Lipstick can completely change your look—making you appear bold, polished, or effortlessly natural. But with endless shades out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide to help you pick a shade that flatters you every time.
1. Know Your Skin Undertone
Your undertone is the base hue beneath your skin.
- Cool undertones (pink, red, or bluish hints): Look great in shades with blue or purple bases—like berry, plum, cherry red.
- Warm undertones (golden, peachy, yellow hints): Pair well with coral, warm reds, oranges, and brick tones.
- Neutral undertones: Lucky you! Both warm and cool shades usually look flattering.
2. Match to the Occasion
- Everyday / Office → Nude, rose, soft pink, muted peach.
- Evening / Events → Bold reds, berries, deep plums.
- Casual Day Out → Coral, sheer glosses, tinted balms for a fresh look.
3. Consider Your Natural Lip Color
The lipstick shade will look slightly different depending on your natural lip tone. For a true-to-tube result, use a light base or nude liner to neutralize before applying.
4. Think About Your Outfit
If your clothes are bold or patterned, stick to a subtle lip. If your outfit is simple, a striking lip color can be your statement piece.
5. Test Before You Buy
- Try shades in natural light for the most accurate look.
- Swatch on your fingertips (closer in tone to lips than the back of your hand).
- If shopping online, check reviews and swatch photos on different skin tones.
6. When in Doubt, Go Red
Red is timeless and universally flattering—it just comes down to finding the right undertone (blue-red for cool tones, orange-red for warm tones).
Pro Tip: Keep at least three lipsticks in your kit—your “everyday nude,” your “bold evening shade,” and a “fun pop of color.” That way, you’ll always have the right lip for the right mood.
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