If you're like us, then trying to find the perfect lipstick is a never-ending struggle. It's almost like seeking out a needle in a haystack—you know what you want is out there, but you just can't narrow it down and pinpoint your ideal shade or tone. That's why we've done some of the hard work for you—to help save your time (and sanity) when searching for that lip color that truly completes your look!
With so many beautiful shades and finishes, how do you find the perfect lipstick shade for your own skin tone? Lucky for you, lipstick shopping no longer has to be a terrifying experience! Just keep reading and you’ll discover this amazing lipstick guide for skin tones that’s gonna rock your world.
Finding lipstick has never been easier - choose from pinks, nudes, burgundies, and more - all catering to your individual facial features. Get ready to rock the perfect lipshade that’s right for you!
Deciding on what are the best lipsticks for your skin tone may feel like an intimidating task, but it doesn't have to be so hard.
If you want to pick the best lipstick for your skin just like a professional makeup artist, here’s our special guide for you to discover all the answers you’ve been looking for!
The first step in choosing the right lipstick color is to determine your skin tone. There are 5 main types: fair, light, medium, tan and dark.
Fair skinThis is the lightest range of skin tones, it is similar to porcelain. You likely burn easily if you’re not protected from the sun, this type of skin is prone to get freckles as well. Fair skin type is commonly associated with cold undertones.
Light skinIt is a pale complexion associated with warmer undertones than fair skin. Light skin tone usually tans nicely.
Medium skinIf your friends are always pointing out how tan you look, then you must belong to a medium skin type. Medium skin tone or color is not too fair and not too dark.
Tan skinTan skin type also known as a light brown color skin. It is mainly associated with warm undertones. It is less susceptible to UV rays and signs of aging.
Dark skinIt is commonly a dark brown color and is categorized as rich in melanin pigments (hyperpigmented skin).
Knowing your skin's undertone is just as important as knowing your tone. It is a general rule that warm tones are more for medium to dark types of skin, while cool tones are better for fair skin. Here you have all of them!
If cool undertones were always cool, then figuring them out wouldn't be so hot! Start by looking at the veins in your wrist, if they appear purple or bluish hue, chances are you've got a cooler skin tone.
It's also helpful to keep in mind that if silver jewelry looks better than gold jewelry, cool tones are likely dominant. Of course, if none of these sound familiar and you're still unsure of your cool undertone status, there's always the trusty ol' rose petal test! Just rub a white rose petal on your cheeks - if it looks pink on your skin color, then cool tones are present.
If you're not sure whether warm tones flatter you more than cool ones, you may be tempted to just stick with what you know doesn't fail-transparent lipgloss. But don’t be discouraged; there is an easy way to tell.
Try taking a look at the veins on the underside of your wrist. If you have green veins, warm undertones could be your new best friend!
You can also notice how certain makeup shades interact with your complexion. For example, if orangey-reds and bronze tones bring out the natural color of your cheeks and ears, then chances are that you have warm undertones.
Lastly, gold jewelry looks amazing on warm complexions!
If you're having a neutral skin undertone identity crisis, don't worry; figuring out your neutral undertone is easy!
All you need is a mirror! Take a look and ask yourself. Do you exhibit:
A) Reddish hues around your nose, chin, and forehead?
B) Yellowish hues around your temples and jawline?
If you answered A, then congratulations, you have a neutral undertone! Don't worry if you see a bit of both colors in your complexion, sometimes even neutral people rock a hint of red (A) or yellow (B), in the right light! Take another look in the mirror - are neutral tones finally making sense?
Find the perfect lipstick according to your skin tone and undertoneIt is a general rule that warm tones are more for darker skin tones, while cool shades are better for fair skin.
Fair or light skin
If you have fair or light skin type then you should look for a nude lipstick in peach, nude pink, red, or coral. But let’s be specific! For fair or light skin with cool undertones: berry colors. And if you have instead a fair or light skin type with warm undertones then you definitely should try coral and reds with blue or purple undertones.
Sale price$12.00
Lip Makeup Ink Airy Velvet Tint #01 Hotspot Red
Lip Makeup
Sale price$15.00
Lip Makeup Fixing Tint 02 Vintage Red
Lip Makeup
Medium or tan skin
If you have a medium or tan skin tone with neutral undertones, you must look for bright red, cherry red, bright pink or true red with no undertone. For tan or medium skin with a warm undertone, the right lipstick shade is orangey-red or tangerine. Now, if you belong to cool undertones team, then red lip is your perfect match.
