Picking a lipstick color is far from easy, which is probably why there are so many different ways to go about it. You can surf reviews, hit up Sephora to swatch your arm into colorful oblivion, or look to the shades worn by celebs with similar complexions. Or, you can rely on the actual stars. (That is, if you're feeling open, curious, and maybe even a bit cosmic!)We've got the aforementioned feels ourselves, so we tapped R29's resident astrology duo, the AstroTwins, to help direct us to the lip products best suited for each star sign in 2016. In other words, the colors and formulas that will enliven, empower, and perfectly complement the energy the cosmos gives off. "For most of 2016, every zodiac sign is encouraged to step way out of character with beauty and style choices," Ophira Edut, one half of the duo, tells us. "Jupiter, the planet of adventure and growth, is visiting Virgo and guiding us to take some interesting risks with our look." Sounds good to us — we're always up for an adventure.
Here's how it worked: We narrowed down the selection to 12 formulas we absolutely love, in a variety of shades, finishes, and intensities. Some are old favorites (Clinique's '90s favorite Black Honey and MAC's always-flattering Ruby Woo), while others are very of-the-moment (Milk Makeup's just-released Lip Marker and ColourPop's Lip Kit dupe, Beeper).
And don't fret — we won't leave you hanging when it comes to learning how to actually apply these beauties. For guidance on pulling off your sign's lip color, we tapped celebrity makeup artist Molly R. Stern, whose résumé is thick with star power (Reese Witherspoon, Lily Collins, Ashley Benson).
Ahead, you'll find a universally flattering, editor-selected lip color expertly assigned to your sign by a powerhouse astrology duo, complete with tips for wearing it from one of the biggest celebrity makeup artists working today. We admit, the stars really did align on this one — now get clickin'!
Aries
The AstroTwins Say: "Normally the trendsetters of the zodiac, Aries are encouraged to try a more clean, fresh, and natural palette. Cruelty-free, vegan, and organic products are especially favored, and earth-toned or dark hues can work, like this."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "The applicator on this makes the color wash over the lips with a stain, instead of masking the lips. These formulas are great for if you like a full face of makeup, because it’s going to give you the mahogany color, but still have a modern breeze about it."
Milk Makeup Lip Marker in Rare Breed, $20, available at Urban Outfitters.
Taurus
The AstroTwins Say: "You're a classic sign but with Jupiter in your fiery, flamboyant fifth house this year, Bulls are encouraged to step out of that conservative palette and turn some heads. This classic MAC color lets you be yourself — only brighter and bolder."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "This red has got pop and depth all at once. Its brightness works beautifully with most every skin tone, and looks gorgeous blotted down and pressed into the lip as a stain. A fresh way to rock a classic red lip is to pair it with a golden, bronzed eye, a soft cheek, and a hint of highlighter."
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $17, available at Nordstrom.
Gemini
The AstroTwins Say: "You tend to be trendy and even tomboyish, the first one to try an outrageous color off the usual spectrum. But in 2016, 'classic feminine' is your beauty M.O. Try it — it could be one of the alter egos you haven't yet explored."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "A classic! This wash of color is gorgeous; it's the perfect veil of berry, feels amazing on, and wears well."
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $17, available at Sephora.
Cancer
The AstroTwins Say: "With Jupiter in your trendsetting third house, your uber-feminine sign needs to mix it up. You tend to find your go-to shade and stick to it loyally (like, for decades), but now it's time to experiment. Since you're a frugal sign, try this affordable option from Nyx so you can play without breaking the beauty bank."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "This coral wall of color is gorgeous...it’s bold with some island references. Exfoliating the lips will give this shade the stage it deserves. Fresh's Sugar Lip Polish does a great job of making the lips smooth as silk. Wear this with a peach wash on the eye and a heavy, brown-mascaraed lashline."
Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Manila, $6, available at Nyx.
