How to choose the perfect lipstick color for you? 13 tips + chart

Updated December 15, 2025 by Elisa Branda

And you know How to choose the perfect lipstick color for you?

Choosing the right lipstick It's like choosing the perfect dress: it has to fit your body personality, to yours style, and, of course, to yours natural colors. But how do you find the lipstick color What makes us feel beautiful and confident? Let's find out together!

How to Choose the Perfect Lipstick Color for You?
How to choose lipstick color – Photo Credits: ©NuvoleBlu by Elisa Branda – All rights reserved

How to Choose the Perfect Lipstick Color for You?

Choosing the right lipstick color may seem complicated, but it's one of the most fun parts of make-up. A good lipstick can transform your look, make you feel more confident, and enhance your smile. But how do you choose the perfect shade from the thousands available? This guide will help you understand which colors look best on you based on your skin undertone, the color of your teeth, the occasion, and much more. Get ready to discover the lipstick that will make you feel your best every day!

But don't miss out on: Author's Perfume Sfogliatella: Aroma of Freshly Baked Pastries!

1. Know Your Skin Undertone

To choose the best lipstick color, it is important understand your skin undertone. But what does it mean? The undertone is that basic shade that affects how colors appear on us. There are three main undertones:

  • Broth: If you have greenish veins, tan easily, and have golden or peachy tones, your undertone is warm.
  • Cold: If your veins are bluish, your skin has a slight redness or pink tones, your undertone is cool.
  • Neutral Stainless - Steel: If you can't tell if your veins are more blue or green, you probably have a neutral undertone.

Knowing your undertone is crucial to choose the lipstick which enhances you more!

UndertoneRecommended Lipstick Colors
BrothOrange red, coral, golden nude
ColdRed with blue shades, cold pink, plum
Neutral Stainless - SteelNatural pink, burgundy, pink nude

2. Consider the Color of Your Teeth

Did you know that lipstick It can also make a difference to the color of your teeth? Colors with an undertone blue help make your teeth appear whiter. So, if you want a perfect smile, opt for a cool red lipstick or a pink with a touch of blue.

Avoid colors yellowish o orange if your teeth are not perfectly white, because they can accentuate the yellow.

Choosing lipstick based on your undertone
Photo Credits: ©NuvoleBlu by Elisa Branda – All rights reserved

3. Your Complexion Makes a Difference

Every complexion has its friendly colors and choosing the right lipstick can enhance yours strengths.

  • Light Complexion: If you have fair skin, try colors like soft pink, raspberry or light coral. These colors give a fresh and natural look.
  • Medium Complexion: Medium skin is perfect with light tones hot nudes, Cherry red e peach pink. These colors give warmth and vitality.
  • Dark Complexion: The intense colors like the Bordeaux, plum, or even a deep red They are perfect for enhancing dark skin, making the look sophisticated.

4. Choose Based on the Occasion

Lipstick is also a choice related to the occasion. We can't use the same color for a romantic evening and to go to work, right? Let's see together how to choose.

  • Office: Opt for delicate nudes o soft pink. These colors are subtle and give you a polished look without going overboard.
  • Aperitif with Friends: Try a coral or bright pink for a touch of liveliness.
  • Romantic Evening: There is nothing better than a intense red. Elegant and always seductive.
  • Formal Event: A Bordeaux or dark plum They add a touch of sophistication without being too flashy.

5. Try and Play with Colors

Don't be afraid of experience! Sometimes, to find the perfect color, you have to try several shades. Don't let too rigid rules hold you back: try those colors that attract you, it could be the discovery you didn't expect!

How to choose lipstick color
Photo Credits: ©NuvoleBlu by Elisa Branda – All rights reserved

6. Match Your Lipstick to Your Outfit

Lipstick is like a accessory and can improve your cool. If you are wearing a brightly colored dress, it is better to opt for a more bold lipstick. neutral. If you have a simple outfit, why not add a touch of color with a bright lipstick?

