What Color Lipstick Should I Wear & 7 Quick Tips for a Gorgeous Pout
Dante Kim
May 29th, 2024
Get your color analysis done
in 60 seconds with WhatColors!
Get your color analysis done in
60 seconds with WhatColors!
Get your color analysis done in 60 seconds with WhatColors!
Are you struggling to find the perfect lipstick shade that complements your complexion and makes you feel confident? Understanding what colors suit you can seem like a daunting task, but! In this blog, we'll guide you on what color lipstick should I wear. Know how to find colors that suit you, helping you look prettier by understanding your personal colors.
By using WhatColors's AI personal color analysis tool, you can effortlessly pinpoint the colors that suit you best and enhance your features. This handy solution is your go-to guide for achieving your goal of looking prettier by understanding your personal colors, making the process of finding the ideal lipstick shade a breeze.
Table of Contents
What Is Lipstick Color Theory?
Lipstick color theory is key to achieving a polished makeup look that complements your unique features. By grasping the principles of color theory, you can confidently choose lipstick shades that enhance your natural beauty.
Why Lipsticks Look Different on Various Skin Tones
Skin tone and undertones play a crucial role in how lipstick colors appear on different individuals. Whether you have fair or deep skin, your undertones influence how a lipstick will look against your complexion. Consider the depth of your skin tone as well as undertones when selecting a lipstick hue that flatters your features.
Related Reading
• How To Know What Colors Look Good On You
• What Colors Look Good On Pale Skin
• What Color Blush Should I Wear
• Colors That Go With Tan
• What Color Jewelry Should I Wear
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lipstick Color
Skin Tone
The same shade of red lipstick can look gorgeous on many different skin colors. With that in mind, don't feel like you're limited to dark shades of lipstick if you have dark skin, or pale shades if you have light skin. What matters most is your skin's undertones. From there, it's all about personal preferences, creative expression, and the look you're trying to achieve.
Complexion Undertones
The secret to finding the perfect lipstick for your skin tone? Identify your complexion undertone. (Plus, once you've done this, you can use this wisdom for everything from blush to foundation to nail polish.)
Cool
People with cool undertones have a pink, red, or even slightly blue hue to their skin. One trick for determining your undertone is to look at your veins. If you have a cool complexion, your veins will appear bluer.
Warm
Warm complexions lean a bit more golden or yellow. People with warm undertones typically have veins that look slightly green.
Neutral
Those with neutral undertones have neither warm nor cool complexions but rather sit somewhere in the middle. Their veins often appear blueish green. Neutral complexions can get away with just about any color!
Matching Lipstick Undertones to Your Skin Tone
Lipstick shades also feature neutral, warm, and cool undertones. Generally speaking, you'll find that the most flattering lipstick colors have the same undertones as your skin. For example, when choosing a red lipstick, consider whether it leans blue/purple or orange/yellow. The former dazzles on cool undertones, while the latter looks stunning on warm undertones. This same rule applies to pinks, mauves, browns, and everything in between.
Some colors are inherently warm or cool, so you can take that into consideration as well. For example, orange lipstick is inherently warm toned and may suit people with warm or neutral complexions best. And fuchsia is almost always a cool-leaning color, which means it may work best on people with cool undertones.
Eye Color
Though not quite as important as your undertone, your eye color is another factor to consider when searching for the most flattering shade of lipstick. Choose a hue that's opposite your eye color on the color wheel. To make it easy, we've identified the lipstick shades that commonly complement each eye color.
Blue eyes
Coral, peach, bronze, and copper
Green eyes
Berry, plum, mauve, brown, and terra cotta
Brown eyes
Deep red, burgundy, and rosy pink
Hazel eyes
Warm brown, neutral mauve, golden red, and copper
Unlock your colors and transform your style with WhatColors’ AI Personal Color Analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.
What Color Lipstick Should I Wear?
Cool Undertone
When it comes to cool undertones, blue and purple-toned lipsticks are the way to go. Shades like pink, rose, mauve, plum, and others in the same color family are perfect for those with cool undertones. These shades will enhance your natural cool undertone and make your lips pop.
Warm Undertone
For individuals with warm undertones, lipsticks in warm shades are the best choice. Think brick reds, bold oranges, and terracotta browns. Depending on your skin tone, opt for a paler shade if you have light skin or a richer color if you have darker skin. These warm hues will complement your undertone and give you a natural, effortless look.
Neutral Undertone
With a neutral undertone, the possibilities are endless. You can choose from a variety of lipstick shades and other cosmetics without worrying about whether they will suit your undertone. Pink hues work well for fair skin, mauve shades complement medium skin tones, and berry tones enhance deep skin tones. Embrace the versatility of your neutral undertone and experiment with different lipstick shades.
