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How to Choose the Perfect Lipstick Shade: National Lipstick Day

We’ve seen plenty of makeup enter and leave the beauty world throughout the years. While some must-have products come and go, the lipstick has consistently remained a universally loved piece of makeup- there’s a reason there’s a national lipstick day! No matter what your style or age, if you have a make-up bag, you can bet there’s lipstick within it. However, despite its solid spot in the beauty world, there’s still some confusion over how to choose a perfect lipstick shade. 

To effortlessly pull your look together, a simple swipe of lipstick is often all you need. However, this will only work if the lip color is suited to you. It should enhance your beauty and make you feel confident. So, to celebrate national lipstick day we’ve created a guide on how to choose the perfect lipstick shade for you. 

Best lipstick shades for cool undertones 

To choose the perfect lipstick shade for you, you must first know what your undertone is. Take a look at your wrist. If your veins are quite blue, then you have a cool undertone that will suit certain shades of lipstick best. 

For a subtle, everyday look, the best lipstick shades for cool undertones are usually ones with cool shades such as soft, rosy pinks. For a look that stands out, try lipstick shades with warm tones such as warm browns and dark berry shades. 

Illamasqua’s Sheer Veil Lipstick is a great option for those with a cool undertone who want to add a hint of color to their look without an overpowering lip. The balmy, oil-infused texture drenches the lip with a sheer coat of bright color that blends seamlessly with the natural shade of your lips. Try the Illamasqua Sheer Veil Lipstick in the shade Pose or Precious for a subtle look. Pose comes out as a dusty rosé pink, while Precious is a more frosted heather pink shade. For a bolder look, try a pale terracotta shade, such as Seville. 

However, you may be looking for a lipstick that leaves a more intense tint. For a semi-matte, cushioned finish, an example of some natural, best shades of lipsticks for cool undertones are Maya and Bang in the Illamasqua Antimatter Lipstick. The Maya shade appears as a light pink nude whereas Bang comes out as a muted pink nude.  

Having said this, choosing the perfect lipstick for you is about one that inspires you and helps you to feel your best. For a look that stands out, why not try the shade Midnight in the Antimatter Lipstick to give the lips a pop of color and in a classic cool red shade.  

woman wearing red lipstick

Best lipstick shades for neutral undertones 

If your veins are a mixture of blues and greens, you most likely have a neutral undertone. 

Ultimately, those with this undertone are blessed with the best of both worlds. The best lipstick shades for neutral undertones can be both cool and warm colors.  

For example, lipsticks with pinkish-brown and peach tones will accentuate the skin’s natural warmth, resulting in a lit-from-within glow. The shade Bare in the Ultramatter Lipstick has a high pigmentation and flawless no-shine finish to create an intense Sandy Rose finish on the lips. 

As mentioned, when choosing the perfect lipstick shade with medium to dark skin and neutral undertones, you have lots of options to pick from. While those pinkish-brown tones may be easier to wear on a day-to-day basis, the best lipstick shade for neutral undertones that proves to be particularly striking is- you guessed it- red. Take your look up a notch and try the shade Midnight in the Antimatter Lipstick which is a cool red, but you can also wear Farenheit which is a warm orange-red.

woman wearing orange red lipstick

Best lipstick shades for warm undertones 

Last but not least, we have the best lipstick shades for warm undertones. These shades are for those with green veins.  

Those with this shade of skin tone can look beautiful in deep shades. For example, for a dark red, try the deep blood shade of Maneater in the Ultramatter Lipstick. 

Alternatively, a deep berry shade is incredibly flattering on this skin, pairing well with its natural warmth. Try the shade Spectra with the Antimatter Lipstick for a sheen finish. 

woman wearing dark berry lipstick

The best lipstick shades for warm undertones differ slightly from the others. With this undertone, you should take advantage of the fact that you have the opportunity to be effortlessly daring. Some shades that appear overwhelming against cooler skin can look harmonious with yours. Go bold and try a deep purple shade, such as the shade Btch. 

Our finishing tip: Pull the look together with a layer of clear lip gloss over the lips to bring out those golden undertones and enhance the skin’s natural radiance. 

Now that you know how to choose the perfect lipstick shade for you according to your skin tone, you may have a better idea of the shades that match your complexion. Having said this, wearing lipstick is about feeling inspired, confident, and beautiful. Choose the shade that makes you feel all of those things and perfect your pout with this make-up bag essential. Happy national lipstick day! 

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Josie Wilkins

Josie Wilkins

Writer and expert

Josie is an Online Beauty Editor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Her passions involve all things skincare and beauty and in her free time she likes to travel, read and get her beauty sleep.