Red, fuchsia, berry, rose, nude, and more, there are so many different shades of lipstick available these days. While having more options is great, the truth is that the more options you have, the harder it is to choose. With that in mind, we spoke to a few celebrity makeup artists about the lipstick shades that are most flattering on every skin tone.
“My most honest answer, and the best beauty advice I can give, is that the best lipstick for any skin tone is to choose a color that makes you excited, makes you feel great, and makes you feel confident,” says the celebrity makeup artist. Molly R. Stern“As long as you have the right foundation and powder, you can use any color on your lips.”
Before we discuss the exact color of the lipstick, let’s first talk a bit about skin tones: “Generally speaking, skin can be divided into cool undertones and warm undertones,” says the celebrity makeup artist. Gregory Alt“Even the fairest skin can have a yellow or pink undertone.” If you have cool skin, cool-toned lipstick colors look best on you. If you have warm skin, warm-toned shades will accentuate your lips. If you have a neutral skin tone, you can use almost any lipstick under the sun.
Find out which lipstick colour is best for your skin tone.
Fair/light skin
Peach Nude
Alt, Stern, and celebrity makeup artists Gilbert Solis We agree that peachy-nude lipsticks are perfect for fair and light skin tones: “Peachy nudes offer a natural look that works well with fair skin tones. They add warmth and balance cooler tones in the skin, making the complexion look healthier and more radiant,” says Solis.
Soft Pink
Solis and celebrity makeup artists Guitar Bass I love how soft pink lipstick looks on my fair and light skin tone.[It] “It adds just the right amount of color that won’t compete with a strong eye look, and it adds enough pop to brighten a pale face without making it look too pale,” Bass says.
Mauve
For a more neutral lip look, both Alt and Stern agree that mauve lipstick, whether opaque or clear, works great on fair skin. “It creates a finish that mimics the color of your lip,” Alt explains.
Classic Red
Red lipstick looks great on everyone, but it’s especially flattering on fair and light skin tones. “A classic red lipstick creates a striking contrast with fair skin and gives you a timeless, sophisticated look,” says Solis. “Blue-toned reds are especially flattering, as they whiten teeth and complement cool undertones.”
Bass’s suggestion: go bold. “A light tomato color is a beautiful contrast against fair skin,” she says. “I like to pair light colors with fair skin, because darker colors can look a bit harsh.”
Medium Skin
Warm Nude
Those with medium skin tones tend to lean toward warm and olive undertones, which is why warm nudes are a great lip color choice, says Solis. “They blend with your natural tone without making your skin look dull,” he explains. “These shades offer a sophisticated, everyday look that’s understated and chic.”
wine-red
Although we love a vibrant red lip, Alt says that for medium skin tones, a deeper burgundy works best: “For a dramatic look, choose a beautiful burgundy or deep berry lip color that will add drama and flatter your skin tone,” he adds.
blackberries
For a slightly cooler, more vibrant lip look, opt for a blackberry lip shade. “The berry shade adds rich, vibrant color to flatter medium skin tones,” says Solis. “It enhances your natural warmth and offers a sophisticated yet playful look that’s suitable for both day and evening.” This is another lip shade that looks great both opaque and sheer. “Sheer blackberry is great for medium skin tones,” says Stern, praising its buildability. “It can go from pale to modern and dramatic,” she explains.
Coral
Bass and Solis agree that coral lip shades are perfect for medium skin tones, especially in the warmer weather. “Coral lipstick brings out the golden undertones in medium skin for a bright, vibrant finish,” Solis explains. “This shade is ideal for adding a luminous, youthful glow and is suitable for both casual and formal wear.” When searching for the perfect coral lipstick, Bass recommends striking the perfect balance between pink and orange, “to add brightness without overwhelming the face,” she explains.
Dark Skin
90’s Brown
Brown lipstick was a big hit in the ’90s and has been trending again in recent years, and it looks especially good on darker skin tones. To complete the look, Alt says to accentuate your natural lips with a brown base and a darker lip pencil. Solis agrees that a brown lip is a must for dark skin tones. “Darker brown shades complement dark skin tones and give you a natural yet sophisticated look,” he explains. “These colors will complement your natural lip color and create a sophisticated, earthy vibe that’s suitable for any occasion.”
Coral Pink
Coral lip shades also look beautiful on darker skin tones, though Stern recommends going for pink tones in particular for a bold, playful look, while Bass suggests trying a coral red lip to add “great warmth that brightens darker skin.”
Brick color
Speaking of red lipstick, Stern says that more muted brick-toned lipsticks can look pretty smudged on darker skin tones. When shopping for brick-toned lipstick, look for deeper shades with burgundy or sienna undertones.
Deep Plum
If you’re looking for a more dramatic lip color, Solis recommends opting for a deep plum shade. “Deep plums look great on dark skin tones, providing a rich, dramatic effect and enhancing your natural beauty,” Solis explains. “These colors will flatter any skin tone and add elegance and sophistication.”