How to Choose the Right Lipstick for your Skin Tone

When it comes to choosing makeup that is right for your skin tone, we often exclusively think of shopping for foundation. However, you should be mindful of finding the perfect match for your skin tone with every single product you select for your beauty routine. And yes, that definitely includes your lipstick.

Making a statement with either bold or understated lipsticks has been a long-standing beauty trend. Lipsticks are a fun way to experiment with your look, and you can get away with being audacious and playful with various lip colors. It is simply amazing how one swipe of the right lipstick can give you a mood boost and an instant confident aura or stride.

First things first, identify your skin tone. Go by the foundation shade you regularly use. If you’re still in doubt, seek the help of your friendly neighborhood makeup artist or beauty expert at the store.

Fair Skin

For fair skin tones, you naturally have to avoid pale lip colors so you don’t look too washed out. Your porcelain skin really works in your favor since you can wear deep colors to contrast with your coloring. Yellow undertones are something you should avoid since it will just emphasize the paleness of your skin. Look for bright and peppy tones to really perk up your look.

Light/Medium Skin tone

Play down the beigeness of your skin tone and choose lip colors that have high contrast. A true red is great for that. If you want to play up the honey tones of your skin, choose colors with warmth in it.

Olive Skin Tone

You’re a lucky duck! Given your skin tone, which is pretty neutral, you can wear almost any shade of lipstick. Your skin tone wears a lot of colors really well. To ensure that your lip color looks good, match it with the warmth or coolness of your outfit of the day. For example, if you are wearing a cool color like green, stick a cool hued lipstick like a light pink.

Dark Skin

Deeper shades that match your deep and rich skin tone works best for you. Think deep plums, berries, and reds. Try and steer clear of lighter or paler colors. A trendy bright orange lip looks exceptional against your dark skin tone.

If you’re looking for visuals to help you know more about matching your lip color with your skin tone, here is a handy and helpful infographic diagrams to help you during your next lipstick shopping trip at the department store, or to use for the next time you get ready to step out in the morning.

All this information is helpful, but the best way is still to try out different lip colors yourself. Your skin tone is the main factor in deciding the right color, but sometimes all it takes is attitude to pull off a daring lipstick. Hey, if you fall madly in love with a lipstick, go for it! Trend trailblazers are usually born that way. No harm in following these guidelines though, since it is a guaranteed way to step out of the house looking your best.