Sale price$10.00
Lip Makeup Dear Darling Water Gel Tint - Watermelon Red
Lip Makeup
Sale price$12.00
Lip MakeupLip Makeup Ink The Velvet 03 Red Only
Lip MakeupLip Makeup
Dark skin
Darker skin tones are also known as deep skin. For deep skin tone with warm undertones, the best lipstick option is blue-based red. And if you have dark skin with cool undertones we recommend a metallic ruby red or deep wine.
Sale price$12.00
Lip Makeup Ink the Velvet Lip Tint #34- Smoky Red
Lip Makeup
Sale price$12.00
Lip Makeup Ink The Velvet 31 Wine Nude
Lip Makeup
Have you ever had moments when your dark hair doesn't go with your dark lip shade? Or when the fair shade of your blonde hair doesn't quite match the brown lipstick? Choosing the right lip shade requires a bit of rhyme and reason that goes beyond swatching at the store. The best part? No matter what tone of skin or hair color you may have, wearing lipstick according to your hair color is easy with the vast array of lip colors out there!
Blond hairFor fair and light-skinned blondes, finding the right lip shade can be a challenge. From peachy pinks and apricot nudes to purple shades, fair skin or light skin nude types may require a neutral shade that isn't too bright or too dark.
Tan and deep-skinned blondes, on the other hand, can opt for much darker shades like corals, dusty pink, scarlet and even berry shades that look gorgeous when paired with their hair color. And lastly, medium skin blonde beauties can pick either neutral shades or dark shades depending on their preference; there's no one-size-fits-all solution to finding the perfect lip shade for this hair color!
Sale price$12.00
Lip Makeup Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint #25 - Zazzy Peach
Lip Makeup
Sale price$12.00
Lip Makeup Ink The Velvet Lip Tint #07 Girlish Red
Lip Makeup
Red hairWhen it comes to finding the perfect lip shade for red hair, there's only one answer: it depends! First and foremost, you need to take into account your skin tone; warmer tones such as peach or honey are best suited to those with a cool complexion. If you have a warmer complexion, opt for shades of pink or coral. However, if you want to get creative and stand out from the crowd, consider pairing a warm shade of lipstick with your red hair – yellow oranges, rose gold and dark berry can look stunning. A little dash of glitter never goes astray either - just enough so that your lips could rival ruby slippers!
For a neutral skin tone, the journey might seem difficult at first; after all, achieving perfect makeup coordination can be challenging, even if your fave celebrity makeup artist makes it look like a breeze. Fortunately, the solution is simpler than you’d think: choose colors with cooler blue undertones to keep the look cohesive and avoid clashes in skin tone and hair color. Some great options include mauve, light pink and plum -- perfect for bringing out that lovely red glint.
All in all, when searching for the perfect lip shade for redheads, experimentation is key.
Brown hair
Many people with brown hair feel overwhelmed when choosing the perfect lip shade for their features. As we all know, the wrong shade can be an immediate buzzkill. But don't stress too much! A good rule of thumb to follow is this: opt for colors that enhance your hair color and reflect its warmth - rather than guide away from it. Peachy corals, bronzes and plums are always great choices that give a subtle yet effective look. For a bolder statement, try deep berry shades or cherry reds. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re having fun while exploring the region of rosy lips!
Fixing Tint 07 Cranberry Plum
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$15.00 Dark HairFinding lipstick shades that suit dark hair can be a uniquely challenging endeavor. Generally, those with fair and light skin will look great in pink lipstick shades with magenta or purple undertones, whereas many lipstick colors can flatter those with tan and deep skin. However, one of the most universally flattering lipstick shades for dark hair is burgundy. It offers a lovely contrast and also helps balance out the contrast between lighter eyebrows or eyes and dark complexion or hair.
No matter whichever lipstick shade you choose, keep in mind that any lipstick color is only perfect if it reflects your personality! So wear the lipstick shade that makes you feel comfortable, while still being conscious of the fact that it should bring out your gorgeous features!
Understanding your lip’s shape is an art that will help you achieve the perfect lip makeup when paired with the right shade. No matter if you’re a fan of a good matte formula, a balm, or a tint, knowing your lip’s shape is key!
Top-heavy lipsChoosing the perfect shade for top-heavy lips can be tricky, but there is a foolproof way to ensure you’re rocking the perfect look. Before delving into your lipstick collection, try starting with a bright lipstick on your lower lip only. This will instantly bring life and balance back to your face while allowing your upper lip to be the star of the show! If you’re feeling bold, apply the perfect shade above and below - voila, perfect top-heavy lips achieved!
