What Color Lipstick Should I Wear? Try These Makeup Artist Picks

Red, fuchsia, berry, rose, nude—nowadays, there are so many different lipstick shades to choose from. While it’s great to have options, there’s no denying that having too many can feel overwhelming. That’s why finding a lipstick shade that complements your skin tone is key. Not only will doing so help to narrow down your choices but it will also guarantee optimal results.

To find out more, we chatted with pro makeup artists and asked which color lipsticks are best for every skin tone. While certain hues can enhance your complexion, others may do the opposite. However, keep in mind that these suggestions are here to help guide you; they’re not rules. “My most honest answer and the best beauty advice I can give is that the best lipstick for any skin tone is choosing a color that makes your heart sing, makes you feel like a million bucks, [and] makes you feel empowered,” says celebrity makeup artist Molly R. Stern. “You can pretty much carry any color on the lip as long as your foundation/powder is on point.” 

Ahead, learn how to figure out your skin’s undertones and discover the best lipstick color for you.

How to Figure Out Your Skin’s Undertones

Before discussing exact lipstick shades, it’s important to take a beat to determine skin tones versus undertones. According to makeup artist Leti Meyers, your skin tone is what’s visible to the eye: fair, medium, and deep. However, skin tones all have undertones, whether they are cool, warm, or neutral. For example, you can have fair skin with cool undertones, but it’s also possible to have fair skin with warm undertones.

“Generally speaking, skin is usually divided between cool undertones or warm undertones,” says celebrity makeup artist Gregory Arlt. “Even the fairest of skin tones can have more yellow, and some more pink.” The combinations of skin tones and undertones can seem endless, so here are a couple of ways you can figure out what your skin tone is.

Check Your Veins

The quickest way to figure out your undertones is by looking at your veins. For instance, if their hue is purple or blue, it’s safe to say that you have cool undertones. If, on the other hand, you have green veins, your undertones are warm. And what about if your veins look more blue-green? It’s probable that your undertones are neutral.

Consider Your Jewelry

According to Meyers, another easy way to check your skin’s undertones is to think about the jewelry you think looks good on you. “I like to recommend to clients, friends, and family that jewelry would be a great way to figure out your undertones,” she says. “If you look good with gold jewelry, then you have warm tones. Silver works best for cool tones, and, if you happen to like both colors, then you’re neutral.”

Track How Your Skin Responds to the Sun

Some people’s skin turns red after just a few hours in the sun without proper protection. If that sounds like you, Meyers says you likely have cool undertones. Other people can spend days in the sun and have a tan to show for it; in this case, says Meyers, your tone is warm. If you don’t get tan or burnt, your undertones are likely neutral. Regardless of your undertone, wearing broad-spectrum SPF daily is essential to protect your skin from sun damage.

So what does this all mean? If you have cool undertones, cool-toned lipstick colors will look best; if you have warm undertones, warm-toned shades will accentuate your pout; if you have neutral undertones, any lipstick shade will complement you.

Best Lipstick Shades for Fair Skin

Cherry Red

Red lipstick looks gorgeous on everyone, but it really stands out on fair and light skin tones with cool undertones, says Meyers. “A classic red lipstick can make a striking contrast against fair skin, creating a timeless and sophisticated look,” says makeup artist Gilbert Soliz. “Blue-based reds are particularly flattering as they can make teeth appear whiter and complement cool undertones.” You can’t go wrong with Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick in Four Hundred (neutral red).

Peachy Nude 

Arlt, Stern, and Soliz agree that peachy nude lipsticks are a gorgeous pick for fair skin tones. “Peachy nudes provide a natural look that blends well with fair skin—they add warmth and can balance out any cool undertones in the skin, making the complexion appear healthier and more radiant,” Soliz says. For fair skin tones, Nars Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick in Orgasm is a must, thanks to its warm pink undertones.

Soft Pink

Soliz and Bass also love the look of soft pink lipstick on fair skin tones. “[It] adds just the right amount of color that won’t compete with a strong eye but will add enough of a pop to brighten up a [fair-toned] face, without washing you out,” Bass says. According to Meyers, soft pink hues will look best on fair skin with cool undertones because it’ll add a pop of color without drowning you out.

Mauve

For a more neutral lip look, Arlt and Stern agree that mauve lipsticks—whether opaque or sheer—suit fair skin with neutral undertones beautifully. “It will mimic the look of lip color,” Arlt explains. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in the shade On the Mauve, with its medium undertones and satiny finish, will help bring a natural glow to fair skin.

Fuchsia

Meyers suggests a fuchsia lip color for fair skin tones with cool undertones because it can help brighten this complexion without clashing with undertones. “I love using them on clients with a soft, subtle makeup look for a fun pop of color,” she says.