Leo
The AstroTwins Say: "Normally the first to reach for a high-gloss bright, Jupiter in your sophisticated second house beckons you to reach for a more understated hue and texture this year. Your sign mate, Kylie Jenner, has the perfect matte solution for inspiration."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "Exfoliation prior to application is recommended. Even massaging a little raw sugar mixed into coconut oil into your pout before applying it will help keep the surface of the lip smooth to rock the matte stain all day."
ColourPop Liquid Lipstick in Beeper, $6, available at ColourPop.
Virgo
The AstroTwins Say: "Express yourself! With wild-hearted Jupiter in your sign, you can break away from your refined routine and be as bold and bright as you want. You're having an audacious year, so this lipstick is perfectly named for you."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "I love the fiery-orange base this shade has. The formula is opaque, so it’s great with a super-fresh face. It can also be added to the center of a deeper shade of red for instant dimension and pop."
NARS Audacious Lipstick in Lana, $32, available at NARS.
Libra
The AstroTwins Say: "Jupiter is in your 12th house of fantasy now, encouraging a dreamy, soft-lit, glamorous vibe. Go for some ethereal, mermaid-inspired shimmer."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "These Rouge Coco colors are so fun to wear. They feel amazing on the lips and have a perfect ratio of shine versus color. This color would look amazing on fresh, flushed skin, with clean brows and a crisp lashline."
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy, $37, available at Chanel.
Scorpio
The AstroTwins Say:"With Jupiter in your humanitarian and lighthearted 11th house, step away from those super-dark colors and go for something more colorful. This non-GMO line will also suit your world-changing vibes of this year."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "This shade is a great universal tone. It deposits a nice pop of color while still feeling sheer and moisturizing. It’s great on its own, but works wonderfully as a finishing gloss [over other lip colors, too]. It would be the shade I [keep] in my purse to get me through the day or night."
Kari Gran Color Lip Whip in Radiant Orchid, $20, available at Sephora.
Sagittarius
The AstroTwins Say: "With Jupiter in your sophisticated 10th house, it's time for some high-end hues and brands. Skip the blinding brights and cheapo glosses, and invest in a shade that can go from the boardroom to the bedroom."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "It’s great to give a little scrub to the lips when staining with a dark shade, as sometimes these tones can grab onto dry skin. You can exfoliate your lips gently by taking a damp toothbrush and massaging it in a circular motion, then applying a great balm to soothe the lips. After a few minutes, blot the balm and apply the color for a sheer, yet rich, lip. This tone would be gorgeous with silvery accents on the eye and a soft, rosy cheek."
YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 33 Bourgogne Artistique, $36, available at YSL Beauty.
Capricorn
The AstroTwins Say: "Your sign usually veers toward barely-there shades in earthier tones, but with Jupiter in your adventurous and outspoken ninth house, your lips need to make a statement that matches your bold words."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "This is another combination type of product where you get a lot of bang in one wand. If you keep the tones of the eyes to violet or brown undertones, you give the lips center stage."
Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Lacquer in 400, $38, available at Sephora.
Aquarius
The AstroTwins Say: "It's sexy-time for you, Aquarius, a departure from your friendly and casual M.O. With Jupiter in your intimate eighth house, channel some mysterious vibes with a darker and more unusual shade."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says:"This rich shade is super-sexy with a dark smoky eye. Keep the skin bare, and then smudge a kohl in gray or navy blue around the lashes, smudging up, down, and out. By contrasting the bare skin with the dark eye and lip, you raise the rock-‘n’-roll bar."
Surratt Automatique Lip Crayon in 7 Deep in Vogue, $34, available at Barneys New York.
Pisces
The AstroTwins Say: "With Jupiter in your relationship house, you may be doing a lot of kissing and making up — or making out — in 2016. Keep your lips bright and hydrated with this tint."
Makeup Artist Molly R. Stern Says: "This shade packs a punch with saturation, but its softly tacky finish gives the lips a longer lasting glisten. Again, even though it’s bright, it has a translucent quality that makes it very universal and wearable. This shade looks great with fun eyeliner. It’s neutral while staying bright, so it complements a bold color on the eye."
Tarte Power Pigment in Flush, $24, available at Sephora.
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