Finding the perfect lipstick can feel like an endless search, especially when trying to match your unique skin tone. The right shade of lipstick can brighten your face, enhance your features, and complete your makeup look. But with so many options available, it’s essential to know which shades complement your complexion.
In this blog, I’ll share the top lipsticks for every skin tone, featuring drugstore and high-end products to help you discover your new go-to shade. From classic nudes to bold reds, perfect lipstick is waiting for you!
Understanding Skin Tones
Before diving into the lipstick recommendations, it’s important to understand your skin tone. Skin tones generally fall into three categories:
- Fair to Light: You have light skin with pink, peach, or neutral undertones. You may burn easily in the sun and often need lighter shades that won’t overwhelm your complexion.
- Medium to Olive: Your skin has more warmth with yellow or golden undertones. You can pull off a wide range of colors but need shades that don’t wash you out.
- Deep to Dark: You have rich, darker skin with cool, warm, or neutral undertones. You can rock bolder, deeper shades that enhance your complexion.
Best Lipstick Shades for Fair to Light Skin Tones
Fair and light skin tones tend to suit softer shades like pinks, corals, and peachy nudes. These colors complement the natural warmth of your complexion without overpowering it.
- Drugstore Pick: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in “Loyalist”
A soft nude pink that offers long-lasting wear without drying out your lips. The pinkish undertone is perfect for light skin, creating a natural yet polished look. - High-End Pick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in “Pillow Talk”
This cult-favourite nude-pink is a must-have for fair skin. Its rosy hue is flattering without being too bold, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Best Lipstick Shades for Medium to Olive Skin Tones
Medium and olive skin tones pair well with warm nudes, peachy pinks, and rich berry shades. These shades bring out the warmth in your skin, creating a balanced look.
- Drugstore Pick: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in “Cannes”
A warm, peachy-pink that’s flattering on medium and olive skin tones. This formula is lightweight and long-lasting, perfect for daily wear. - High-End Pick: MAC Lipstick in “Velvet Teddy”
A classic warm-toned beige that complements olive skin beautifully. It has a rich, creamy formula that glides on smoothly, offering a matte finish without drying out your lips.
Best Lipstick Shades for Deep to Dark Skin Tones
Deep and dark skin tones look amazing with bold colors like deep reds, plums, and berries. These shades bring out the richness of your skin and create a striking contrast.
- Drugstore Pick: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Black Cherry”
A vampy, deep burgundy shade that’s perfect for those with deeper skin tones. The creamy formula is hydrating, making it comfortable for all-day wear. - High-End Pick: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in “Uncensored”
This universal red flatters all skin tones but looks especially stunning on dark skin. The highly pigmented formula offers bold colour with a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Universal Lipstick Shades for All Skin Tones
There are a few lipstick shades that transcend skin tones and look flattering on everyone. These shades adapt to your undertones and complement a wide variety of complexions.
- Drugstore Pick: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Rum Raisin
- A warm, reddish-brown that suits all skin tones beautifully. Its creamy formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, ensuring a smooth application.
- High-End Pick: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Dragon Girl”
A vivid red that’s universally flattering. This bright, bold red pops against any skin tone, offering a matte finish without drying out your lips.
Lipstick Tips for Every Skin Tone
- Match your undertone: When choosing a lipstick, consider your skin’s undertone. Cool undertones (pink, red, or blue) look great with blue-based reds or rosy pinks, while warm undertones (yellow or golden) shine with orange-based reds or coral shades.
- Try a lip liner: Using a lip liner that matches your lipstick or is slightly darker can help define your lips and make the color last longer.
- Exfoliate and moisturize: Always prep your lips by exfoliating and applying a hydrating balm to create a smooth canvas for your lipstick.
Top Lipstick Recommendations by Category
Best Nude Lipsticks
- Drugstore Pick: Milani Color Statement Lipstick in “Nude Crème”
This pinkish nude complements light to medium skin tones and delivers rich colour at a budget-friendly price. - High-End Pick: Tom Ford Lip Colour in “Blush Nude”
A luxurious nude with creamy coverage that’s flattering on fair to medium complexions.
Best Red Lipsticks
- Drugstore Pick: Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick in “Red For Me”
This classic red is a perfect drugstore option for a bold, long-lasting pop of colour. - High-End Pick: Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in “999”
A universally flattering true red that’s iconic for a reason, delivering rich colour and hydration.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect lipstick doesn’t have to be a challenge when you know what works best for your skin tone. From subtle nudes to daring reds, there’s a shade for every occasion and every complexion. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or splurging on a luxury product, these top lipstick recommendations will help you feel confident and beautiful.
So, go ahead—swipe on that perfect shade and make a statement!
Also Read: Effortless Beauty: Quick and Easy Makeup Tips for Busy Mornings