Ever thought about how to pick lipstick for your skin tone instead of just what happens to look good on the store shelves? There are literally millions of different shades of lipsticks so I know it’s hard to pick and choose just a few! I’m always drawn to certain shades but I’ve learned that no matter how much I like a certain color, it can totally wash me out or just be a bad match! If you too would like to figure out how to pick the most flattering and foxy lip sticks for your kisser, keep on reading!
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1. Lip Shape
The first tip I wanted to mention before moving on to choosing lipstick according to skin tone is to also consider the shape of your lips. There are some general rules that apply to certain lip shapes like darker colors making lips look smaller and lighter and brighter colors making lips appear bigger. So take note of whether you want to accentuate or minimize your lip shape before you start narrowing down lip colors so it won’t be as overwhelming!
Lip shapes can have a big impact on how a lipstick looks on you. People with thinner lips might want to opt for a brighter color to make their lips appear fuller. Those with fuller lips might want to go for a darker shade to make them look smaller. Additionally, matte lipsticks tend to make lips appear smaller, while glossy lipsticks make them appear bigger. When considering the shape of your lips, make sure to choose a color that complements your skin tone.
2. Old Faithful
When you’re in the process of selecting lip colors by skin tone, remember that you’re probably not just going to have one lipstick for every occasion. You’re going to want a lip color for every day, nights out, formal occasions and so on. For the purpose of wearing a lip color for every day, choose a lipstick that’s a few steps up from your natural lip color. Even if you carry a ton of lip products in your bag, having that one lipstick that you can always count on to look great is a must!
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3. Underneath It All
You can’t learn how to pick lipstick for your skin tone if you don’t get to know your skin’s undertones! I’m sure you’ve heard the terms cool or warm before if not in makeup then in the world of hair. If you’re unsure of your skin’s undertones, the easiest way is to look at the color of your veins on your inner wrists in the light. If they appear bluish, you’re cool and if they appear greenish, you’re warm!
I’m sure you’ve heard the terms cool or warm before if not in makeup then in the world of hair. If you’re unsure of your skin’s undertones, the easiest way is to look at the color of your veins on your inner wrists in the light. If they appear bluish, you’re cool and if they appear greenish, you’re warm! Knowing your undertone can help you choose lipstick shades that complement your natural coloring. Cool undertones often pair well with blue or purple-based shades like cherry red or plum, while warm undertones shine with coral or brick reds.
4. Fair Skin
When picking the right lipstick for light complexions, it usually means choosing lighter shades of lipstick like nudes, pinks or light browns. Cool toned gals should go for nude or a soft mocha color and warm gals should look for nude peach or pale pinks. I know that there will be times when you’ll want to rock a dark lip and you’ll look amazing. However, generally speaking, nudes and beiges are universally flattering and those colors work well to brighten up a fair complexion!
For fair skin tones, it is important to choose lipsticks that are not too dark or intense. Nudes, pinks, and light browns are the most flattering colors. Cool-toned fair complexions should opt for nudes or soft mocha, while warm-toned fair complexions look best in nude peach or pale pinks. When you're feeling adventurous, dark lip colors can be a great way to make a statement. However, nudes and beiges are usually the most universally flattering for fair skin. Lipsticks with a glossy finish can also help to brighten up the complexion. Consider using a lip liner to help define the lips and make the lipstick last longer. Lastly, stay away from matte lipsticks as they can make your lips look dry and dull.
5. Medium Skin
Choosing lipstick according to skin tone doesn’t have to be a chore. With medium skin tones, you have a pretty nice palette of colors to choose from like browns, red, fuschias and peaches. For medium skin with warm undertones, try copper or bronze colors and cool undertones should give pinks and cranberry colors a go!
6. Darker Skin
When you’re picking the right lipstick for darker complexions, dark reds are sure to make lips look gorgeous. For darker skin with cooler undertones try ruby and wine-colored hues. For warmer undertones, coppers and bronzes look pretty on your pucker. While some dark complected ladies look lovely in nudes and lighter colors rather than these recommended reds, beauty experts generally agree on avoiding orange.
When choosing the right lipstick for darker complexions, there are a few tips to keep in mind. In general, dark reds like ruby and wine-colored hues are most flattering. For warmer undertones, try coppers and bronzes. While some dark complected ladies look great in nudes and lighter colors, it is generally recommended to avoid orange. Additionally, be sure to pick a lipstick with a creamy, moisturizing formula to prevent dryness and cracking. Consider using a lip liner to define the shape of your lips and make your lipstick last longer. For extra shine and volume, use a clear lip gloss over the lipstick. With these tips, you can find the perfect lipstick for your skin tone.
7. Exceptions to the Rules
One last thing I wanted to mention on learning how to pick lipstick for your skin tone is that there will rarely be a time when you want your lip color to resemble your skin tone. At the same time you don’t want a stark contrast between your skin and lips either. With that said, I know it seems like there are so many rules just on picking a lip color but in the end, the only rule you have to follow is to wear what makes you feel good! All cool-toned or light complexions aren’t the same so experiment with colors you like! Don’t feel obligated to reject or accept a color you love just because isn’t considered acceptable!
I hope these tips make how to pick lipstick for your skin tone a little easier! There are so many things to consider when you’re looking for complementary colors that it’s easy to get frustrated! Do you use or own any of these recommended lip shades? Do you like to stick to certain hues when it comes to makeup or do you wear whatever you like?
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