Office Wear Lipstick Shades
1. Mauve—Goes with Every Skintone
Mauve lipstick is a versatile choice for office wear that suits every skin tone. This dusty rose color adds vibrance to your face and instantly makes you look office-ready.
2. Brown—Subtle Yet Powerful for Any Look
Brown lipstick shades are making a comeback and are perfect for formal wear. Choose a shade darker than your skin tone to avoid a goth look and achieve a sophisticated appearance.
3. Nude—Works for Any Formal or Smart Casual Outfit!
Nude lipstick is a classic choice for a minimal, sophisticated look that complements any formal attire. Opt for a shade with pink undertones and a glossy finish for a healthy, natural look.
4. Berry—the Perfect Lipstick Shade for a Cheerful Friday at Work
Berry-color lipstick adds a pop of color to your look and is ideal for a cheerful Friday at work. With shades ranging from light to dark, there's a berry hue for every complexion.
5. Natural Pink—Great for Meetings AND Parties
Soft pink lipstick offers a subtle, feminine look that is perfect for both meetings and parties. Choose a shade that matches your natural lip color for a polished appearance.
6. Red—Perfect for Even Work, If Worn Correctly
Red lipstick can be empowering when worn correctly at the office. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal and balance your outfit to pull off a sophisticated red lip look.
7. Coral—Funky, Yet Sometimes a Great Choice for Office Looks
Coral lipstick adds a bold touch to your look and can work well in office environments when applied tastefully. For a lighter appearance, dab the coral shade lightly on your lips and balance it with neutral makeup elsewhere on your face.
Related Reading
• What Color Should I Wear
• Best Colors For Olive Skin
• Colors For Cool Undertones
• Best Colors For Warm Undertones
• What Colors Look Good On Tan Skin
• What Colors Look Best On Brown Skin
• Best Colors For Cool Undertones
• Best Colors For Warm Skin Tone
• What Season Am I
• What Color Looks Best on Me
• What Is My Color
• How to Find Your Color Palette
• What's My Color Palette
• What Color Season Am I
7 Quick Tips for Achieving a Gorgeous Pout
1. Prepare Your Lips
Always keep your lips moisturized with lip balm to prevent cracking and peeling that can ruin your lipstick application. Look for a lip balm with sun protection for better results.
2. Optional Step
Apply Primer or Foundation
Even out your lip color by applying a primer or a small amount of foundation before applying lipstick. This will help the lipstick to go on more evenly and prevent feathering.
3. Outline Your Lips with Lip Liner
Use a lip liner to outline the borders of your lips before applying lipstick. You can choose to outline before or after applying lipstick depending on personal preference. Some trends even suggest outlining slightly outside your lip line for a fuller look.
4. Apply the Lipstick
Use a small brush or apply the lipstick directly to your lips. Remove excess product by pressing your lips against a thin fabric or by using a brush and a small amount of translucent powder to set the lipstick in place.
5. Avoid Lipstick on Teeth
After applying lipstick, place a finger inside your mouth, close your lips, and pull your finger out to remove any product that may have transferred to your teeth.
6. Prevent Lipstick Transfer
To avoid lipstick transferring onto glasses, try licking your lips before taking a drink. Alternatively, opt for special lipsticks that don’t transfer.
7. Experiment with Trends
Have fun trying different lipstick trends to find the colors and shades that complement your skin tone.
By following these tips, you can achieve a flawless, long-lasting lipstick look that enhances your overall makeup appearance.
Related Reading
• Best Colors for Winter Skin Tone
• Best Colors For Yellow Undertones
• What Color Prom Dress Should I Wear
• Best Clothing Colors For Pale Skin Male
• Best Colors For Light Skin
• Best Clothing Colors For Fair Skin
• What Color Eyeshadow Should I Wear
• Best Colors For Light Brown Skin
• What Does It Mean When A Color Washes You Out
• Best Colors For Medium Skin Tone
• What Color Eyeliner Should I Wear
• What Colors Look Good On Pale Skin With Pink Undertones
Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today
When it comes to choosing the right lipstick color, it's essential to consider your skin tone. WhatColors is a fantastic resource that can help you determine your ideal colors using its patented color match technology. This tool assesses your skin tone, eye color, and hair color to identify your season. By knowing your season, you can select colors that will complement your features and avoid those that clash with your skin tone. With WhatColors, you can also discover the perfect nail colors that suit you best.
