Lip stick & lip brush

1-Two years old lipstick is likely no longer good. It is probably dried out and hard, and full of bacteria (particularly if you put it directly on the lips). 12 to 18 months is about as long as a lipstick is good for. If the lipstick smells off-throw it out immediately.
3- Lip brushes should be available at any good druggist. They usually are retractable, and are fairly small. Online, Sephora has them, as does Sally Beauty. Walmart and Target stock them, too.
Your second point-colour-is very subjective. I like browns and mauves, but my sister (with my same colouring) prefers reds and plums. Some makeup lines have color selectors on line, where you put in your colouring and it picks "good" colours for your skin tone. You can go to a department store and check out the colours, but don't get pushed into buying something you dislike.

 

I change my lipsticks every year. But I usually use them up before the year is through though The fear is that bacteria may set in more than anything. If you're using a lip brush you have less chance of that happening but still a risk is always there. Plus, old lipstick may dry out your lips rather than moisturizing them.

My best advise came from a lady at the makeup counter at Macy's...no kidding!!! She tried some different shades and found that with my skin tone certain colors were best. Don't buy anything at that time....instead ask them for a sample so you can try it out for a couple of days. Most likely they will oblige. Same thing with blush and foundation. Este Lauder is good at giving samples.

You can get a lip brush at any store, basically. Walmart is the least expensive so try there first. It may come in sets of different sizes.