The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Lipstick For Your Skin Tone

Written by Kinnari Ashar18th Jun 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Lipstick for Your Skin Tone

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. 

Understanding 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. 

1. Lipstick Shades for Light Skin 

guide-to-best-lipstick-shades

Source: IG - @thatquirkymiss 

Cool Undertones 

Light skin with cool undertones looks stunning with berry shades, cherry red lipstick shades, and soft mauves. To highlight your complexion, think of shades like raspberry or a cool-toned fuchsia. 

Warm Undertones 

For light skin with warm undertones, opt for colours that add warmth to your face. Peachy pink lipstick shades, warm corals, and brick red lipstick shades are excellent choices. Shades like apricot or warm cinnamon can make you look fresh and radiant

Neutral Undertones 

Neutral undertones in light skin can rock both cool and warm shades. Soft peaches, light browns, and muted mauves are all good options. Shades like beige pink or light coral will look effortlessly chic. 

Our pick: Lakmē Absolute Beyond Matte Lip - Nude Nectar. It's a lightweight lipstick with a velvet matte finish that gives you the perfect level of colour in a single swipe. It is also infused with argan oil that moisturises the lips, leaving them soft and supple.  

2. Lipstick Shades for Medium Skin 

guide-to-best-lipstick-shades

Source: IG - @aashnashroff 

Cool Undertones 

Medium skin with cool undertones pairs beautifully with deep pink lipstick shades, rich berries, and blue-based reds. Shades like magenta or a rich plum can make your lips pop. 

Warm Undertones 

Medium skin with warm undertones can handle a variety of colours, from vibrant corals to deep oranges and warm reds. Think of shades like coral red or burnt orange for a flattering look

Neutral Undertones 

If you have a medium skin tone with neutral undertones, you can experiment with a wider colour palette. There's a lot to explore – from nude pink lipstick shades to classic red lipstick shades and even deep berries. Shades like rosewood or a balanced mauve should be your go-to. 

For medium skin tones, try the Lakmē Xtraordin-airy Lip Mousse - Date Night Pink. It has a soft mousse texture that effortlessly hugs the lips and leaves them feeling oh-so-luxe. Infused with cocoa butter, it gives a matte finish, yet keeps your lips nourished and moisturised. 

3. Lipstick Shades for Tan Skin 

guide-to-best-lipstick-shades

Source: IG - @debasreee 

Cool Undertones 

Tan skin with cool undertones shines in deep pink lipstick shades, magentas, and cranberry reds. Bold colours like deep raspberry or shades of wine will also enhance your natural glow

Warm Undertones 

For tan skin with warm undertones, go for rich, warm shades like terracotta, copper, and coral red. Shades like warm mocha or a spicy orange are stunning on this skin tone. 

Neutral Undertones 

Tan skin's neutral undertones can embrace a variety of colours, from soft peach lipstick shades to bold red lipstick shades and rich plums. Shades like caramel or a balanced red can complement your complexion beautifully. 

The Lakmē 9 to 5 Matte to Glass Liquid Lip – Rose is perfect for tan skin tones. It features a transfer-proof matte colour on one side and a hi-shine gloss on the other. You can create 3 different looks with this product; wear it matte or glossy, or combine them both to create a stunning glossy lip.  

4. Lipstick Shades for Deep Skin 

guide-to-best-lipstick-shades

Source: IG - @shwetavijaynair 

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 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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! 

FAQs 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. 

Kinnari Ashar

Written by

A beauty and food enthusiast with a decade of writing experience, Kinnari treats her skincare routine like a sacred ritual and views a gourmet meal as a daily necessity. Balancing her time between uncovering the latest beauty trends and taste-testing culinary delights, she’s always up for trying new products or savouring a delicious dish.
668 views

Shop This Story

Looking for something else