How to Mix Lipstick Shades Like a Pro for Custom Colors

Lipstick is one of the most popular items in any woman's makeup bag. With the ubiquity of social media and beauty influencers, there has been a growing trend toward custom lipstick shades, or creating a unique color by mixing two or more shades. This can be a great way to express your individuality and stand out from the crowd. However, if you are not a makeup artist or a color expert, you might find yourself struggling to create a coherent and aesthetically pleasing hue. Fear not: we have gathered some tips and tricks to help you mix lipstick shades like a pro for custom colors!

1. Know your shades
The first step in mixing lipstick shades is to get to know the colors you will be working with. You will need a basic understanding of the color wheel and the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Primary colors are red, yellow, and blue, and you can mix them to create secondary colors (green, orange, and purple). Tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary colors. Knowing which colors are warm or cool can also help you get desirable results. For example, blue-based reds tend to look better on cooler skin tones, while orange-based reds work better with warmer skin tones. In general, if you want to mix two shades of lipstick, try to choose colors that share the same undertones.

2. Use a mixing palette
To mix lipstick shades like a pro, you will need a mixing palette. This can be a small dish or a piece of plastic wrap. Scoop a small amount of each lipstick shade you want to mix onto the palette, making sure there is enough space to mix them together. Experiment with different ratios until you get the desired shade.

3. Create a custom lip palette
If you mix different shades of lipstick regularly, it might be a good idea to create a custom lip palette. You can either buy a pre-made palette or make your own by scraping lipstick off the tube and transferring it onto a clean palette, using a spatula or a toothpick. Arrange the shades in a way that makes sense to you, either by color or undertone.

4. Add a clear base
If you have a lipstick that is too dark or too bright for your liking, you can add a clear or nude lipstick as a base and then layer it with the original shade. This will tone down the intensity and give you a more wearable color. Similarly, you can add a white or light pink lipstick to a darker shade to lighten it up.

5. Blend, blend, blend
To make sure your custom lipstick shade looks seamless and natural, you need to blend it well. Use a lip brush or your finger to blend the shades together, making sure there are no harsh lines or clumps. You can also try blotting your lips with a tissue to remove excess product and create a more matte finish.

6. Have fun!
The most important rule of mixing lipstick shades like a pro is to have fun and experiment! Mixing different colors can be intimidating at first, but it's also a great way to discover new shades and combinations that you might not have thought of before. Don't be afraid to mix bold and unusual colors, you might be pleasantly surprised by the results!

In conclusion, mixing lipstick shades like a pro for custom colors is all about knowing your colors, using a mixing palette, creating a custom lip palette, adding a clear base, blending well, and having fun. By following these tips and tricks, you will be able to create unique and personalized lipstick shades that will make you stand out and feel confident. Happy mixing!