How do I choose the perfect lip color?

Observe yourself but remember color is an accessory. What color is your wardrobe and what color are you currently wearing? Select three colors in the same range- light, medium and dark. Try on each color and pick the one you feel most comfortable wearing.

I could really use some lipstick tips -- any suggestions?

That depends on what you’re going for. For a natural lip look- cover the entire lip area with a pencil close to your lips natural shade. For intensified color- apply pencil over the entire lip area followed by a coordinating lipstick. For fuller lips- outline lips slightly outside the lip line and fill in with lipstick. In most cases you will want a pencil slightly darker than the lipstick. (Remember the lips have more color then the surrounding skin. Therefore the darker pencil is necessary to compensate). To correct uneven lips- Simply even the lips with the lip pencil and fill with lipstick. To minimize lipstick bleeding- Outline the lips with a broad line using a lip pencil. Powder the pencil line. Fill in the lips with lipstick, but carry the lipstick just up to the lip pencil. This helps set a barrier for the more emollient lipstick.