How to Pick Lipstick Color: A Guide for Every Skin Tone (2025)

Choosing the right lipstick shade can be a game-changer. Knowinghow to pick lipstick colorcan enhance your overall makeup look and boost your confidence.

The goal is to find shades that complement yourskin tone, match youroutfits, and fit variousoccasions.

In this article, we’ll guide you through understanding yourskin undertones, how to balance yourlip colorwith the rest of your makeup routine, and tips for choosing colors for different settings.

You’ll also learn about variations likenude lipstick shadesfor everyday wear and bold colors likered lipstickfor special events.

By the end, you’ll have practical knowledge on selecting the perfect lipstick, tips for longer-lasting wear, and insights into trendinglipstick finishes.

Dive in, and let’s make picking the ideallipstick coloreffortless and enjoyable.

Identifying Your Skin Tone

Main Types of Skin Tones

Light skin tone often has a milky or pale quality. The hues that complement light skin include soft pinks, light peaches, and subtle nudes. These shades enhance the natural fairness without overwhelming the complexion.

Fair skin tone can have a slight warmth to it. This tone benefits from colors like warm peaches, light corals, and rose pinks. These hues accentuate the slight warmth and bring a gentle glow.

Medium skin tone possesses golden and olive characteristics. It pairs well with colors such as rich browns, vibrant corals, berry shades, and deep reds. These shades highlight the golden and olive undertones, giving a radiant look.

Dark skin tone is marked by richness and depth. Suitable hues include deep plums, rich browns, and bold reds. These shades enhance the natural depth of the skin tone.

Tips for Determining Your Skin Tone

Examining the jawline area is crucial to identify your natural color. The jawline often has the most consistent skin tone, making it easier to determine whether you fall into the light, fair, medium, or dark category.

Considering sun exposure effects on skin tone can also help. Observe how your skin reacts to the sun. Do you burn easily, or do you tan quickly?

Those who burn easily may have a lighter skin tone, while those who tan may fall under medium to dark categories. Understanding this helps in selecting the perfect lipstick shade.

Determining Your Undertone

Understanding Undertones

Undertones are like thelayered colorsbeneath your skin. Unlike surface color, these undertones are constant.

They guide you in choosing the right shades that complement your natural hue. Think of them as the roadmap that directs you towardwarm, cool, or neutral color compatibility.

Identifying Your Undertone

Cool Undertones

Look at your veins.

Are they blue or purple? This is a key indicator of cool undertones. People with cool undertones often notice thatsilver jewelrylooks more flattering on them.

Warm Undertones

Check your veins again.

Do they appear greenish? If so, you likely have warm undertones. Another hint?You tan easilyand look great ingold jewelry. These subtle clues help pinpoint your undertone.

Neutral Undertones

Notice mixed features.

Do your veins seem to show both blueandgreen hues? If you have a blend of pink and yellow undertones, you fall into the neutral category. One advantage here? You can pull off both silver and gold jewelry effortlessly.

Exploring Lipstick Shade Families for Each Undertone

Best Lipstick Shades for Cool Undertones

Characteristics:Think pink, red, and blue-based shades. These colors complement the cool nuances in your complexion.

Recommended Shades:

• Deep cherry redsand berry tones are fantastic for making a bold statement.
• Mauvesare versatile and look effortlessly chic.
• Light pinks work well for fair skin, giving a soft, delicate pop of color.
• For neutral looks, cool beige tones are the go-to.

Best Lipstick Shades for Warm Undertones

Characteristics:Peach, orange, and golden-based shades are your best friends. They seamlessly blend with warmer skin tones.

Recommended Shades:

• Coraladds a vibrant touch, perfect for a sunny day.
• Terracottaoffers a rich, earthy feel.
• Rich roseshades provide a sophisticated, warm look.
• Light warm nudes are great for fair skin, bringing out a natural glow.
• For deeper tones,rich brownsadd depth and elegance.

Best Lipstick Shades for Neutral Undertones

Characteristics:Lucky you! You get the best of both worlds—flexibility with warm and cool tones.

Recommended Shades:

• Mauvesand soft rose shades are always a safe bet for a fresh look.
• Classic nudescan be your everyday go-to.
• Want to amp it up?Deep redsand berry hues are perfect for a bold look.

Lipstick Finishes and How They Affect the Look

Different lipstick finishes can completely transform your look and affect how your lips feel.

Matte, cream, and sheer finisheseach bring unique attributes.

• A matte finish offers a bold, non-shiny effect.
• A cream finish provides a soft, smooth appearance.
• A sheer finish gives a light, glossy touch.

It’s crucial to match the finish to your desired look and lip health. Dry lips? Maybe skip the matte. Want something lasting? Creams are versatile. Quick touch-ups? Sheers are your go-to.

Types of Finishes

Matte Finish

Characteristics:Highly pigmented and non-shiny, perfect for a statement lip.

It makes your lips look fuller and can hide any imperfections.

Matte is ideal for enhancing lip volume.

Cream Finish

Characteristics:A blend of wax and oils gives a softer, more natural look.

It’s smooth and comfortable, ideal for transitioning from day to night.

Versatility is the hallmark of the cream finish.

Sheer Finish

Characteristics:Light, translucent color with a shiny effect.

This finish is perfect for a natural makeup look or when you’re in a hurry. It provides a subtle hint of color without being overwhelming.

Sheer is best for quick applications and those effortless beauty days.

