I think it’s one of the most common questions I get asked as a makeup artist.
What lipstick color is best for my skin color?
I’m a blonde and really want to wear red lipstick, but I can’t pull it off with my pale skin.
I’m a red-head and can’t pull off any lipstick colors.
Truth is – there is a color of pink, red, coral, brown and nude that suits every hair color, eye color, skin undertone and season!
Here’s some tips to follow when selecting your perfect shade of lipstick:
FIND YOUR SHADE
Yellow Skin Undertones – warm shades typically look the best
Pink Skin Undertones – purple and blue based colors typically look the best
Brown Eyes – deep pink + soft nudes
Blue Eyes – blue toned red + light pink
Hazel Eyes – coral peach + medium brown
Amber Eyes – warm orange + cool pink mauve
Grey Eyes – light beige + plum
Green Eyes – light orange + bright pink
Brunette Hair – brighter colors + orange
Platinum Blonde – subdued + nude
Auburn Hair – plum
Red Hair – shades with cool undertones
Silver Hair – bright + bold colors applied lightly
HOW TO DRESS YOUR LIPS FOR THE SEASONS
Winter – gemstone colors + red during the day
Spring – pastels, pale + bright and translucent
Summer – bight + opaque
Fall – dark tones, golden hues + browns
After almost 7 years of being in the beauty industry, I wanted to share some pointers that I learned along the way. Lipstick can be tricky, if you over think it. Just go with it and wear your bold color with confidence, apply it like a champ and nobody will ever question you.
1.) Define your outer lip-line with a concealer. This will help conceal any bleeding that the lipstick might have.
2.) I personally stay away from reds that have orange undertones. Orange undertones typically illuminates a yellow discoloring in teeth. If you’re going for a red, I highly suggest just rocking a gorgeous, bold, red. My favorite red is by Smash Box in color Be Legendary.
3.) If you’re wearing a bold lip, I would definitely prep your lip with a primer. I love Prep + Prime by MAC for the lippies.
4.) If you’re going for the Kylie Jenner signature matte lippie trend, then definitely prep your lips with a sugar scrub prior to wearing that matte color. Using a sugar scrub prior to a matte lip will help eliminate any dead skin cells that will be illuminated through the dry/ matte color. I love the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish.
5.) I think it’s always a great idea to line your lips with a lip liner prior to lipstick application. Here’s a few of my favorites. Also, I think it’s good to point out that in my makeup kit I only have a few liners – one color for each color family of lipsticks. I love MAC liners, simply because the price point and they don’t bleed. The liner will hold it’s shape and color for hours. My favorite go-to liners by MAC are: Soar (pink), Spice (brown), Half-Red (red), Burgundy (deep red/ brown), Magenta (plums/ bold pinks + plums).
6.) I think my biggest pointer is balancing your lip color with your face of makeup. If you’re doing a bright pink lipstick – it looks gorgeous when your makeup colors follow the same color as that bright bold pink lipstick. Purple + pink or neutral eye colors. Pink blush. You get my drift.
SHOP MY LIPPIE LOVES
Elisheva says
Hey,
Do you have a recommendation for me I have pale skin, green blue eyes and dark brown hair, some freckles. I want a lip gloss that lasts a long time and would look good with my colorings. Not looking for something bold like red. Thanms