How to Shop for Custom Lip Shades

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Summer is all but over, but we’re still inspired by New York City’s Jazz Age Lawn Party, which brings a mix of glamour, picnic, and costume straight out of the 1920s twice in the season. But how does one learn the Charleston in the summer heat while not becoming a sweaty mess? Or how do you carry that look into colder seasons? Event creator Analucia McGorty stopped by Racked HQ to share tales of whimsy (people have actually met their significant others at the event over the past 12 years!) and tips on dressing the part, including how to shop for a custom lip shade, like the one whipped up for the Jazz Age Lawn Party.

Rouge Makeup Salon teamed up with Jazz Age Lawn Party this year to offer an exclusive lip shade worthy of any 1920s event. The “deep, vampy red” was created in-house to pay homage to the decade and will be worn by (and was inspired by!) dance troops The Dreamland Follies and The Canarsie Wobblers. It’s bold but also sheer, and it’s fig-scented, and you don’t need to be in a vintage dance troop to pull it off.

Rouge also gave us highlights about the custom creations it offers at its midtown Manhattan and SoHo locations and tips on how to find a custom lip shade for yourself. Lip glosses, lipsticks, highlighters, and powders can be tailored to meet your needs and concerns based on skin type, undertones, or preference, makeup artist Athena told us.

1. To create a one-of-a-kind lipstick, bring a list of your likes and dislikes to help the creators pull together exactly what you want. The more specific, the better: Do you wear makeup all day? Are you allergic to anything? Do you reapply? What else will you wear with it?
2. The creation process begins by mixing the color. Now is the time to pick natural or bold, but don’t rush it — the salon has every color imaginable and can mix as many times as needed to find your perfect shade.
3. Next, choose the texture. If you’re looking for more moisture, you’re advised to stick with something similar to a balm for maximum hydration. For your finish, choose between matte, frosted, sheen, etc — the options are limitless.
4. Finally, let the creation process take you back to your elementary school chapstick days with a signature aroma. Pick one scent, or mix a few.

It only takes four easy steps to have something everyone will envy and that was made specifically for your preferences. And in a world of Kylie Jenner lookalikes, it’s nice to have a makeup product all your own.

We’re giving away the custom Rouge Jazz Age Lawn Party lipstick you see in this video. Join our exclusive Racked Lounge Facebook group before Sept 1 to win your own shade.