How to Choose the Best Lip Colour for Your Skin Tone: A Guide to Perfect Matching Shades

The number of people choosing lip colours that simply don't work with their skin tone is, in makeup terms, eye-popping. It's shocking how often people end up with shades that make their complexion look dull or off, all because they didn’t consider how the tones interact. Understanding your undertone is key to picking the right lip colour - after all, what looks good on one person might not necessarily suit another. So, take a moment to read the only guide you need to figure out your skin's undertone, and you’ll never have to worry about rocking the wrong shade again!

How to Determine Your Skin Tone

Before you go picking out the perfect lip colour, it’s essential to know your skin tone. Skin tones generally fall into three categories:

• Cool: Your skin has a pink, red, or blue undertone. People with cool tones usually have fair skin that burns easily or medium skin that doesn’t tan easily. They tend to look best in silver jewellery and blush-toned makeup.

• Warm: Your skin has a yellow, peachy, or golden undertone. If you tan easily or have a deeper complexion with olive or golden undertones, you likely fall into the warm category. You look great in gold jewellery and warm-toned makeup.

• Neutral: A mix of both cool and warm undertones, neutral tones work well with both silver and gold jewellery and have the flexibility to wear a range of shades.

How to Figure Out Your Skin Tone

1. Vein Test: Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you’re cool-toned. If they appear green, you’re warm-toned. If you can’t tell or they look like a mix of both, you might be neutral.

2. Jewelry Test: Try on silver and gold jewellery. If silver looks better, you’re likely cool-toned. If gold suits you more, you’re probably warm-toned. Neutral tones usually pull off both.

3. Sun Reaction Test: Do you burn quickly or tan easily? If you burn, you’re cool-toned. If you tan without burning, you’re warm-toned. Neutral skin tones may burn but also tan gradually.

Now, onto the Fun Part: Lip Colours for Every Skin Tone

Once you've identified your undertone, it’s time to get down to business—finding the lip colours that will make your pout pop! Here’s a guide to picking shades that suit your skin tone:

For Cool-Toned Skin

Cool tones have the power to rock lip colours with blue or purple undertones. These shades not only complement your natural hue but will also enhance the coolness in your complexion.

• Best Shades:

  • Pink: Try cool-toned pinks, such as fuchsia or bubblegum pink. These will highlight your skin’s cool undertones without clashing.
  • Berry & Plum: Shades like deep plum, wine, or a bright berry are perfect to accentuate cool undertones, making your lips look fuller and vibrant.
  • Blue-Toned Reds: A classic blue-red lipstick is a winner for cool-toned skin. The slight coolness in the red will balance out the undertone beautifully.

• Pro Tip: Avoid orange or yellow-toned reds, as they can make your skin appear washed out. Stick to shades that have a bit of a blue or purple undertone instead​

   

For Warm-Toned Skin

Warm skin tones shine in rich, golden, and peachy hues. These shades highlight the warmth of your skin and create a harmonious look.

• Best Shades:

  • Coral & Peach: Coral and peachy shades are warm-toned heaven. They add a fresh pop of colour while complementing your natural undertone. Think of a juicy, soft peach or a vibrant coral red.
  • Red & Orange: Warm reds with an orange base are absolutely stunning. They’ll add a fiery touch that enhances your complexion and gives it a sun-kissed glow.
  • Warm Browns: Deep browns, terracotta, and even rich brick reds are perfect for warm skin. These shades provide a bold, earthy vibe that adds sophistication.

• Pro Tip: Avoid cool-toned pinks and deep berry shades—they might clash with the golden undertones of your skin​

   

For Neutral-Toned Skin

If you’re neutral-toned, consider yourself lucky—you can rock nearly any lip colour! But to make your lips really stand out, try to find shades that balance both warm and cool undertones.

• Best Shades:

  • Nude: A nude lip with a balance of pink and peach is a neutral-toned dream. It’s perfect for that effortlessly chic, natural look.
  • Rose & Mauve: Soft, muted rose shades with a touch of brown work wonders for neutral skin tones. They add warmth without overwhelming the complexion.
  • Classic Reds: A classic red that’s neither too blue nor too orange will suit you perfectly. Look for reds that are balanced in tone and not too extreme on either end.

• Pro Tip: Since neutral tones can handle both warm and cool shades, feel free to play around and experiment with everything from deep reds to soft pinks​

   

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the best lip colour for you isn’t just about matching undertones—it’s about finding shades that make you feel confident and fabulous. Don’t be afraid to experiment, try new colours, and have fun with your makeup routine! After all, the best shade is the one that makes you smile the brightest.