How to Choose a Lipstick Color for Your Skin Tone?

To achieve the perfect and entirely suitable lipstick color for your lips, you need to consider numerous factors. It's not only about the lipstick's quality and shade but also about whether it harmonizes with your skin tone. So, how to choose a lipstick color for your skin tone? Let's explore this together with Japan With Love to discover the lipstick shade that suits your lips best.

1. Identify Your Skin Tone

• Identify Cool Undertones: Cool undertones are typically characterized by a skin tone that exhibits shades of pink, red, or bluish undertones. Additionally, you can identify cool undertones if the veins on your wrist appear blue, silver jewelry enhances your complexion, or your skin tends to sunburn easily before developing a tan.
• Identify Warm Undertones: Warm undertones are evident when your skin displays a yellow, golden, or olive tint. You can determine your undertone is warm if the veins on your wrist have a greenish hue (as opposed to blue), if gold jewelry enhances your complexion, or if you tend to tan effortlessly.

You should identify your undertone before choosing lipstick (source: Pinterest).

• Identify Neutral Undertones: If your skin has a combination of pink and yellow undertones, you are considered to have neutral undertones. Individuals with neutral undertones can wear both silver and gold jewelry with ease. Fortunately, a broad range of colors complements this undertone. For fair skin, you may experiment with pink hues, for medium skin, consider mauve shades, and for deep skin tones, berry colors can be particularly flattering.

2. How to Choose a Lipstick Color for Your Skin Tone

2.1. Cool Undertones

The ideal lipsticks for individuals with cool undertones should have undertones that are blue or purple in nature. Below is the best lip color for skin tone, which is cool:

• Cool Reds: Cool undertones pair beautifully with blue-based red lipsticks. Look for shades that have names like "cherry red," "cranberry," or "ruby red." These colors can make your lips pop and provide a classic, flattering look.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick is suitable for cool tones.

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• Berry Tones: Berry shades, such as plum, raspberry, and deep fuchsia, complement cool undertones exceptionally well. They add a touch of vibrancy and sophistication to your makeup.
• Mauve and Dusty Rose: Mauve and dusty rose lipsticks are a great choice for a more subtle and everyday look. They bring out the cool tones in your skin without being overly bold.
• Cool-Pink Nudes: For a nude lip, opt for cool-toned pink or mauve nudes. These shades can enhance your natural lip color and provide a soft, flattering appearance.

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For nude lip looks, you can either accentuate your lips' natural flush with a rosy, pink nude shade or go for a subtler appearance with a taupey beige hue. If you're uncertain, a tinted lip balm can adapt to your lip's natural color and complement a variety of looks, all while providing hydration as well. You should steer clear of lipsticks with warm or orange undertones, as they can clash with cool undertones and make your complexion appear off-balance.

2.2. Warm Undertones

Warm undertones are complemented by red lipsticks that have a hint of orange or coral in them. Look for shades like "tomato red," "brick red," or "coral red." These colors can make your lips pop and provide a vibrant, classic look.

• Peachy Nudes: For a nude lip, opt for warm-toned nudes with hints of peach or apricot. These shades can enhance your natural lip color and provide a warm, flattering appearance.
• Terracotta and Rust Shades: Terracotta and rust-colored lipsticks can be particularly flattering for warm undertones. They bring out the warmth in your skin and provide a trendy, earthy look.

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• Coral and Orange Tones: Experiment with coral and orange lipsticks if you want a fun and summery vibe. These shades can add a burst of energy to your makeup look.
• Warm Pink: Opt for warm-toned pinks, such as salmon or watermelon, for a fresh and lively appearance. These shades can complement your warm undertones without being too cool.

You should avoid Cool Tones such as lipsticks with cool or blue undertones, as they can clash with warm undertones and create an unbalanced look.

2.3. Neutral Undertones

Neutral undertones can often pull off a wide range of nude lipstick shades. Look for nude lipsticks that have a balance of warm and cool undertones, such as a rosy beige or a soft peachy nude. These shades can enhance your natural lip color.

• Rose Tones: Rose-toned lipsticks, which have a mix of pink and mauve undertones, tend to complement neutral undertones beautifully. These shades can provide a touch of color without overwhelming your natural skin tone.

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• Berry Shades: Berry lip colors with a hint of plum can be very flattering for neutral undertones. These shades can add vibrancy to your look without clashing with your complexion.
• Muted Reds: Opt for red lipsticks that are not too warm or cool. A brick red or a soft, muted red can be an excellent choice for neutral undertones. Avoid extremely bright or bold reds, which might not complement the neutrality of your skin.
• Coral Hues: Soft coral lipsticks can provide a fresh and lively look for those with neutral undertones. Look for corals that are not overly warm or cool to maintain a balanced appearance.

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You should steer clear of lipstick shades with extreme undertones. Extremely cool purples or extremely warm oranges may not harmonize well with your neutral undertones. Furthermore, you always try lipstick shades in natural lighting or at a makeup counter if possible.

3. Considerations When Choosing Lipstick Color

After you know how to choose a lipstick color for your skin tone, these are the notes that you should consider:

• Occasion: Consider the event or occasion you'll be attending. Bold and unusual lipstick colors may be more appropriate for parties, festivals, or creative gatherings, while a more subdued look is often preferred for formal or professional settings.
• Lip Shape and Size: The shape and size of your lips can influence how a challenging lipstick color appears. For instance, darker shades may make lips appear smaller, while brighter colors can make them look fuller. You consider how the lipstick shade will interact with your lip shape.

4. Conclusions

Here are some tips to help you know how to choose a lipstick color for your skin tone. Once you've identified your undertone, you're well on your way to finding the lipstick shades that will complement your skin and enhance your overall look.

Remember that makeup is not just about following rules but also about self-expression. You trust your instincts, experiment with different shades, and choose lipstick colors that resonate with your style, personality, and mood. With these considerations in mind, you can confidently select the perfect lipstick color for your unique undertone, bringing out the best in your lips and overall look.