Best Lipstick: Must-read Guide on How to Pick the Right One Based on Your Skintone

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!

Which lipstick shade suits my skin best?

Choosing the right lipstick shade is more than just a beauty routine—it’s a way to enhance your natural features, boost your confidence, and express your unique style. Selecting a flattering color can dramatically improve how you feel and how others perceive you. Studies show that wearing a complementary lipstick shade can enhance self-esteem and positively influence perceptions in social and professional settings.

Here’s our special guide to help you like a professional makeup artist and discover the ideal lipstick shades for your skin tone!

1. Determine your skin tone

The first step in choosing the right lipstick color is determining your skin tone. There are five primary types: fair, light, medium, tan, and dark.

The lightest range, fair skin typically resembles porcelain. If you burn easily and are prone to freckles, you likely have cold undertones.

Light skin tones are associated with warmer undertones. This complexion usually tans beautifully.

Medium skin tones often have a sun-kissed appearance. It’s a balanced shade not too fair or dark.

Tan skin, or light brown color, is typically linked with warm undertones. It resists UV rays and signs of aging.

Characterized by rich melanin pigmentation, dark skin often carries deep, warm tones.

2. Determine your skin undertone

Identifying your undertone is crucial, as warm tones usually suit medium to dark skin, while cool tones flatter fair skin. Here’s how to determine yours:

• Cool Undertones

Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear bluish or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If silver jewelry complements your skin better than gold, you’re probably cool-toned. Alternatively, the rose petal test is fun: swipe a white rose petal on your cheeks—if you see pink, cool tones are for you!

• Warm Undertones

For warm tones, a green hue in your wrist veins suggests these undertones. If orange-reds or bronze shades enhance your complexion, warm tones are your friend. Gold jewelry should look radiant against your skin.

• Neutral Undertones

Determining neutral undertones is simple! Check for reddish hues around your nose and chin or yellowish tones near your jawline. If you see both, congratulations; you have a neutral undertone!

As a general rule, warm tones suit darker skin tones, while cool shades are ideal for fair skin.

• Fair or light skin: Look for nude lipsticks in shades of peach, nude pink, red, or coral. For fair or light skin with cool undertones, berry colors shine. If you possess warm undertones, coral and reds with blue or purple hues will be your go-tos.

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• Medium or tan skin: For medium or tan skin with neutral undertones, bright reds, cherry reds, and true reds are excellent. Tan or medium skin with warm undertones should seek orangey-reds and tangerines, while cool undertones will find red lipsticks impeccable.

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• Dark skin: For deep skin with warm undertones, blue-based reds are your best picks. If you have cool undertones, explore metallic ruby reds or deep wines.

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Consider your hair color

Your hair color should harmonize with your lipstick choices. For instance:

Fair and light-skinned blondes should aim for shades like peachy pinks and apricot nudes. Darker blondes can embrace deeper shades like corals and berry tones, while medium skin blonds have great versatility in shade selections.

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Choosing a lipstick shade that complements red hair largely depends on your skin tone. Warm complexions shine in peach or honey shades, while cooler undertones can wear pinks and corals beautifully. For an adventurous look, think dark berries or golds.

Experimenting with shades will reveal your ideal match!

Brown-haired beauties can enhance their features by choosing shades that reflect warmth, like peachy corals and bronzes. Bold options include deep berry shades or cherry reds

For those with dark hair, vibrant pinks with magenta undertones offer a stylish contrast for fair skin. Tan and deep skin can pull off a wider color palette, yet burgundy universally complements these tones beautifully.

Finding a lipstick shade that resonates with your personality is key—choose the colors that accentuate your features!

Bonus Tip: Keep your lip's shape in mind

Understanding your lip shape can greatly influence your lipstick application and selection. Here’s how to accentuate your lip features:

For top-heavy lips, consider applying a bright lipstick shade primarily on your lower lip. This creates balance while allowing your upper lip to stand out, or you can apply color to both for a bold effect!

To achieve balance in bottom-heavy lips, use a light, natural nude color on the center of your upper lip. This gives the illusion of elongation, helping to enhance overall symmetry.

For thin lips, opt for deeper tones and lip liners that create fullness. Shades like dark burgundy or berry hues work wonders. Avoid light pinks that may wash you out.

With plump lips, avoid overly dark or shimmery shades. Choose a sheer color just a shade lighter than your natural lip color to enhance your natural shape.

Lipstick makeup routine

Do you aspire for the perfect pout? This guide will help you achieve your ideal lip look with a fun and straightforward routine, from selecting the perfect shade to enduring long-lasting application.

1. Exfoliate your lips

Start by exfoliating—it's crucial for healthy, soft lips. This prepares your lips for color application and can enhance their natural blush.

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2. Lip balm or lip oil

Keep your lips moisturized. Apply lip balm or lip oil beforehand to ensure hydration before lipstick application. Opt for one with SPF for added protection.

3. Apply lip liner

Define your lips with a liner! Though it might seem optional, it creates a solid base for your lipstick or gloss.

4. Apply your perfect lip shade

Now that you’ve established your base, it’s time to apply the lipstick that suits your color profile!

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We have the right lipstick shade just for you!

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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