Practical Tips for Selecting and Testing Lipstick Shades

Testing Lipstick Shades

Always test lipstick on your lips, not your wrist. The skin on your wrist is different from your lips, leading to color discrepancies.

For the true color, swatch the lipstick on your lips. This shows how it interacts with your natural lip color.

Swatching on your hand won’t cut it.

Recognizing and Identifying Undertones in Lipsticks

Warm-toned lipsticks often include shades of red, orange, and golden hues. These colors pop on warm undertones.

Cool-toned lipsticks feature purple, mauve, and cool beige hues. They suit cool undertones beautifully.

Use comparative swatches. This is key for confirming undertone compatibility. Place different shades side by side on your lips to see which one blends better.

Finding a Signature Lipstick Shade

Finding your go-to shade is all about your everyday style. Is it bold and vibrant? Soft and natural? Match your lipstick to your personal vibe.

Evaluate shades based on personal comfort andconfidence. The right lipstick should make you feel invincible.

This is how to pick lipstick color that truly resonates with who you are.

Common Lipstick Shades That Suit Most Skin Tones

Universally Flattering Shades

Nude and pink shades—let’s talk about them. They’re insanely popular for a reason. They suit a wide range of skin tones and can be worn for almost any occasion.

If you want a more natural look,soft pinksor nudish-pinks will be your allies.

For a bit more oomph, deeper nudes can add that extra something without being overpowering.

Adjust your shade choice based on the effect you want.

Going for a daytime meeting? Light nudes. Ready for a night out? Opt for something richer and more intense.

Charlotte Tilbury’s “Pillow Talk” as a Universal Shade Example

EnterCharlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk. It’s the one shade almost everyone raves about. This pinky-nude shade works on a variety of skin tones—from fair to dark.

Its magic lies in the balance of color—neither too warm nor too cool, just the perfect blend. Pillow Talk gives a natural, yet polished look.

FAQ on How To Pick Lipstick Color

How do I determine my skin undertone?

Finding the right lipstick starts with your skin undertone. Look at your veins: if they’re blue, you’re cool-toned.

Green means warm undertones, and a mix indicates neutral. Cool undertones match well with reds and pinks, while warm undertones suit coral and orange.

What’s the best everyday lipstick color?

An everyday lipstick harmonizes with your natural lip color. For a balanced look, opt for nude lipstick shades close to your lip tone.

If you have fair skin, go for lighter nudes; darker nudes complement medium to dark skin tones beautifully.

How do I match lipstick with my outfit?

Choosing a lip color that complements your outfit enhances your overall appearance.

Pair a red lipstick with neutral clothing for a pop of color, or a subdued lip tint when wearing bold patterns. This balance ensures neither your lips nor your outfit outshines the other.

Can I wear bold lipstick during the day?

Absolutely. Daytime bold lips need a balance. Opt for a vivid color like red lipstick but keep the rest of your makeup minimal.

This approach highlights the lipstick without overwhelming your look, making it appropriate for both professional and casual settings.

What lipstick finishes should I consider?

Different finishes serve various purposes. Matte lipstick offers long-lasting wear but can be drying.

A satin finish provides hydration and a softer look. Glossy lipstick adds shine and volume, perfect for a youthful, vibrant appearance. Choose based on your daily needs and lip texture.

How can I make my lipstick last longer?

Start with exfoliated, moisturized lips. Apply a lip liner similar to your lipstick color to define edges and fill in.

Use a brush for the first lipstick layer, blot with tissue, then add a second coat. This method ensures durability and a vibrant, long-lasting finish.

Are drugstore lipsticks as good as luxury brands?

Drugstore options like Maybelline and Revlon provide quality, variety, and affordability.

Luxury brands such as MAC, NARS, and Fenty Beauty offer richer pigments and specialized formulas. Both categories have standout products; preference depends on your budget and needs.

How do I avoid lipstick color transfer?

For minimal transfer, use a long-lasting formula. Matte finishes generally stay put better. After applying lipstick, lightly press translucent powder over your lips using tissue paper.

This technique sets the color and reduces the likelihood of smudging or transferring.

Do I need to use a lip liner?

Lip liner defines your lips, prevents feathering, and extends lipstick wear. Match the liner to your lipstick or your natural lip color for the best results.

For bold shades like red lipstick, liner is especially crucial to maintain sharp edges and a polished finish.

Can lipstick colors change with seasons?

Seasonal shifts influence ideal lipstick colors. Spring and summer favor lighter, vibrant shades like coral and pink.

Fall and winter see deeper tones like burgundy and plum. Adjusting your lipstick to seasonal palettes keeps your makeup fresh and suitable for varying lighting and fashion.

Conclusion

Masteringhow to pick lipstick colorcan elevate your entire makeup routine. Understanding yourskin undertonesis crucial for choosing the perfectlipstick shade, whether it’s a subtlenude lipstickfor everyday or a strikingred lipstickfor special occasions.

Remember to balance yourlip colorwith yourmakeupandoutfit, and consider differentlipstick finisheslikemattefor long wear orglossyfor added shine. Using alip linercan define your lips and make yourlipsticklast longer.

Consider qualitylipsticksfrom bothluxury brandsanddrugstore options, as both have excellent products. Seasonal changes might influence your lipstick choices, adapting to lighter shades in spring and summer, and darker hues in fall and winter.

Armed with these tips, you’ll confidently select the ideal lipstick colors that complement yournatural makeup look, enhance yourbeauty, and fit seamlessly into every occasion.