7. Matte vs Glossy Lipsticks

Another important decision concerns the finish of lipstick. Do you prefer a matte or polished?

  • Matte Lipsticks: Elegant, sophisticated, but can dry out lips. Ideal for important events.
  • Glossy lipsticks: They make the lips appear fuller and are perfect for a fresh and youthful look. Great for daily outings.

8. Lipsticks for Every Age

Age can influence your choice of lipstick. As we age, our skin changes and our lips may also need different colors.

  • Teenagers: Light colors, like transparent glosses o rosé, for a fresh and natural look.
  • 20 30-years: It's time to dare! Try tones lit including Cherry red o coral.
  • 40 years and older: Deeper colors like the plum or Bordeaux add elegance and definition. Beware of lipsticks that are too matte, which could highlight small lines.

9. Texture Makes the Difference

Lipstick is not just color, it is also texture! There are different consistencies, each with its own advantages.

  • creamy: Soft and easy to apply, they give a luminous touch. Excellent for dry lips.
  • Mat: Long-lasting and full colour, but require well-hydrated lips.
  • Gloss: Perfect for adding volume and a youthful look. Easy to apply even without a mirror!
Lipstick TextureKey FeaturesWhen to Use It
CreamySoft, moisturizingEveryday
MatLong lasting, intenseSpecial occasions
GlossShiny, volumizingAperitifs, summer days

10. Pay Attention to the Shape of Your Lips

The color of your lipstick can also help to visually modify the shape of the lips.

  • Thin Lips: Avoid dark and dull colors, instead opt for soft tones clear e gloss to give the illusion of volume.
  • Plump Lips: If you prefer not to accentuate them too much, use colors matte or more tones dark.

11. How to Apply Lipstick for a Perfect Result

Even the best shade won't do justice if not applied correctly. Here are some tips to make your lipstick last longer and have a flawless result:

  • Lip scrubs: Before applying lipstick, do a light scrub to remove flakes and make the surface of the lips smoother.
  • Lip Pencil: Define the contour with a pencil similar to the lipstick color to avoid smudging.
  • Light Layers: Apply lipstick in small layers, dabbing with a tissue between applications to make it last longer.
How to apply lipstick
Photo Credits: ©NuvoleBlu by Elisa Branda – All rights reserved

12. Lipsticks for Hydrated Lips

Don't forget that the lips must always be well hydrate to make the color pop. Lipsticks can be drying, especially the matte. Always carry a lip balm to apply before lipstick, or choose lipsticks with ingredients nutrients such as shea butter.

13. The Lipstick and the Seasons

The conductor itself can take various shapes, in bare or tinned copper, with or without insulation. In some cases, a preferential bend can also be applied to the joint so that it operates exactly as designed. seasons can influence the choice of lipstick. In summer we prefer brighter colors fresh e bright, while in winter the tones are more deep They are perfect for the mood of cold days.

  • Spring Summer: Colors coral, fishery, and bright pink They are perfect for adding a touch of vitality.
  • Autumn winter: The tones Burgundy, Bordeaux, and plum They give elegance and go very well with the season.

Lipstick Color Chart and Directions

Still have doubts about how to choose the ideal lipstick color for you? I have prepared this table with lots of useful tips!

