Find out if Mauve Lipstick shades complement you

Mauve was the very first synthetic dye that was ever created. According to the Jubilee of the discovery of mauve, it was discovered accidentally in 1859 by chemist William Henry Perkin.   Perkin was attempting to find a cure for malaria.  Back then, malaria was treated with quinine, but it was expensive, so Perkin was trying to formulate synthetic quinine.  Instead of quinine, he created the first synthetic dye.  He noticed that the sludge residue he concocted had a bright bluish purple hue and the color stained textiles and still kept its vibrancy.  Initially called Tyrian Purple, the dye was changed to the name of mauve as a new way to market the color.

Mauve was such a vibrant color that it became all the rage in the 1890s and was a color sought after by women who wanted textile colors other than the drab dye that was currently available.  It's popularity was somewhat short-lived as mauve paved the way for other synthetic dyes to hit the marketplace, so the desire for mauve waned.

Mauve made a comeback in the 1980s as flashy, vibrant colors were the style that was in vogue once again.  Clothing and makeup were bold and heavily pigmented.  In 2019, if you're thinking that mauve is a shade of lipstick relegated to your grandma's medicine cabinet, think again.  Mauve, that pinkish, purple color that was such a hot color a few decades ago is back with a vengeance.  Mauve is back to being a fashion-forward trend.  

Ready or not, here it comes!

So, what color is mauve anyway?  Mauve is one of the few colors that can traverse multiple color palettes.  Mauve runs between the colors pink, rose and lavender.  Some delve into the brownish-pink too.  But, before you rush out and buy the first mauve lip gloss you come across in the store, take a moment to survey all of your options.

You will need to know what your skin tone is before you reach for the mauve.  Because there are so many shades of mauve, you want to get the right one.  You must choose the most flattering shade of mauve lipstick to match your skin tone.

If your skin tone is on the light side, reach for a mauve shade that skews toward the lighter pinks and purples.  If you go for the deeper, richer mauves, it will look unnatural against your fair skin.  Here are some of the best lipsticks that you can buy over the counter that will work best for fair skin.

This is my absolute favorite lip color.  It's a liquid matte lip gloss so it goes on smoothly and is long lasting. This is the type of lipstick that you only need to apply once and it stays on all day.  You read that correctly.  One coat is all you need and your lips will look fabulous all day long! It dries quickly to a matte finish so there is virtually no waiting. 

Contains vitamin E that will keep your lips hydrated and kissable. Mynena cosmetics are vegan, cruelty-free and contain no paraben.

I like using a lip tint when I want a more natural daytime look.  The tint gives a hint of color so it isn't overpowering. On days when you don't feel like wearing makeup, but you also do not want to look like a walking cadaver, reach for Revlon's Pink IRL lip tint for a subtle pop of color.  Coconut is one of the key ingredients, and it leaves your lips hydrated and nourished.

Maybelline's Firmly Mauve is part of the Superstay 24 liquid lipstick kits.  It's a kit because there is a dual end applicator.  One side is for the lovely shade of mauve and the other contains a lip conditioning balm.  Apply the color first. I like to apply two coats. Allow drying before adding the second coat. Once the second coat is dried, apply the lip conditioning balm.  This brand stays on throughout the day. The 24 in its branding represents 24 hours, so that is how long it is supposed to last.  It really does stay put as you eat and drink during the day. You need a makeup remover to get this lipstick off at the end of the day.

L'Paige's Frosted Amethyst adds just the right amount of shimmer without being overwhelming.  This lipstick is formulated with beeswax and Aloe Vera, so it not only adds beautiful color to your face, but it also moisturizes dry lips.  This brand contains sunscreen with an SPF of 25 to protect your lips from sun damage. L'Paige does not test its products on animals.  Made without harsh ingredients such as lead, aluminum and petroleum.

Lorac PRO's Mauve Vanilla is a flattering shade for fair skinned women.  This lipstick is applied like a gloss and dries to a matte finish.  It is easy to apply because it has a pointed applicator which allows you to add the color to precisely where you want it to go.

The dusty rose tint is super moisturizing.  Lorac has formulated this product with Vitamins C and E, along with a host of antioxidant ingredients such as acai, and pomegranate.

If your skin tone is darker, you should look into the mauve shades that are deeper pinks and purples.  The darker colors will pop against your dark skin tone.  Here are some of the best lipsticks that you can purchase over the counter that looks great if you have a dark skin tone.

Milani's Uptown Mauve shade of lipstick is the best bargain you will find.  It is less expensive than most lipsticks, but goes on smoothly and feels like a luxury brand.  The color is rich and has deep pigmentation, resulting in a vibrant mauve.   This lipstick stays on for a long time, even in hot temperatures, so go ahead and sweat without losing your lip color. 

L'Oreal Paris' Color Riche Le Gloss in Mystic Mauve skews more towards the brownish pink color palette.  It is a great choice for your daytime look for work.  It's sexy, but not too crazy.  It is a gloss product and is super shiny.  Formulated with Argan oil, Omega 3 and Vitamin E, Mystic Mauve will hydrate your lips and leave them feeling plump and moist at the end of the day.  The best selling point of this lipstick is the high level of gloss that you can achieve. 

I will admit that I had my doubts about this one.  When I think of COVERGIRL cosmetics, I think of the makeup that I wore as a teenager in high school, and I am far more sophisticated than that girl.  Guess, what?  This is a great shade of lipstick! First of all, this lipstick line is promoted as lasting 24 hours and it delivers on that front.

The color is vibrant and comes with a top coat that adds lustrous shine, so you are really getting two products in one!  You can use the topcoat with any of your lipsticks. Apply the Moonlight Mauve tint first and allow it to dry for one minute.  Once it is dry, apply the topcoat.  You will need to re-apply the topcoat throughout the day, but the mauve color will stay put.

This Smoky Lavendar Pearl provides a frosty high sheen to your lips.  MODE has created a creamy lipstick that packs a powerful punch of color.  This lipstick is super hydrating because it has been created with avocado oil, sweet almond oil, Vitamin E, organic Shea butter and beeswax.  At the end of the day when you remove your makeup, you will notice the difference in your lips because they will be highly nourished.  MODE's lipsticks are cruelty-free.

Burt's Bees lipsticks are so moisturizing that I want to wear their cosmetics every day.  My lips always feel softer after using their products.  The Tulip Tide color is a pinky-violet shade that is flattering on those with dark toned skin. Burt's Bees is made with 100% natural ingredients and made with no parabens.  Burt's Bees lipstick contains beeswax, Vitamin E, Moringa oil and red raspberry oil to drench your lips in moisture.  The manufacturer claims the lipstick will moisturize your lips for eight hours.

There you have it!  10 wonderful shades of mauve that you can try out and see if they are flattering to your skin tone.  You should have fun with your lipsticks.  If you are fair skinned, but you totally love the deeper purple pigmented mauves that are recommended for darker tones, go for it anyway.  At the end of the day, the only person that you need to please is yourself.