Whether you want to admit it or not, most women look better when they wear lipstick. It can make all the difference. It’s all about the little details, something that can take a look from an average to a more attractive and stylish look. 

That single colour done in an appropriate manner does miracles to enhance a woman’s looks than any other makeup product.

Still, some women refuse to wear lipstick; not because they do not want to, but because they simply do not know how to apply it, or find the colour that will work best for them.

However, on today’s market, there are a variety of lipsticks, ranging from lip gloss, lip balms, lip butters, lip stains, lip creams, lip gels, to mention but a few.

Charles Karangwa, a cosmetics seller in  Kigali’s Commercial Centre, says there are also plenty of colours of makeup products, which range from: pink, coral, red, brown, colourless and much more.

"For some women and girls, finding the perfect product may turn into a lifelong process; especially given the fact that they all look attractive to them.”

Forget all about the religious and customary beliefs. Any woman can wear at least any lipstick of her choice, as longer as her intention is not based on any other motives.

"Of course, some women like to be noticed and draw attention to their faces,” says Mimi Gwiza, adding that ‘some women use it to improve on their looks.”

Talking to people around Kigali, at least 30 percent of women and men admitted that lipstick does not only make a woman look beautiful, but also "adds to her elegance.” Some women apply excessive lipsticks, just like most make-ups they use.

"I’m obsessed with makeup products, and I must be honest that often I apply lipsticks excessively,” Sharon Umurerwa.

Umurerwa says that the reason she wears lipstick is to nourish her lips so that they stay soft and supple. Depending on one’s skin undertone, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a specific colour.

For example, women whose skin undertone colour is green or pink can wear light red lipstick. But how do you get it? Women must be mindful of their skin’s natural undertones.

When wearing colours, it’s important to keep the rest of your makeup neutral. This saves you from looking overdone and allows your lips to be the focal point of your look. In the name of beauty, women are undergoing a struggle in search for the perfect make-up products.

"Sometimes I find myself getting discouraged with most colours. I try to blend a few red lipsticks together to find a shade that works for me,” says Pamela Umutoni.

Why wearing lipsticks is trendy? The use of lipstick is not a new tendency because it has been there for ages. Gleaming lips can be a nightmare if applied incorrectly. For example, too much lipstick or failing to choose the right colour matching the undertone might be a disaster.

Claire Batamuriza runs a saloon in Nyamirambo. She says that just as you would do with any other cosmetic, when choosing a colour one must keep the skin tone in mind.

Now that choosing is a little bit easier, let’s focus on finding the right "type” of lipstick, since much of this depends on age and the occasion.

Some products, like lip-gloss or lip balms are popular because it only adds softness, moisture with the intent being to make the  lips to glow.

"Some of these products are nice because they make the lips soft and supple, but one has to know which colour to wear and when,” says Tina Uwagaga adding that "For example, heavy colours should only be worn on informal occasions.”

However, despite its economic productivity (fashion tool), lipstick is considered a possible health risk, and scientists warn that chemicals found in lipstick and nail varnish could trigger breast cancer.

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