When it comes to makeup, lipstick is the ultimate game-changer. The right shade can brighten your complexion, enhance your smile, and instantly elevate your look. But with thousands of hues on the market—from classic reds and sultry berries to trendy nudes and bold purples—choosing the perfect lipstick can be overwhelming.
The secret? It all comes down to your skin tone and undertone.
In this guide, we’ll help you decode your skin tone, understand your undertone, and find lipstick shades that make you shine. Whether you’re looking for a go-to everyday color or a dramatic night-out shade, this comprehensive lipstick guide has you covered.
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Why Skin Tone Matters in Lipstick Choice
Lipstick isn’t one-size-fits-all. The same color can look stunning on one person and washed out on another. Your skin tone determines how well a lipstick color complements your natural features, helping you avoid shades that clash or fade into your skin.
Pairing the right lipstick with your tone creates balance, enhances your features, and gives you that “put-together” glow. Let’s start by figuring out your skin tone.
Step 1: Identify Your Skin Tone
Skin tone generally falls into three main categories:
1. Fair to Light Skin
Your skin is pale and may burn easily in the sun. You often have pink or rosy undertones.
2. Medium to Olive Skin
Your skin tans easily and has a warm, golden, or neutral undertone.
3. Deep to Dark Skin
Your skin is rich and melanin-rich with deep golden, red, or blue undertones.
Step 2: Determine Your Undertone
Your undertone is the subtle hue beneath your skin’s surface. It doesn't change with sun exposure and is key to selecting complementary makeup shades.
There are three main undertones:
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Cool: Hints of blue, pink, or red.
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Warm: Hints of yellow, peach, or golden.
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Neutral: A mix of warm and cool tones.
How to Find Your Undertone:
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Check your veins: If your veins look blue or purple, you're cool-toned. Green veins indicate warm tones. Can’t tell? You’re likely neutral.
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Silver or gold test: Silver jewelry looks better on cool tones; gold flatters warm tones.
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White paper test: Hold a piece of white paper next to your face in natural light. If your skin appears pink, you’re cool. If it looks yellowish, you’re warm.
Best Lipstick Shades by Skin Tone
Now that you know your skin tone and undertone, here’s a breakdown of the best lipstick shades for each type:
💄 For Fair to Light Skin Tones
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Cool Undertones:
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Soft pinks
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Rose
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Cranberry
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Berry reds
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Warm Undertones:
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Peachy nudes
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Coral
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Warm pinks
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Orange-reds
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Neutral Undertones:
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Mauve
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Dusty rose
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Soft apricots
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Pro Tip: Avoid lipsticks that are too pale, which can make you look washed out.
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💄 For Medium to Olive Skin Tones
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Cool Undertones:
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Plum
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Cherry red
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Mauve-pinks
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Warm Undertones:
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Terracotta
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Brick red
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Copper
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Warm corals
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Neutral Undertones:
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Rosewood
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Spiced nude
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True reds
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Pro Tip: Olive skin wears bold colors beautifully—experiment with vibrant hues!
💄 For Deep to Dark Skin Tones
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Cool Undertones:
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Deep wine
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Blue-based reds
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Bold berry shades
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Warm Undertones:
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Chocolate brown
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Burnt orange
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Copper reds
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Warm burgundies
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Neutral Undertones:
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True plum
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Rich nude
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Mulberry
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Pro Tip: Embrace richness—deeper colors bring out the natural warmth and depth of dark skin tones.
Tips for Trying on Lipstick
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Use a clean base: Apply foundation or concealer on your lips to see the true shade.
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Try it in natural light: Store lighting can distort how a shade appears.
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Don’t forget lip liner: It enhances shape and prevents feathering.
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Moisturize first: Dry lips don’t hold color well—use a balm or primer.
Trending Lipstick Finishes to Try
Aside from color, finish matters. Choose one that fits your style:
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Matte: Bold and long-lasting, great for dramatic looks.
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Glossy: High-shine, youthful, and perfect for adding volume.
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Satin: A balance between matte and gloss—natural and elegant.
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Creamy: Hydrating with full pigment—ideal for dry lips.
Choosing Lipstick for the Occasion
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Everyday Wear: Stick to nudes, pinks, or MLBB (My Lips But Better) shades.
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Work/Professional Settings: Opt for soft mauves, browns, or rose tones.
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Evening/Night Out: Go bold with reds, deep berries, or statement shades.
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Final Thoughts: Confidence Is Key
At the end of the day, the perfect lipstick is the one that makes you feel beautiful. While your skin tone and undertone can guide your choice, don’t be afraid to break the rules and try something new. Experimenting with color is part of the fun!
Explore Your Perfect Shade
Ready to find your match? Browse our curated lipstick collections by skin tone and finish—designed to bring out your best features.
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