A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Right Lipstick Shade for Your Skin Tone.

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The right lipstick shade can change your whole look (a few past favorites are in our 2023 makeup trends roundup). With so many options out there, the trick is finding the color that suits your skin tone. This guide walks through how to do that, with tips for picking a shade that looks like it belongs on you.

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Understanding your skin undertone

Before you start comparing lipstick shades, figure out your undertone. Undertones usually fall into three groups: warm, cool, and neutral. Look at the veins on your wrist, or notice the color your skin takes on in natural light. Either one can tell you which group you're in.

Warm undertones

If your veins look greenish, you probably have warm undertones. Go for peachy, coral, or warm red lipsticks.

Earthy shades like terracotta and cinnamon look great on warm undertones too.

Cool undertones

If your veins look bluish, you're likely cool-toned. Look for shades with blue or purple undertones.

Berries, cool pinks, and classic reds with blue undertones are all good picks for cool skin.

Neutral undertones

If your undertone is neutral, you can wear a wide range of shades.

Mauves, rosy pinks, and nudes work especially well.

Choosing a shade for your skin tone

Once you know your undertone, match the lipstick to your overall skin tone.

Fair skin

Light pink, peach, and nude shades suit fair skin.

Be careful with very dark or bold shades, which can overpower a light complexion.

Medium skin

Coral, rosy reds, and warm berry tones bring out medium skin tones.

Try deeper shades like mauve and caramel for a more polished look.

Olive skin

Olive skin pairs well with earthy tones like terracotta, deep reds, and warm browns.

Skip lipsticks that are too light. They can disappear against your natural coloring.

Dark skin

Deep plum, rich burgundy, and bold berry shades make a statement on dark skin.

Stay away from very light shades, and have fun with deep, dramatic lip colors.

Test before you buy

Try several shades before you commit. Most beauty stores have testers, so you can swatch a color and see how it looks against your skin. Check it in daylight too, since store lighting can throw colors off. Our tips for choosing makeup in natural light for close-ups explain why.

Finding your shade is half the fun. Once you know your undertone and skin tone, you can shop the lipstick aisle with confidence. Experiment, try a few, and find the color that makes you smile when you catch it in the mirror.

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