Unlock Your Best Lipstick: A Shade for Every Skin Tone

Unlock Your Best Lipstick: A Shade for Every Skin Tone

Lipstick isn't just makeup—it’s empowerment. But with endless shades and finishes, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. InStyle breaks it down like a pro, guiding you to the perfect pout.

1. Discover Your Undertone

Experts encourage starting with your skin’s undertone—cool, warm, or neutral. Check your wrists: blue or purple veins suggest cool, green veins warm, while a mix points to neutral. Consider how your skin reacts to sunlight and which jewelry flatters you. Identifying your undertone unlocks a world of flattering shades

2. Match by Skin Tone

• Fair Skin:

  • Cool undertones: Opt for blue-based reds or soft pinks.

  • Neutral undertones: Try peachy nudes and mauves.

• Medium Skin:

  • Warm undertones: Consider earthy nudes, corals and terracotta.

  • Neutral undertones: Rich wine reds and corals shine.

• Deep Skin:

  • Warm/or neutral: Reach for ’90s browns, coral pinks, brick reds, deep plums—even deep blues for a statement-making lip.

3. Go Beyond Science

While undertone guides are helpful, confidence is key. Whether matte, glossy, or sheer—choose what makes you feel bold, beautiful, and authentically you.

Pro Tips for Choosing & Wearing Lipstick

• Test before you commit: Swatch lipside or on your hand to see how the color interacts with your complexion.

• Finish matters: Matte gives drama; gloss feels youthful; satin creates that “your lips but better” vibe.

• Seasonal switches: Try brighter corals and pinks in spring/summer, richer berries and wines in fall.

• Build and blend: A sheer layer topped with gloss can look more natural; mix shades to create customized colors.

• Own it with confidence: Lipstick isn’t just color—it’s a statement. Wear it with pride!

Quick Reference

Skin Tone	Recommended Shades
Fair	Blue-reds, soft pinks, peachy nudes, mauves
Medium	Warm nudes, wine reds, corals, terracotta
Deep	Brown tones, coral pinks, brick reds, deep plum

Final Thoughts

Lipstick is more than just a beauty staple—it's a way to express mood, confidence, and style. The key? Know your undertone, use it as a guide, but always let your heart choose. After all, the most beautiful shade is the one you own.