Getting your perfect lip shade is definitely a hassle, but it does not have to be! Knowing your skin tone, its undertone, and which finish you want can help a lot.
Makeup does not just make you prettier; it enhances your confidence and changes how you look at yourself. Now, the makeup industry has changed a lot. You have lots of options when it comes to makeup and accessories. One of the main products that can change your entire look is a lip shade. Selecting the wrong lip shade can mess up your whole look and make you seem under-confident. However, finding the right lip shade for you is no less than a treasure hunt!
With countless choices ranging from soft pinks and subtle nudes to bold reds, warm browns, and striking mauves and purples, finding the perfect shade for your lips can feel overwhelming at times. The variety is exciting but daunting at the same time. This makes it quite easy to get lost in endless options while chasing that one color that just feels right.
So, how do you actually choose the right shade that is made just for your skin tone? Let’s figure it out together!
Choosing the right shade for your undertone
Lipstick shades are just like your skin; they also carry tones and undertones such as warm, cool, and neutral. These undertones are the subtle hues beneath the main color that shape how a shade looks on you in real life. If you have warm tones, they lean toward golden or peachy. On the other hand, if you have cool undertones, they appear blue or rosy. Neutral shades always strike a balance. Knowing which undertone you have will help you pick shades that truly look good on you.
● Warm shades – Lipsticks suited for warm undertones reflect the colors of the sun. To understand this better, think of golden yellows and fiery oranges, or even classic red shades with a warm base. These shades bring out the natural glow in your skin with golden or olive tones. This makes them perfect for a radiant and sun-kissed look.
● Cool shades – Cool undertone lipsticks carry hints of blue, pink, and purple. These colors are essentially the opposite side of the color wheel. From soft rosy pinks to bold berry purples, these shades enhance cooler complexions by adding brightness and contrast. They are ideal if you want to create a fresh and vibrant makeup look.
● Neutral shades – Neutral lipsticks are the middle ground, with balanced undertones that neither lean warm nor cool. Coffee browns, taupes, and soft mauves are classic examples of shades that flatter neutral tones. These shades are versatile; they look good on almost every skin tone and are perfect for an everyday polished appearance that feels effortlessly chic.
The steps to choose the perfect lip shade
To find out your perfect lip shade, you first need to know which undertone family you belong to. Knowing your undertone will immensely help you to know which lip shades look the best on you.
Step 1: Discover your skin’s true undertone
Warm lipsticks pair beautifully with warm skin tones, while cool undertone shades complement cooler complexions. Finding out your match is easier than it seems. Just follow these three simple steps at home to understand where your undertone falls and discover which lipstick shades will enhance your natural glow the best.
1. Vein color test:
You can get a clue about your undertone by checking the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, your undertone is cool. If they appear more green, it points to a warm undertone. If you notice a mix of both shades and cannot tell clearly, you likely have a neutral undertone.
2. White paper test:
Another easy way to check your undertone is with a plain white sheet of paper. Hold it next to your face in a natural light. If your skin appears yellow or golden, your undertone is warm. If it looks pink or bluish, you have cool undertones. If it seems balanced, you likely fall into the neutral category. This makes you a match for neutral lip colors.
3. Jewelry test:
One simple way to find your undertone is by noticing how jewelry looks on you. If gold enhances your glow, you likely have a warm undertone. On the other hand, if silver suits you better, your undertone is cool. If both silver and gold look flattering, then your undertone is probably neutral.
Step 2: Match your undertone with the right lipstick
Warm undertone –
If you have a warm undertone, golden hour shades will look the best on you. Cooler lipsticks can dull your natural glow, so it is best to skip them. Instead, you can go for colors that highlight your warmth and bring back balance to your look. You can go for yellows and soft peaches. You can also go for reds that shine on warm skin.
Some lip colors for warm skin tone –
● Orangey-reds
● Brick-reds
● Terra-cotta
● Peach
● Corals
● Warm browns
● Caramels
Cool undertone –
If you have a cool undertone, lipsticks with blue bases are your best match. These shades instantly brighten your look and enhance your natural complexion. If your veins look bluish or you tend to burn before tanning, you likely fall into this category. Lipsticks with hints of pink, berry, or purple work beautifully for cool skin tones. This will give you a fresh and radiant finish that feels both flattering and effortless.
Some lip colors for cool skin tone –
● Blue and purple shades
● Mauves
● Bright cherry reds
● Berry shades like cranberry, or a deep plum
● Fuchsia and purple pinks
● Raspberry or hot pink
Neutral undertone –
Neutral undertones can be tricky, as many colors seem to work, but not all strike the right balance. The key here is choosing shades that blend both warm and cool tones. Soft mauves or taupes, and even muted browns, are great options. They offer harmony that flatters you without overpowering your natural look.
Some lip colors for neutral skin tone –
● Pink-brown nude shades
● Dusty pinks
● Classic reds
● Soft browns
● Muted mauves
● Taupe
Step 3: Try before you buy
Now that you know what your undertone is and what shades would look the best on your tone, it is finally time to select the perfect lip color.
Do the swatch test
One of the easiest ways to test a lipstick shade is by swatching it on the back of your hand. If the color looks bold, rich, or even seems to pop against your skin, it usually means the shade carrier warm or yellow undertones. On the other hand, if the swatch appears softer or muted, or even slightly toned down, the lipstick likely has cool undertones since these shades are often created with blue pigments. To get the most accurate results, it is always best to try the lipstick directly on your lips, as skin tone and lip color can vary.
Test in every lighting
Lighting can dramatically alter how a lipstick looks. Yellow light may make colors appear warmer, while white light can make them look cooler. You can easily avoid surprises by testing your lipstick under different lighting setups. This would work best if you could test in natural daylight. This will give you the truest picture of how the shade will look on you.
Lastly, before buying the lipstick, you need to check the lipstick’s finish as well. The same shade might look different in a satin or matte touch.
