If you can, test a new lipstick on your lips to see its natural colour and how it looks on your skin (use a cotton bud). Alternatively, because the pads of your fingertips are closer to lip colour than the side of your hand, test it on the pads of your fingertips instead of the side of your hand. It will also reveal the lipstick's texture, such as whether it's very sheer, completely matte, sparkly, and so on. On the other hand, a matte finish tends to make lips appear thinner and ageing, whilst shimmering hues and glosses make lips appear larger.