How to Choose the Perfect Lipstick Shade
As you pace throughout the makeup department and pass many trusted lipstick lines and brand names, you’ll often wonder ‘Which shade of lipstick is right for me? There are so many options!’ With the vast variety of tones, hues, and shades, how could you ever decide? Luckily, you’ll just need to remember a few simple tricks and you’ll realize how simple it is to quickly chose the perfect lipstick shade to match your complexion.
When choosing a lipstick hue, a foundation tint, or even a mascara shade, you’ll first need to classify the undertone of your skin. All skin tones can be designated as being either ‘warm’ or ‘cool.’ People with a cool undertone often have fair or pale hues, whereas people with a warm undertone often have tanned or olive hues. Those who possess a combination of the two can classify their skin tone as being neutral.
Lipstick Shade for a Cool Undertone
Your complexion likely has a cool undertone if it has a pinkish, reddish, or bluish base. For example, your undertone is cool if you can clearly see blue veins on your wrist. The undertone of your skin may also be cool if silver jewelry seems to complete your overall look. Do you sunburn fairly easily? If so, your skin tone is likely cool.
In most cases, a lipstick shade that best complements a blue or purple-hued undertone often should offer some degree of contrast while not being too dark. However, a blue or purple lip color would look just as stunning on a person with a cool undertone, or on anyone for that matter. Please keep in mind that such colors – that are flattering on everyone – are rare.
If a person who has a cool undertone exhibits a red lip color, this person should lean toward the dark, bluish-reds (i.e. ‘cherry red’) as opposed to colors with more of an orange tint. If a cool-toned person aspires to wear a nude/bare lip color, the inherent tint of this person’s lips can be enhanced with a blushing, rosy nude. This cool-toned person may want to try a tan/beige for a look that is a little subtler. If hesitant, a lip balm containing a hint of tint may complement numerous looks while hydrating, as well. If ever your pout is overly dry but you’d like to wear a lush lip shade, first massage a moisturizing product onto your lips to prevent flaking.
Perfect Lipstick Shade for a Warm Undertone
Your complexion likely has a warm undertone if it has a honey-colored, goldish, or olive-based tint to it. Your undertone will likely be warm when the veins on your wrist seem to be green (as opposed to blue) or when your skin tone is complemented by gold jewelry. Do you tan relatively easily? If so, your skin tone is likely warm. The optimal lipstick color for a warm undertone has a warm shade. Optimal tints are shades of bright orange, primary red, and earthy brown. If you’re more comfortable wearing a nude hue, match the shade your skin tone. For example, try a lighter nude color for light skin and a richer nude for darker skin.
Usually, a lipstick shade that complements a warm undertone well is a bright red. Bright orange pops gorgeously on a warm undertone, as well. If you’re feeling brave, a bronze, copper, or gold shade works beautifully. Also, shades of bold fuchsia/magenta perfectly complement a warm undertone.
Best Shade for a Neutral Undertone
Your complexion likely has a neutral undertone if is possesses a blend of underlying pinks and yellows in its base. People who have a neutral undertone seem to be flattered by both silver and gold jewelry. Fortunately with this particular undertone, there is a broad range of corresponding undertones. As an overall rule, select blushing tints for paler skin tones, lavender tints for medium skin tones, and deeper tints for darker skin tones.