How to Pick the Perfect Lipstick Colour for My Skintone
If you’ve ever typed “lipstick colour for my skintone” into Google at 1 a.m., you’re not alone. Finding your perfect shade shouldn’t be stressful — and that’s what this post is here to help with.
Let’s break it all down together — no confusing makeup jargon, just real tips that actually work.
Why Your Skintone (and Undertone) Matter
Before you grab the prettiest shade in the tube, let’s talk about why your skintone and undertone make such a big difference.
Ever tried on a lipstick that looked amazing in the packaging but totally off on your face? That’s because certain shades either enhance your natural complexion or clash with it.
Knowing what works for your unique tone makes shopping for lipstick so much easier. It’s like having a secret makeup cheat code.
Step 1: Figuring Out Your Undertone
This is the real magic. Your undertone is the subtle hue underneath your skin — and it never changes, even if you tan.
Cool undertones: Your skin has pink, red, or blue tones. Veins look blue, and silver jewelry looks great on you.
Warm undertones: You have yellow, peachy, or golden tones. Veins look greenish, and gold jewelry pops on your skin.
Neutral undertones: You’ve got a bit of both — lucky you! You can wear almost anything.
Once you figure this out, picking the best lipstick colour for your skintone gets way easier.
Step 2: Match Lip Color to Your Skin + Undertone
Let’s get into the good stuff — actual shades that suit you. Whether you’re fair, medium, olive, or deep, there’s a perfect lipstick waiting to be your new go-to.
✨ Fair Skin
You’ve got light, porcelain-like skin — and it’s all about keeping things soft (but not washed out).
Cool undertones: Think soft pinks, rosy shades, or even berry tones for a bold moment.
Warm undertones: Peachy nudes, coral, or apricot tones will brighten you up beautifully.
💡 Avoid super dark shades unless you’re going for contrast — they can look a bit harsh.
🌤️ Medium Skin
You have a warm, sun-kissed vibe that works with so many shades.
Cool undertones: Try dusty rose, mauve, berry, or a muted red.
Warm undertones: Think terracotta, warm caramel, or orangey-reds.
💡 Medium skin tones can rock both nudes and bolds — don’t be afraid to play around.
🌿 Olive Skin
Olive skin often falls into the neutral or slightly green-toned category — so you’ve got options.
Go for nude pinks, spicy browns, bronze shades, or bold orangey-reds.
Skip the super cool icy pinks — they can make your skin look dull.
💡 You’re in a sweet spot — embrace variety and try unexpected shades too!
🌑 Deep Skin
Deep skin tones look incredible in rich, vibrant hues — don’t hold back.
Cool undertones: Go for plum, wine, cherry red, or a deep berry.
Warm undertones: Try copper, bronze, chocolate, burnt orange, or brick.
💡 Pale nudes might need a darker liner or gloss to avoid looking chalky — but otherwise, go bold!
Step 3: Lip Color (Nude, Red, and Bold)
We all need a few classics in our makeup bag — so here’s how to find your perfect nude, red, and bold shade lip color on your skin tone.
👄 Nudes
Fair skin: Go with beige or pinkish nude
Medium skin: Rose or peachy nude
Olive skin: Caramel or light brown
Deep skin: Rich mocha or deep caramel
The trick is to pick a nude that’s slightly deeper than your natural matte finish — otherwise, it might wash y
❤️ Reds
Red lipstick is a vibe — but the right undertone makes all the difference.
Cool skin: Look for blue-based red matte finish (think cherry or cranberry)
Warm skin: Orange-reds or brick tones are 🔥
Neutral: Pretty much any red works — lucky you!
💜 Bolds
Ready to make a statement? These colors aren’t for the faint of heart — but they’re so fun.
Fair: Mauves, lavender
Medium/olive: Fuchsia, plum, burnt orange
Deep: Deep purples, wine, even black — yes, seriously!
Step 4: Finish Matters Too
Not just the color — the texture can change the whole vibe.
Matte: Long-lasting and bold, but can feel dry
Glossy: Juicy and fresh-looking (especially great for nudes)
Satin: A soft, creamy finish that’s flattering on everyone
Sheer: Great for everyday wear or when you want just a hint of color
Try layering — for example, apply a long lasting lipstick and top with a gloss for the best of both worlds.
Real Talk: Wear What You Love
Here’s the thing: yes, skintone matters when choosing lipstick — but rules are made to be broken. If you love a shade and it makes you feel good? Wear it.
Makeup is about self-expression, not perfection. The best long lasting lipstick colour for your skintone is the one that makes you feel you. Confident, bold, beautiful — however you define it.
Quick Recap 💋
Figure out your undertone (cool, warm, or neutral)
Match shades that flatter your tone (fair, medium, olive, deep)
Pick go-to nudes, reds, and bolds
Don’t forget about finish (matte, glossy, etc.)
Break the rules if you want to — it’s your face, your rules