Bottom-heavy lipsHas matching the right shade of lip color ever left you stumped? Avoid those unflattering over-pigmented lips and achieve bottom heavy perfection with light and natural perfect nude color! The key is to apply a light nude color right in the center of your upper lip, so it appears to be slightly light and more elongated, creating slightly fuller looking lower lips.
Thin lipsThe perfect lip shade for thin lips is something of a holy grail in the make-up world. No matter your skin tone, you can rock any color if you choose wisely. The trick is to select deeper tones and use a lip liner to create an illusion of fullness, like dark burgundy or berry hues with warm undertones. For a bit of shine, opt for glittery glosses in shades that match your natural lip color and watch how your lips come to life!
On the other hand, stay away from light pinks and corals that don't do anything to help emphasize your lips and may wash out your complexion. With thoughtful choices and a few tips up your sleeve, you can achieve the look you covet with just the right combination!
Plump lipsWhen looking for the best lipstick shades for plump lips, it's important not to go overboard with your color or texture choices. Too shimmery and you'll overshine those full lips; too dark and you run the risk of closed-off associations. Instead, play up those perfectly plump lips with a clever color trick: choose a sheer color one shade lighter than what your natural lip shade is. By going just a bit paler, it will make things appear more accentuated and perfect. Try out different colors to see what works best and soon you'll be strutting around town knowing that every head will turn when they spy that perfect lip shade!
Are you a lipstick lover? Do the words “perfect pout” make your heart sing? Well, then you’ve come to the right place! We’re about to talk about how to get that perfect kisser with a fun, easy-to-follow makeup routine. From picking out the perfect shade for your skin tone, to prepping and maintaining a long-lasting look. We have the best tips and tricks, let’s get started on your beauty lip routine!
Exfoliation is essential to keep your lips healthy, this helps you remove dead skin and impurities. Starting by exfoliating your lips in your makeup ritual will allow you to make them look softer. You will see that the circulation of their delicate skin is activated, and they will blush and get very silky. Spend a couple of minutes exfoliating your lips and when you apply your lipstick color, you will notice the difference.
You must always keep your lips hydrated! Apply lip balm or lip ol when you start putting on your makeup, so that when it's time to apply lipstick, they're already deeply hydrated. The idea is to do it long enough for the lip to absorb the emollient properties of the balm or oil.
Another thing to take into consideration is sun protection, so you can also pick an SPF tinted lip balm, isn’t it perfect? Applying not only a hydrating formula but a protective one!
Sale price$10.00
Lip Makeup Mini Peach Lip Balm
Lip Makeup
Sale price$10.00
Lip Makeup Honey & Milk Lip Oil
Lip Makeup
Applying lip liners will help to define the shape of your lips. Although, it might be tempting to skip this step from your routine, don’t! Lip liner will provide a solid, tacky base for your lipstick or even lip gloss.
Use the perfect color of lip shade according to your skin tone and undertone, which we already taught you to do.
Sale price$12.00
Lip Makeup Ink Airy Velvet Tint #01 Hotspot Red
Lip Makeup
Sale price$10.00
Lip Makeup Dear Darling Water Gel Tint - Apricot Red
Lip Makeup
So, next time you wonder “what color lipstick should I wear?”, be sure to experiment and try different colors so you can find something that complements your skin tone. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
Additionally, make sure to pay attention to the rest of your makeup – finding ways to complement it will make a huge difference in how you feel wearing the colors considered fashionable in any given season. Now more than ever, it's important to find products that suit not only our style but also our skin tone and complexion.
In Asian Beauty Essentials you’ll get the best of the beauty world! We have the best colors of lipsticks for different skin tones and shades, so take advantage of them! Go on a journey of self-exploration and discover what works best for you when selecting the lipstick for your skin with us!
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6-Step Lip care routine: Because we kiss and tell!
It all started with a Google Doc, which outlined the products she uses to keep her skin clear. Rio now writes about beauty products full-time. She’s not a professional, she’s just crazy.
Photo: Rio Viera-Newton
When I fall in love with a lipstick, I’m always tempted to buy duplicates so that I’ll have one on me at all times. In an ideal world, I’d have my favorite lipstick in my bathroom, one in my work tote, and one in my tiny night-out baguette purse — that way, I can easily throw on my perfect shade for a quick pick-me-up when needed. But the truth is a lot of my go-to lipsticks are a little too expensive to casually stock up on — Charlotte Tilbury’s “Very Victoria,” for example (which, I might add, is the perfect pink-brown shade for every day), costs about $30. The price is justifiable as a onetime indulgence but feels pretty excessive when you’re checking out with three.
