Since an episode ofThe Doctors suggested that you should match your lip shade to your nipple to flatter your skin tone, the internet has gone into a tailspin—literally.
Here, a slew of real women put the theory to the test and reflect on the uncharted, bosom-swatching experience, as well as the final results, which range from pleasantly surprised to unintentionally grunge.
1. Chelsea Peng, Assistant Editor
"It was really hard to match without taking my top off, but I was wearing overalls and an extremely puffy shirt underneath, and I didn't feel like dealing with that many straps. Which might explain how I came out with a shade that was a bit more PLUMMY than it looked in the tube/on my hand. (I don't have purple nipples, don't worry.) Jazmin said it looked great, though, but I didn't believe her because '90s brown lips are not my aesthetic. Nipples are a good starting point, but be smart and look at your FACE. Because that's where lipstick goes, duh."
2. Taylore Glynn, Beauty and Health Assistant
"Because I'm on the pale side, I thought a nipple-matched lip shade would wash me out. And of course, in my head, my nips were also some adorable shade of baby pink, which I quickly realized is not the case. After swatching three colors that seemed identical, I settled on a dusty rose hue that was surprisingly flattering once applied. It grew on me so much that I stole it from the shoot—sorry, guys! I also dug how feminine the process was…you can't get any more 'natural' than this."
3. Mehera Bonner, Senior Entertainment Editor
"The shade I ended up with was far too pink for my face, I would have preferred an orange, glowier look to complement my tan skin. So I guess moral of the story is I wish I had orange nipples and this test did not work for me. The end. Bye."
4. Rosa Heyman, Social Editor
"Generally I don't believe in science (JK, I'm not our government), but this color-matching theory is definitely onto something. It was challenging to match the lip shade with my nipple—could have used better lighting and a second opinion, honestly—so I don't think the shade I put on was actually a perfect match. I still liked how it looked, and making everyone around me uncomfortable when I told them I was wearing my nipple shade."
5. Jazmin Jones, Video Editor
"I was SO EXCITED to put this philosophy to the test! However, I was underwhelmed by the end result as I own several lipsticks in the same hue anyway. It did seem flattering in a subtle way. But turns out the shock value was far more conceptual than visual."
6. Lauren Valenti, Beauty Editor
"As much as I love color theory, I was especially skeptical about this one as the complexion on my face differs ever so slightly from that on my body. And in retrospect, it's clear I totally rushed the matching process. The shade I ended up with is darker and more purple than it should have been. I looked unintentionally grunge. Never. Again."
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