Lipstick ColorIndicationsOutfit IdeasOccasionsOther Tips
Orange RedPerfect for warm undertonesNeutral, beige or green outfitsAperitif, informal eveningsIdeal for a sunny and lively look
CoralGreat for light to medium skin tonesSummer dresses, white or blueSummer days, outdoor eventsAdds freshness, avoid yellowish teeth
Nude GoldenSuitable for warm and neutral undertonesCasual or business chic lookOffice, business meetingsPerfect for a discreet and sophisticated look
Cold PinkSuitable for cool undertonesPink or pastel-colored dressesRomantic dinners, elegant eventsBrightens the complexion, ideal for special evenings
PlumGreat for dark skin or cool undertonesDark or elegant outfitsFormal evenings, special eventsAdds a touch of mystery and depth
Cherry redPerfect for adding a touch of glamourBlack dresses or sophisticated outfitsRomantic evenings, partiesMakes teeth appear whiter
Bordeaux Suitable for dark skin tones and neutral undertonesWinter looks, dark clothesWinter events, formal eveningsPerfect for a touch of classic elegance
Nude PinkPerfect for neutral undertonesRomantic looks, floral dressesOffice, casual datingAdds delicacy without overdoing it
Peach RoseSuitable for medium skin tones and warm undertonesSummer outfits, light colorsOutdoor lunches, summer daysGives freshness, ideal for a natural look
Cold RedSuitable for cool undertonesFormal looks or with blue detailsEvening events, elegant eveningsMakes teeth appear whiter, very seductive
Transparent GlossGreat for all ages, fresh lookAny casual outfitSummer days, quick outingsAdds volume to lips, easy to apply

FAQ – How to choose lipstick color

I have collected the most frequently asked questions related to the question of how to choose the ideal lipstick color.

What are the main factors to consider when choosing a lipstick color?

Your skin tone, undertone (warm, cool, or neutral), and the look you want to achieve are all important. Occasion and season can also influence your choice.

How can I understand my skin undertone?

Look at the veins on your wrist: if they look green, you have a warm undertone; if they are bluish, you have a cool undertone. If you can't distinguish the color, you may have a neutral undertone.

What is the best lipstick color for fair skin?

Soft pinks, nudes, and peaches are great for those with fair skin. Bright reds with blue undertones can also add a sophisticated touch.

And for medium skin?

Coral colors, pink nudes, and warm reds look great on medium skin tones. Avoid shades that are too light, which could look dull.

What shades work best for dark skin?

Deep reds, burgundies and chocolate browns flatter dark skin tones beautifully. Bright fuchsias can also be very elegant.

Should your lipstick color match your eye makeup?

Not always, but it is important to balance the look. With intense eye makeup, opt for a neutral lipstick. With simple eyes, dare with brighter colors.

How do I choose a suitable nude lipstick?

The ideal nude should be a shade similar to your natural lip color, but slightly more intense. Avoid shades that are too pale to look dull.

Is there a universal lipstick color?

Red with blue undertones, like the classic ruby ​​red, is often considered a color that looks good on all skin tones.

Can I safely try on lipstick in the store?

Use disposable testers or test the color on the back of your hand or wrist. Many stores also offer makeup assistants that use hygienic tools.

Does the finish of the lipstick affect the color?

Yes, a matte finish can make the color appear more intense, while a glossy or satin finish will make it appear lighter and brighter.

How can I make lipstick last longer?

Apply a lip pencil as a base, then blot the first layer of lipstick with a tissue and reapply. A veil of transparent powder helps to set.

Do yellow teeth affect your lipstick choice?

Yes, colors with blue undertones, such as cool reds, help counteract the effect of yellow teeth. So when you're wondering how to choose the ideal lipstick color, keep in mind to avoid oranges and corals.

Does lipstick color change with age?

Often, yes. As we age, lips lose definition and volume, so colors that are too dark can harden the features. Choose softer, more natural shades.

Can I match lipstick to my clothes?

Absolutely! Choose complementary colors or the same tone. Just avoid overdoing it with perfectly identical combinations. A slight contrast can add elegance.

Which lipsticks are best for day and which for evening?

During the day, go for natural or subtle colors like nude. For the evening, experiment with more intense shades like red, purple or burgundy.

Conclusion

Find the perfect lipstick it's a journey of personal discovery. There are no fixed rules: it is important to try, have fun and above all feel that the color we wear represents us and makes us feel good. Always remember that beauty is in the little things that make us smile in front of the mirror, and a good lipstick can be just one of those details that make the difference!

Where to Buy Lipsticks

BUY HERE: AMAZON

So, are you ready to find the your ideal color? Let me know in the comments what your favorite lipstick is and why you love it so much!

Reproduction prohibited | ©NuvoleBlu – Elisa Branda

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