Just like the color black can make you look slimmer and white can make you look larger; the lip color you choose can also make a difference. That’s right! There are actually certain shades that can make your teeth appear whiter and others that can make them appear more yellow.
“The lips and the surrounding soft tissue is key to framing the smile,” says Las Vegas cosmetic dentist Dr. Joe Willardsen. “Creating contrast between the teeth and the lips can enhance the smile. Using the right colors can also be used to draw attention away from a smile if desired.”
There are also go-to shades to make your white teeth stand out if you prefer. True reds and berry shades boost brightness by reflecting off your smile, says New York cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mitchell Charnas. A great option is Dolce & Gabbana’s Classic Cream Lipstick in Devil ($30).
Choose lipsticks and glosses with blue undertones as these are the shades that will make your teeth look whiter. That’s because the “blue tones counteract with yellow in enamel, making your smile appear instantly whiter,” says Dr. Charnas. We love Lipstick Queen Saint Lipstick in Saint Rose ($22).
Shiny nude glosses are a good option if your teeth are starting to show their age. The shimmer in a neutral shade “reflects against graying enamel, creating an illusion that teeth are shinier than they actually are.” Dr. Charnas suggests glo·minerals Gloss in Naked ($16).
While the above shades can have a positive affect on your smile, there are also some that your should avoid. Bright orange and yellow toned reds actually emphasize the yellow in your teeth. Additionally, pale pinks, frosts and mattes can accentuate any stains in your teeth and also make your teeth look dull.
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