A stunning lip colour can work wonders for your overall makeup, boosting your confidence and definitely elevating your outfit. There’s a reason you’ll find this essential pop of colour in most make-up kits; a singular swipe with the right shade can be your best friend, no matter your preferences! 

The importance of choosing the right lipstick cannot be underplayed. With a long list of options, it can be a little overwhelming to choose what feels right. If you’ve been on the lookout for a new shade to love or just struggling to identify the perfect one, read our guide to learn how to choose a lipstick shade you’ll never feel bored with!

Identify Your Skin Tone

The first and foremost step in how to choose lipstick shade is identifying your skin tone. Your tone is simply your skin’s natural colour. They are usually categorised into three main types. Let’s understand how to identify your skin tone easily: 

• Fair: This is the lightest end of the skin tone spectrum. You have fair or light-toned skin if you have low levels of melanin, and your skin has a porcelain-like appearance. Fair-toned individuals do not tan or only mildly tan, instead facing an increased susceptibility to sun damage.  
• Medium: If you have a rich or warm skin tone with more olive-like undertones, you may have a medium skin tone. Medium-skinned individuals have higher levels of melanin, decreasing the likelihood of sun damage and making it easier for them to get tanned.
• Deep: This is the other end of the skin tone spectrum. You are probably deep-skinned if you have a distinctly rich complexion with darker tones. You rarely (if at all) suffer from sun damage and tan very easily due to the high amounts of melanin present in the skin. 

You can also identify your skin tone with the following methods:

1. Colour Analysis: You can directly compare your skin to a standard chart of skin tones, such as the Fitzpatrick Scale. 
2. Observe Your Face Under Natural Light: Go outside with a mirror in soft (not harsh) daylight. Natural lighting will help you identify your skin tone easily.
3. Sun Damage: How does your skin react to sun exposure? Your skin tone can be identified based on how easily you burn or tan.

Understand Your Skin Undertone

Although this sounds easy, this is usually the trickiest and often overlooked step in the process of how to choose lipstick shade and colour palette. Beauty experts often recommend identifying your skin’s natural undertones to triangulate colours and styles that work best for you. Dressing for your skin tone works by enhancing your natural features or complementing them more effectively. The following are the broad types of undertones:

• Warm Undertones: Yellow, peachy, or golden colours in the skin.
• Cool Undertones: These are pink, red, or bluish.
• Neutral Undertones: Your undertone may be neutral if your skin contains both warm and cool colours. 

The simplest way to identify your undertone? Look at your wrist! The veins that run there may appear to be of a certain colour. You can use this information to choose the best lipstick colour for skin tone. Greener-looking veins would mean that you have warmer undertones, while blue or purple-looking veins will imply cool undertones. If you can’t really discern a particular colour, it could signify a neutral undertone.

Identify the Best Colours

After reviewing the fundamentals of skin tones and undertones, let's learn how to find the perfect lipstick shade! 

Best Lipstick Shades for Fair Skin

Fair skin is usually paired with softer shades. Here are some of the shades you can select if you have this tone:

• Cool undertones: Opt for delicate pinks, lighter purples, and berry-inspired lipstick shades. These are not overpowering.
• Warm undertones: Select peach shades or warm nude shades. These enhance your skin’s warmth. 
• Neutral undertones: Get versatile! Use pinks like rose or light berry shades. 

Best Lipstick Shades for Medium Skin

With medium skin, you have a broader spectrum of shades to play around with, from natural nudes to vibrant hues. The following is sure to work the best for you:

• Cool undertones: Select hues like rose, mauve, and cranberry. These are great choices for any occasion. 
• Warm undertones: Terracotta-like shades, including cinnamon and apricot, are sure to complement your skin beautifully.
• Neutral undertones: Since this undertone has more flexibility, you can try colours like pink nudes, mauves, or even rich reds.

Also Read:  The Ultimate Trend for Nude Lipsticks

Best Lipstick Shades for Darker Skin

Bold shades look the best on darker skin tones. Vibrant options enhance rich complexions. Take a look at what’s the best for you:

• Cool undertones: Go for purple-looking colours like wine. Classic reds and deeper shades of purple can work for you. 
• Warm undertones: Brick red or brown and bright oranges are some of the most suitable shades.
• Neutral undertones: Use browns, burgundies, and even nude pinks. Select according to your mood and occasion!

Opt for the Right Lipstick Finish

While we have already covered how to select lipstick shades, it is also important to familiarise oneself with the various types of lipstick finishes to achieve the perfect look. These can make a huge difference due to the textures they offer. Here is a quick overview of the various finishes and their suitability:

Matte

Matte lipsticks are shine-free in nature. They deliver pure colour with a smooth and uniform texture. They are perfect for a long-lasting and sophisticated look—the type of lipstick you would want to wear on a date night!

Gloss

Glossy lipsticks are shiny and reflective to look at. They stand out more than any other sort of lipstick. They are ideal for a youthful and dewy appearance. Are you looking to add volume to your lips? Gloss lipsticks are your go-to.

Satin

Do you want to avoid drawing attention to your lips but also want them to stay moist? Satin lipsticks are your best pick. They offer a semi-matte, slightly shiny finish and are perfect for use on an everyday basis.

Cream 

Because these have a nourishing formula, creamy lipsticks are recommended for individuals who suffer from dry or chapped lips. They usually contain ingredients like Vitamin E and aloe: great for moisturising and healing! If you’re looking for something that’s definitely comfortable and moderately long-lasting (great for work!), a cream lipstick is the best.

Also Read: Common Lipstick Mistakes you Must Avoid

Conclusion

We hope you’ve understood how to choose lipstick shade to complement your skin and personal style. By doing so, not only will you feel good about yourself, but you'll also leave a lasting impression. 

If you’re looking for a lipstick that looks custom-made, check out Beromt.com’s stunning catalogue. We have a unique range of long-lasting mattes, high-shine glosses, and hydrating creamy lipsticks for every event. All our lipsticks are crafted with high-quality ingredients to ensure you keep reaching for that pop of colour.