Your signature look: find your perfect lipstick shade

Swiping on the perfect lipstick shade is akin to wearing an expertly tailored dress. It looks incredible in that head-turning sort of way, and it can bump confidence up a notch or two. With so many options to choose from—matte vs. glossy lipstick, liquid formulas, and a rainbow of colors—it's normal to experience a little analysis paralysis. The art of finding the right lipstick for skin tone comes down to understanding the nuances of formulas, shade variations, and, of course, your own complexion.

Understanding your skin tone and undertone

Complexions are surprisingly multifaceted. What you see first is skin tone, which is the skin's surface color ranging from fair to deep. Underneath are undertones, which are the super subtle color inflections that range from cool to warm. Adding both skin tone and undertones to the lipstick equation results in the most flattering lip color choices.

Warm undertones. Warm undertones are peachy and golden. People with warm complexions look great in lipstick shades with orange or golden bases, such as coral, orange-leaning brick red, and terracotta.

Cool undertones. People with cool undertones often have a rosy tint. Lipstick shades with blue or purple bases—such as berry, plum, and blue-leaning reds—are very flattering on cool undertones.

Neutral undertones. Neutral undertones are the middle ground between the two. This group does best with shades that don't stretch too far into warm or cool. Think neutral tones such as mauve, taupe, and scarlet red.

Lipstick shades for every skin tone

While undertones play a big role in finding the most flattering lip makeup for complexions, some colors look especially good on certain skin tones. These aren't hard rules—and everyone should feel free to experiment based on their personal style and preferences.

Fair skin tones. When aiming for minimalism or more natural looks, light complexions do well with pale pinks, soft nudes, and low-key corals. For dramatic contrast, rich reds and bright berries are flattering.

Medium skin tones. For everyday looks, lipstick shades that fall in the medium-saturation range are often most flattering. They offer a little extra color without looking too pale or overly saturated. Think rosy tones, beige nudes, dusty corals, and rust. Dialing up the saturation—think bright red, dark berries, and rich mauves—offers more oomph.

Deep skin tones. With dark skin tones, the goal is to swipe on lipsticks with enough depth to add vibrancy and richness. Statement-making hues include rich plum, chocolate brown, fuchsia, and bold reds. When choosing more everyday-wearable shades, choosing a color a few notches darker than your own lips can have a stunning result. Think dark rosy brown, deep rose, and plum brown.

Choosing the right finish

It may seem like a little detail, but lipstick finishes greatly impact overall look and feel. For example, the same color reads high-drama with a matte finish while looking more subtle and natural with a creamy formula. Formula affects how lip makeup feels, too. Some prefer the hydration and wearability of a satin or cream while others don't mind the dryness of a matte formula—or the stickiness of a lip gloss—if they're going for a particular look.

Matte lipsticks. Matte lipsticks are ultra-saturated colors, sometimes in liquid lipstick form, that dry down to a flat, powder finish. They're bold, statement-making lipsticks with real staying power; modern formulas have evolved so they have a softer feel, but some people do find them drying.

Satin and cream finishes. These are everyday, easy-to-wear standards. Cream and satin finishes have medium to sheer color payoff, and are often formulated with moisturizing ingredients that keep lips feeling soft and hydrated. Satins tend to be a little shinier.

Glossy lipsticks. For a dose of high shine, a glossy lipstick is the first draft pick. Available in many hues, these formulas have a juicy and luminous finish. They don't have the same stickiness as a true lip gloss (a nice perk for those who love the glossy look but not the tacky feel), though you may need to reapply more often than a matte, stain, or cream formula.

Lipstick for every occasion

Whether toasting at brunch or giving a presentation at work, a careful swipe of lipstick serves as the finishing touch. That said, some hues do work better than others in certain settings. Selecting a favorite lipstick is a great way to dial up the chic for a special occasion.

Special occasions. Here's where bold lipstick colors really shine. From weddings to holiday parties to date nights, special occasions call for glamour via bright reds, bold berries, deep wine, and vivid corals.

Everyday wear. Low key with a hint of saturation is the goal here. Shades such as soft pink, sheer berry, and “my lips but better" nude lipsticks work well for a polished, natural look.

Office-ready. Muted tones such as mauve, dusty rose, pink-browns, and soft reds are all great picks for a professional vibe. Ultra-bold hues like hot pink or bright red may be appropriate for some workplaces while standing out in others.

How to test lipstick shades

A perk of shopping in person is that testing is possible. In stores, this means using a designated tester product to swatch the color (not directly on the lips, though). Technology also makes it possible to “test" colors online before buying.

Swatch on your wrist or jawline. Applying a swipe of lipstick to the wrist or jawline shows the true color of the shade on your skin. The real color often looks different from the packaging, and swatching also helps determine whether it's a saturated or sheer lipstick.

Test in natural light. Natural light is essential anytime makeup application is involved. This allows for the truest-to-life read on the lipstick and can help show the nuances of the formula more clearly.

Use virtual try-on tools. Living in the twenty-first century is such a blessing sometimes. Virtual try-ons are very much a thing—often via AI-powered tools through which you upload a photo or use your computer or phone's camera. They're a mess-free way to experiment with lipstick shades.

Lipstick care tips for a flawless look

Lipstick always looks best when applied to healthy, hydrated lips. When there's less flaking and cracking—and a plump, moisturized base—it's easier to apply it smoothly, and evenly.

Exfoliate regularly. Gently exfoliating once every week or two can be a great routine if you regularly wear lipstick. Gentle is the key word. This can be as simple as lightly running a toothbrush over lips, and some sugar scrubs are formulated specifically for lip care.

Hydrate with lip balm. Lips can quickly become dry and cracked (especially in arid climates or during winter). Lip balms with a combination of hydrating and occlusive ingredients can help hydrate your pout.

Use a lip liner. This supporting star in the lipstick application process doesn't always get enough credit. Lining lips with a shade that's the same (or similar) to the lipstick itself can create instant definition and prevent feathering.

Trending lipstick colors to try

When in doubt, taking cues from what's trending is a great way to find lipstick choices. It can also be the nudge you need to step outside your comfort zone and try something unexpected.

Bold reds. From cherry red to brick red lipstick, this hue is considered a classic for good reason. It's timeless, bold, and never goes out of style. Choosing a red based on complexion and undertones is the best way to find a flattering hue.

Deep plums and berries. Berry tones stretch across a wide spectrum and include everything from vibrant pink-leaning berry to rich and saturated plum. These are gorgeous, unexpected lipsticks that really pop.

Soft mauves. With cloud lips and vinyl lips trending, pink-meets-brown mauve shades are enjoying a moment in the spotlight. Both trends lend themselves to these subtler hues that enhance the natural lip color. Cloud lips focus on diffusing edges for a soft finish—best achieved with satin and cream finishes—while vinyl lips have a super glossy finish.

Experimentation is the best and fastest path toward finding the perfect lipstick shade match. It quickly reveals what colors flatter and provides first-hand experience with various finishes and formulas. Once a few lipstick staples have been nailed down and are at-the-ready for color deployment, getting ready becomes that much easier. Happy swatching!