Start using WhatColors today to unlock your ideal colors and transform your style for free. Simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play store and start experimenting with shades that will enhance your natural beauty.
Get your color analysis done
in 60 seconds with WhatColors!
Are you struggling to find the perfect lipstick shade that complements your complexion and makes you feel confident? Understanding what colors suit you can seem like a daunting task, but! In this blog, we'll guide you on what color lipstick should I wear. Know how to find colors that suit you, helping you look prettier by understanding your personal colors.
By using WhatColors's AI personal color analysis tool, you can effortlessly pinpoint the colors that suit you best and enhance your features. This handy solution is your go-to guide for achieving your goal of looking prettier by understanding your personal colors, making the process of finding the ideal lipstick shade a breeze.
Table of Contents
What Is Lipstick Color Theory?
Lipstick color theory is key to achieving a polished makeup look that complements your unique features. By grasping the principles of color theory, you can confidently choose lipstick shades that enhance your natural beauty.
Why Lipsticks Look Different on Various Skin Tones
Skin tone and undertones play a crucial role in how lipstick colors appear on different individuals. Whether you have fair or deep skin, your undertones influence how a lipstick will look against your complexion. Consider the depth of your skin tone as well as undertones when selecting a lipstick hue that flatters your features.
Related Reading
• How To Know What Colors Look Good On You
• What Colors Look Good On Pale Skin
• What Color Blush Should I Wear
• Colors That Go With Tan
• What Color Jewelry Should I Wear
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lipstick Color
Skin Tone
The same shade of red lipstick can look gorgeous on many different skin colors. With that in mind, don't feel like you're limited to dark shades of lipstick if you have dark skin, or pale shades if you have light skin. What matters most is your skin's undertones. From there, it's all about personal preferences, creative expression, and the look you're trying to achieve.
Complexion Undertones
The secret to finding the perfect lipstick for your skin tone? Identify your complexion undertone. (Plus, once you've done this, you can use this wisdom for everything from blush to foundation to nail polish.)
Cool
People with cool undertones have a pink, red, or even slightly blue hue to their skin. One trick for determining your undertone is to look at your veins. If you have a cool complexion, your veins will appear bluer.
Warm
Warm complexions lean a bit more golden or yellow. People with warm undertones typically have veins that look slightly green.
Neutral
Those with neutral undertones have neither warm nor cool complexions but rather sit somewhere in the middle. Their veins often appear blueish green. Neutral complexions can get away with just about any color!
Matching Lipstick Undertones to Your Skin Tone
Lipstick shades also feature neutral, warm, and cool undertones. Generally speaking, you'll find that the most flattering lipstick colors have the same undertones as your skin. For example, when choosing a red lipstick, consider whether it leans blue/purple or orange/yellow. The former dazzles on cool undertones, while the latter looks stunning on warm undertones. This same rule applies to pinks, mauves, browns, and everything in between.
Some colors are inherently warm or cool, so you can take that into consideration as well. For example, orange lipstick is inherently warm toned and may suit people with warm or neutral complexions best. And fuchsia is almost always a cool-leaning color, which means it may work best on people with cool undertones.
Eye Color
Though not quite as important as your undertone, your eye color is another factor to consider when searching for the most flattering shade of lipstick. Choose a hue that's opposite your eye color on the color wheel. To make it easy, we've identified the lipstick shades that commonly complement each eye color.
Blue eyes
Coral, peach, bronze, and copper
Green eyes
Berry, plum, mauve, brown, and terra cotta
Brown eyes
Deep red, burgundy, and rosy pink
Hazel eyes
Warm brown, neutral mauve, golden red, and copper
Unlock your colors and transform your style with WhatColors’ AI Personal Color Analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.
What Color Lipstick Should I Wear?
Cool Undertone
When it comes to cool undertones, blue and purple-toned lipsticks are the way to go. Shades like pink, rose, mauve, plum, and others in the same color family are perfect for those with cool undertones. These shades will enhance your natural cool undertone and make your lips pop.
Warm Undertone
For individuals with warm undertones, lipsticks in warm shades are the best choice. Think brick reds, bold oranges, and terracotta browns. Depending on your skin tone, opt for a paler shade if you have light skin or a richer color if you have darker skin. These warm hues will complement your undertone and give you a natural, effortless look.
Neutral Undertone
With a neutral undertone, the possibilities are endless. You can choose from a variety of lipstick shades and other cosmetics without worrying about whether they will suit your undertone. Pink hues work well for fair skin, mauve shades complement medium skin tones, and berry tones enhance deep skin tones. Embrace the versatility of your neutral undertone and experiment with different lipstick shades.