Best Lipstick Shades for Medium Skin

Warm Nudes

Medium skin tones tend to lean more warm or olive. As such, Soliz says that warm nudes are a perfect lip pick. “They harmonize with the natural undertones without washing out the complexion,” he explains. “These shades offer a polished, everyday look that is both subtle and chic.” A good warm nude option for medium skin tones is Pat McGrath Labs’ MatteTrance™ Lipstick in 1995, which is a close shade to the one Jennifer Lopez is wearing here.

Wine Red 

As classic as a vibrant red lip is, Arlt recommends richer, wine reds for medium skin tones. “For dramatic shades, go for a beautiful Bordeaux or deep berry lip.” This’ll add drama and flatter medium skin tones, he adds. A classic in beauty products, MAC’s Mac-ximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Diva is an intense, wine-like red that’ll help your tones appear even warmer. Wine reds are great for all medium tones, says Meyers. “Wine red is one of those colors that is a little bit more forgiving,” she explains.

Blackberry

For a slightly cooler, saturated lip, opt for blackberry lip shades. According to Meyers, these hues tend to pair well with medium skin tones with neutral undertones. “Berry shades complement medium skin by adding a rich, vibrant pop of color,” Soliz says. “They enhance the natural warmth and provide a sophisticated, yet playful look suitable for both daytime and evening.” This is another lip shade that looks stunning whether it’s opaque or sheer. “A sheer blackberry is gorgeous on medium complexions,” Stern says, applauding their buildable nature. “It allows you to go from a wash of color to modern drama,” she explains.

Coral 

Bass and Soliz agree that coral lip shades are a stunning pick for medium skin tones, especially during the warmer months of the year. “Coral lipsticks bring out the golden undertones in medium skin, providing a bright and lively finish,” Soliz explains. “This shade is ideal for adding a cheerful, youthful glow and works well for both casual and formal occasions.” When looking for the perfect coral lipstick, Bass recommends striking a perfect balance between pink and orange “to add brightness without taking over the face,” she explains.

Terracotta

Meyers also points out that true warm skin tones with warm undertones radiate when paired with an orange-y lipstick, “These shades help bring out the natural warmth in your skin and give a cohesive, glowy, beautiful finish.” If a more matte finish is your vibe, consider the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Super Fabulous.

Best Lipstick Shades for Deep Skin

’90s Brown

Brown lipstick was a hit in the ‘90s, and it remains an especially stunning look on dark skin tones with warm undertones. Arlt says to pair a brown base with a slightly deeper lip pencil for an accentuated neutral pout. Soliz agrees that a brown lip is a must-try for darker skin tones. “Rich brown shades harmonize with dark skin tones, offering a natural yet polished look,” he explains. “These colors enhance the natural lip color and provide a sophisticated, earthy vibe suitable for any occasion.”

Coral Pink

Coral lip shades look gorgeous on dark skin tones too. However, Stern specifically recommends pumping up the pink tones for a bold and playful look. Meanwhile, Bass suggests a coral red lip to add “a gorgeous warmth to brighten up a deeper complexion,” which is especially true for cooler undertones. Meyers rounds out the support for coral on dark skin tones, saying that “deep skin tones can pull off a lot of vibrant, rich, and fun shades.”

Brick Red

Speaking of red lipstick, Stern says that more muted brick reds make for a pretty, blotted lip on darker skin tones. When shopping for a brick red lipstick, look for deeper hues with burgundy or sienna undertones if you have warm or neutral tones. One that matches that description? The Anastasia Beverly Hills Long-Wearing Matte & Satin Velvet Lipstick in Toffee.

Deep Plum

If you prefer more dramatic lip colors, Soliz says to reach for a deep plum shade. “Deep plum shades look stunning on dark skin, providing a rich, dramatic effect that enhances the natural beauty,” he explains. “These colors complement [all] undertones and add a touch of elegance and sophistication.”

Dark Blue

Because deeper skin tones are ultra warm, they can be balanced out by a cool, dark blue shade, says Meyers. Consider KVD Beauty’s Everlasting Hyperlight Vegan Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick in Scorpiris if you have a deep skin color and your undertones are neutral or cool.

The Bottom Line

You really can—and should—wear any color lipstick that makes you happy. That said, you’ll probably find that choosing a shade that complements your skin tone is foolproof. So figure out what your skin tone is, as well as your undertones, to enhance your makeup look. “Try different tones, learn what flatters you, and then have fun when you want to,” says Meyers. As a reminder, cool-toned lipstick colors complement cool undertones while warm-toned shades pair well with warm undertones. And if your undertones are neutral? Anything goes.