beginners, it was incredibly easy to get started.  (Thank goodness since there really is nothing worse than reading a long user manual for something simple like makeup.)  I first tested the trigger of the stylus on my face to get a feel for how much air would come out, and how fast. Once I felt comfortable with the trigger, I began with the primer knowing it was clear so any mistakes really couldn’t be seen.  Next up I tested the color of both foundations and the extras (blush and highlighter glow) on my forearm and hands.  Feeling good about how the primer went on, I was ready to apply the foundation to my face…which I literally nailed on my first shot.  I was truly amazed by how easy it was to apply, with only 2-3 drops of foundation needed.  And Luminess was right; the makeup wasn’t cakey.  Instead it felt light on my face, and gave me a very buildable base that actually looked natural enough for everyday.  Plus the application ended up being pretty fun.

The Legend, being the starter kit, is the more affordable option ($249) over the Epic 2 system (on sale for $299).  It’s also a bit smaller, making it less cumbersome to store and travel with.  But the Epic 2, on the other hand, takes airbrushing truly to the next level.  It includes a full digital touch-screen display that shows you tutorials and tips as you apply so if you’re a beauty junkie this system is for you.  Just like the Legend, the Epic 2 gave me a really light, beautiful color, perfect for layering as I added the blush.  While I may have started out a skeptic, I’m now believer in how simple airbrush makeup is, and pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed using it.  Will I use it everyday? Probably not, but most days you won’t catch me with makeup or foundation on at all.  But on those days when I actually put the effort in to get ready, you better believe I’ll be using this system.

Tell me friends, have you considered trying airbrush makeup out?!  I personally think it would make great such a great holiday gift for anyone beauty-obsessed on your list (it’s never too early to get your holiday shopping done). I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Truly, MKR