Office Wear Lipstick Shades
1. Mauve—Goes with Every Skintone
Mauve lipstick is a versatile choice for office wear that suits every skin tone. This dusty rose color adds vibrance to your face and instantly makes you look office-ready.
2. Brown—Subtle Yet Powerful for Any Look
Brown lipstick shades are making a comeback and are perfect for formal wear. Choose a shade darker than your skin tone to avoid a goth look and achieve a sophisticated appearance.
3. Nude—Works for Any Formal or Smart Casual Outfit!
Nude lipstick is a classic choice for a minimal, sophisticated look that complements any formal attire. Opt for a shade with pink undertones and a glossy finish for a healthy, natural look.
4. Berry—the Perfect Lipstick Shade for a Cheerful Friday at Work
Berry-color lipstick adds a pop of color to your look and is ideal for a cheerful Friday at work. With shades ranging from light to dark, there's a berry hue for every complexion.
5. Natural Pink—Great for Meetings AND Parties
Soft pink lipstick offers a subtle, feminine look that is perfect for both meetings and parties. Choose a shade that matches your natural lip color for a polished appearance.
6. Red—Perfect for Even Work, If Worn Correctly
Red lipstick can be empowering when worn correctly at the office. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal and balance your outfit to pull off a sophisticated red lip look.
7. Coral—Funky, Yet Sometimes a Great Choice for Office Looks
Coral lipstick adds a bold touch to your look and can work well in office environments when applied tastefully. For a lighter appearance, dab the coral shade lightly on your lips and balance it with neutral makeup elsewhere on your face.
Related Reading
• What Color Should I Wear
• Best Colors For Olive Skin
• Colors For Cool Undertones
• Best Colors For Warm Undertones
• What Colors Look Good On Tan Skin
• What Colors Look Best On Brown Skin
• Best Colors For Cool Undertones
• Best Colors For Warm Skin Tone
• What Season Am I
• What Color Looks Best on Me
• What Is My Color
• How to Find Your Color Palette
• What's My Color Palette
• What Color Season Am I
7 Quick Tips for Achieving a Gorgeous Pout
1. Prepare Your Lips
Always keep your lips moisturized with lip balm to prevent cracking and peeling that can ruin your lipstick application. Look for a lip balm with sun protection for better results.
2. Optional Step
Apply Primer or Foundation
Even out your lip color by applying a primer or a small amount of foundation before applying lipstick. This will help the lipstick to go on more evenly and prevent feathering.
3. Outline Your Lips with Lip Liner
Use a lip liner to outline the borders of your lips before applying lipstick. You can choose to outline before or after applying lipstick depending on personal preference. Some trends even suggest outlining slightly outside your lip line for a fuller look.
4. Apply the Lipstick
Use a small brush or apply the lipstick directly to your lips. Remove excess product by pressing your lips against a thin fabric or by using a brush and a small amount of translucent powder to set the lipstick in place.
5. Avoid Lipstick on Teeth
After applying lipstick, place a finger inside your mouth, close your lips, and pull your finger out to remove any product that may have transferred to your teeth.
6. Prevent Lipstick Transfer
To avoid lipstick transferring onto glasses, try licking your lips before taking a drink. Alternatively, opt for special lipsticks that don’t transfer.
7. Experiment with Trends
Have fun trying different lipstick trends to find the colors and shades that complement your skin tone.
By following these tips, you can achieve a flawless, long-lasting lipstick look that enhances your overall makeup appearance.
Related Reading
• Best Colors for Winter Skin Tone
• Best Colors For Yellow Undertones
• What Color Prom Dress Should I Wear
• Best Clothing Colors For Pale Skin Male
• Best Colors For Light Skin
• Best Clothing Colors For Fair Skin
• What Color Eyeshadow Should I Wear
• Best Colors For Light Brown Skin
• What Does It Mean When A Color Washes You Out
• Best Colors For Medium Skin Tone
• What Color Eyeliner Should I Wear
• What Colors Look Good On Pale Skin With Pink Undertones
Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today
When it comes to choosing the right lipstick color, it's essential to consider your skin tone. WhatColors is a fantastic resource that can help you determine your ideal colors using its patented color match technology. This tool assesses your skin tone, eye color, and hair color to identify your season. By knowing your season, you can select colors that will complement your features and avoid those that clash with your skin tone. With WhatColors, you can also discover the perfect nail colors that suit you best.
Start using WhatColors today to unlock your ideal colors and transform your style for free. Simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play store and start experimenting with shades that will enhance your natural beauty.