Lipstick is more than just a beauty product; it's a statement, an accessory, and sometimes even a mood booster. But with countless lipstick shades and finishes available, finding the perfect lipstick can feel like an overwhelming task. The secret to nailing that perfect shade lies in understanding your skin tone. Here's how to choose the best lipstick for your skin tone, making the search not just easier but a lot more fun.
01Understanding Skin Tones and Undertones
Before diving into shades, it's essential to understand skin tones and undertones. Your skin tone is the surface colour of your skin, while your undertone is the subtle hue underneath. There are countless unique skin tones. Undertones, however, come in three main types: cool, warm, and neutral.
- Cool Undertones: Your skin has hints of blue, pink, or red.
- Warm Undertones: Your skin has hints of yellow, golden, or peach.
- Neutral Undertones: A mix of both cool and warm undertones. A quick way to determine your undertone is by looking at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you have cool undertones. If they look greenish, you have warm undertones. If it's hard to tell, you might have neutral undertones.
Cool Undertones
Deep skin with cool undertones looks fabulous in bold, rich colours. Deep wines, vibrant berries, and cool plums are fantastic choices. If you're in the mood to make a statement, go for bold shades like blackberry or rich burgundy.
Warm Undertones
Choose lipstick shades for dark skin that enhance the natural warmth in your undertone. Brick reds, copper tones, and warm brown lipstick shades are ideal. Shades like chocolate brown or a burnt sienna can make your lips look luscious.
Neutral Undertones
With neutral undertones, deep skin can play with both cool and warm shades. From nude brown lipstick shades to bold reds and purples, there's a lot of room to play. Shades like mahogany or a balanced wine can be your signature.
We recommend the Lakmē Ultimate Glam 4-in-1 Stackable Lip Stack - Evening Glam. It comes with 3 matte shades and 1 clear gloss so you can mix and match the shades and finishes to suit your mood. This variant is perfectly suited for deeper skin tones since it is a mix of neutrals and red lipstick shades.
Cool Undertones
Deep skin with cool undertones looks fabulous in bold, rich colours. Deep wines, vibrant berries, and cool plums are fantastic choices. If you're in the mood to make a statement, go for bold shades like blackberry or rich burgundy.
Warm Undertones
Choose lipstick shades for dark skin that enhance the natural warmth in your undertone. Brick reds, copper tones, and warm brown lipstick shades are ideal. Shades like chocolate brown or a burnt sienna can make your lips look luscious.
Neutral Undertones
With neutral undertones, deep skin can play with both cool and warm shades. From nude brown lipstick shades to bold reds and purples, there's a lot of room to play. Shades like mahogany or a balanced wine can be your signature.
We recommend the Lakmē Ultimate Glam 4-in-1 Stackable Lip Stack - Evening Glam. It comes with 3 matte shades and 1 clear gloss so you can mix and match the shades and finishes to suit your mood. This variant is perfectly suited for deeper skin tones since it is a mix of neutrals and red lipstick shades.
Cool Undertones
Deep skin with cool undertones looks fabulous in bold, rich colours. Deep wines, vibrant berries, and cool plums are fantastic choices. If you're in the mood to make a statement, go for bold shades like blackberry or rich burgundy.
Warm Undertones
Choose lipstick shades for dark skin that enhance the natural warmth in your undertone. Brick reds, copper tones, and warm brown lipstick shades are ideal. Shades like chocolate brown or a burnt sienna can make your lips look luscious.
Neutral Undertones
With neutral undertones, deep skin can play with both cool and warm shades. From nude brown lipstick shades to bold reds and purples, there's a lot of room to play. Shades like mahogany or a balanced wine can be your signature.
We recommend the Lakmē Ultimate Glam 4-in-1 Stackable Lip Stack - Evening Glam. It comes with 3 matte shades and 1 clear gloss so you can mix and match the shades and finishes to suit your mood. This variant is perfectly suited for deeper skin tones since it is a mix of neutrals and red lipstick shades.
Cool Undertones
Deep skin with cool undertones looks fabulous in bold, rich colours. Deep wines, vibrant berries, and cool plums are fantastic choices. If you're in the mood to make a statement, go for bold shades like blackberry or rich burgundy.
Warm Undertones
Choose lipstick shades for dark skin that enhance the natural warmth in your undertone. Brick reds, copper tones, and warm brown lipstick shades are ideal. Shades like chocolate brown or a burnt sienna can make your lips look luscious.
Neutral Undertones
With neutral undertones, deep skin can play with both cool and warm shades. From nude brown lipstick shades to bold reds and purples, there's a lot of room to play. Shades like mahogany or a balanced wine can be your signature.
We recommend the Lakmē Ultimate Glam 4-in-1 Stackable Lip Stack - Evening Glam. It comes with 3 matte shades and 1 clear gloss so you can mix and match the shades and finishes to suit your mood. This variant is perfectly suited for deeper skin tones since it is a mix of neutrals and red lipstick shades.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Lipstick
- Test Before You Buy: Always test lipstick on your lips or the inner side of your wrist rather than the back of your hand to see how it really looks against your skin.
- Consider the Finish: The finish of your lipstick can change how the colour looks. Matte lipsticks give a bold, long-lasting finish, while satin or gloss finishes add a bit of shine and moisture.
- Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: While guidelines are helpful, makeup is about personal expression. Feel free to experiment with different shades to find what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
- Balance Your Look: If you're wearing bold lipstick, keep the rest of your makeup more subdued to let your lips stand out. Conversely, nude lipstick shades pair well with bold eye makeup.
- Seasonal Changes: Your skin tone can change with the seasons, especially if you tan easily in the summer. Don't be afraid to adjust your lipstick shades accordingly. Choosing the perfect lipstick doesn't have to be daunting. Remember, the best lipstick is the one that makes you feel fabulous. So go ahead, experiment, and have fun finding your perfect match!
02FAQs about Lipstick Shades
Q1. What finish should I choose for my lipstick?
A: The finish of your lipstick can change how the colour looks. Matte lipsticks give a bold, long-lasting finish, while satin or gloss finishes add a bit of shine and moisture. Choose a finish based on your preference and the occasion.
Q2. How can I make my lipstick last longer?
A: To make your lipstick last longer, start with a lip primer or a light layer of foundation on your lips. Outline and fill your lips with a lip liner before applying lipstick. Blot with a tissue and reapply for extra staying power. Using a setting spray or a dusting of translucent powder can also help.
Q3. Can I wear bold lipstick during the day?
A: Yes, wearing bold lipstick during the day is perfectly fine. The key is to balance your overall look. If you're wearing a bold lip colour, keep the rest of your makeup more subdued to let your lips stand out. Bold lips can make a powerful statement and boost your confidence at any time of day.