However, if there’s one thing I know from my years writing about beauty, it’s that products don’t have to be expensive in order to be excellent. And so my hunt for the best wallet-friendly lipsticks began. After many weeks sleuthing around drugstore makeup aisles, asking followers on Instagram, and testing a ridiculous amount of lip products, I was able to find five incredible lipsticks — from a shiny, smudgy balm to a bright-red matte — all of which are under $10. That way, if you fall head over heels, you can buy another for your purse without breaking the bank.
ColourPop Blotted Lip
$8
$8
As soon as I tried these matte blotted lipsticks from ColourPop, I found myself reaching for them on the daily. If you’re a fan of the smudgy, effortless lipstick look (think Glossier Gen G or Ohii Lip Smudge), chances are you’ll love these creamy, sheer lipsticks just as much as I do. The formula is super-buttery and comfortable, so you won’t get that powdery, dehydrated feeling that some matte lipsticks leave behind, but it still manages to give off the perfectly lived-in, smudgy effect. These are lightly buildable, so one swipe is ultrasheer, while four give you a more intense (but definitely still casual and low-maintenance ) look. My favorite shade is “Shook,” a bright magenta that is absolutely perfect for summer.
$8
at ColourPop
Elf Sheer Slick Lipstick
$5
$5
These lipsticks were recommended to me by someone on Instagram, and I’ve been obsessed since the moment I tried one. Interestingly, Elf’s Sheer Slick lipsticks are not quite as … sheer as I expected them to be — they do give off quite a bit of pigment in one single swipe. However, they’re extremely glossy and balmy (I suspect this has to do with the meadowfoam-seed oil and vitamin E in the formula) and are still pretty low fuss; you won’t need to touch up the edges after you apply it, and you could probably throw it on without looking in the mirror. This is a great lipstick to have in your purse at all times, as it’s shiny and undemanding enough to throw on before a lunch meeting but pigmented enough to wear to a dinner or drinks with friends. My favorite shades are “Jam or Jelly,” a pink berry shade, and “Wild Peach,” a brown-pink shade.
$5
at E.L.F. Cosmetics
ColourPop Lippie Stix in ‘Trust Me’
$7
$7
Another heavy hitter from ColourPop, which I’m starting to think may be my very favorite affordable-makeup brand. Anyway, this velvety bright-red lipstick, “Trust Me,” is the perfect blue-red shade for nights out or when you want to dress up your jeans and T-shirt before dinner. It’s not necessarily transferproof — I wouldn’t compare it to my Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in “Uncensored,” which truly doesn’t budge — but I’m particularly fond of this lipstick because, despite it’s true matte finish, it isn’t the slightest bit drying on the lips. And the applicator is more of a pencil than a standard bullet lipstick, which makes it incredibly easy to apply — and as everyone knows, half the battle with red lipstick is putting it on properly.
$7
at Ulta Beauty$7
at ColourPop
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Tinted Lip Balm
$7
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Really? You’re including the lip balms we all used in high school on your favorite lipstick roundup? But I’m telling you: I bought one of these on a whim a few months ago and couldn’t believe how well this lip balm–meets–lip tint held up against my other pricey lip-stain products. Since it’s a Burt’s Bees chapstick, first and foremost it’s genuinely hydrating on the lips — you could apply this on your driest, most cracked lips and it’ll help moisturize them. But the tint itself is lovelier than I recalled: It gives off a shiny, soft pigment — a sort of your-lips-but-better effect — that is subtle enough for every day but pigmented enough to bring your makeup look together as a finishing touch. I love all of this balm’s shades, but my favorites are “Rose” (a pink shade), “Sweet Violet” (a berryish shade), and “Red Dahlia” (a dark-red shade.)
$7
at Amazon$5
at Walgreens
Flower Beauty in ‘Spiced Petal’
$9
$9
As I said before, my favorite Charlotte Tilbury lipstick is the brown-pink “Very Victoria,” but a close runner-up is the brand’s “Pillow Talk,” a slightly more pink-rosy shade that is one of the brand’s most beloved products. I’d read online somewhere that Flower Beauty’s “Spiced Petal” was a great dupe, and while I wouldn’t say it’s identical, if you like a dusty-rose, spicy-pink shade, this is a great affordable alternative. This lipstick is not as matte as Charlotte Tilbury’s — I’d say it’s more of a soft, cream finish — but it’s an excellent purse staple, as you can tap it onto your lips for a soft, dusty-rose tint and build it up for the perfect neutral evening lip.
$9
at Ulta Beauty$8
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