Have you ever found yourself scrolling through lipstick options on the Internet, feeling excited and overwhelmed? We know the feeling! Choosing the perfect shade can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, and we’re here to make the process easier for you. Say hello to the lipstick skin tone chart — your cheat sheet for finding the perfect lipstick for your skin color and undertone.

Why the Right Lipstick Shade Matters

The right lipstick shade can do wonders for your overall look and confidence. First, your lippie is what ties your entire look — a bold red lip for an important meeting, a cute pink for errands and a black one if you’re feeling gothic. The wrong lipstick shade can make your overall look seem unbalanced.

If you want to look more put-together, start by knowing which shades suit you best. But before anything else, it’s important to know your skin tone and undertone.

Understanding Your Skin Tone and Undertone

Your skin tone refers to how much pigment you have in your skin. Think of it as your skin’s surface color. There are three main types:

• Fair: This is the lightest skin tone. If you have this type of skin tone, you most likely have a foundation or concealer referred to as ivory or porcelain.
• Medium: A medium skin tone is neither pale nor deep. It applies to people with golden or olive hues. It’s often referred to as tan or sun-kissed skin. 
• Deep: This is the darkest skin tone, often labeled as chocolate or espresso in makeup products.

Your skin tone is different from your undertone, but it is just as important when it comes to determining the right lipstick shade. Your undertone is important in determining whether warmer or more neutral shades suit you best. There are three traditional undertones:

• Warm: People with warm undertones show a golden or olive hue on the skin. You’re warm-toned if your veins appear green and gold jewelry suits you best.
• Cool: You have a cool undertone if there’s a pink, blue or reddish hue beneath your skin. You’re cool-toned if your veins look blue or purplish, and silver jewelry suits you best.
• Neutral: You have neutral undertones if you have a mix of yellow and pink beneath your surface color. Your veins may appear colorless or match your skin’s color. People with neutral undertones are lucky, as most shades will fit them.

The Lipstick Skin Tone Chart: How It Works

A lipstick skin tone chart can help you determine the right shades depending on your skin tone and undertone. Here are some chart examples:

Matching Lipstick Shades to Your Skin Tone

Here’s a detailed guide on the best lipstick shades for your skin tone and undertone.

Best Lipstick Shades for Fair Skin Tone

Cherry Red

People with fair skin usually have a cool undertone. A cherry red lipstick will match your light skin tone and cool undertones, creating a beautiful contrast against fair skin. Opt for a bold, tomato-hue color, which will make your skin whiter.

Pale Pink

Another great shade is a pale pink, like a sandy nude, peachy nude or petal pink. Something pale with a hint of peachiness provides a natural look that blends seamlessly with fair skin. It adds the right amount of warmth that can balance cool undertones.

Peach

A light to medium peach shade with subtle orange undertones can suit a fair skin tone with warm undertones. It’s the perfect choice for a no-makeup makeup look. Don’t forget to try on different shades so you can find the one that will make you feel more confident.

Soft Berry

A soft berry lippie gives the perfect balance of cool and warm tones. Consider shades like muted berry, mauve or rosewood to help enhance your complexion without overpowering it. Such shade is the ideal as an everyday, versatile lipstick that can take you from brunch dates to dinner parties.

Best Lipstick Shades for Medium and Olive Skin Tone 

Terracotta

True warm skin tones shine when they wear an orange-y lipstick. The terracotta shade helps bring out your skin’s natural warmth, giving you a beautiful finish. Choose a deeper shade if you have a warm undertone, as too much orange can be too overpowering.

Raspberry

Raspberry shades are ideal for people with cool undertones. They are also ideal for brown-skinned girls who want a deeper pink and brownish shade. Don’t be afraid to try various raspberry shades. Some may lean more pink, while others want a more reddish tint.

Brick Red

A cherry red is a classic, but not all skin tones can wear it. If you have a medium or olive skin tone with a warm undertone, this is the ideal shade for you. When shopping for a brick red lipstick, opt for deeper hues with sienna or burgundy undertones.

Warm Pink

Warm pink products are the perfect my-lips-but-better (MLBB) lipstick. It mimics the shade of your lips while making it flattering to all people with medium and olive skin tones, especially those with neutral undertones. 

Best Lipstick Shades for Deep Skin Tone

Deep Plum

Do you love a dramatic, bold look? Reach for any deep plum shade. This color looks breathtaking on dark skin and enhances your natural beauty. It complements all undertones, making it the ideal lipstick for corporate events and parties.

Wine

A wine-red rouge shade is the ideal red lipstick for ladies with a deep skin tone. It beautifully matches all undertones, especially when paired with accessories. Opt for burgundy if you have cool undertones and a product with a richer brown undertone if you have medium to neutral undertones.

Warm Chocolate

A warm brown lipstick instantly enhances your beauty. It’s ideal for girls with warm undertones. It enhances the skin’s warmth and doesn’t appear ashy. It’s the ideal lipstick if you want a dramatic yet not over-the-top look. Rhode’s Espresso might appeal to you if you want a gothic makeup look.

Rose Brown

Rose brown combines rosy pink and brown shades, providing the perfect MLBB for women with dark skin tone and neutral undertone. It adds a pop of color to the face, making you look more youthful and radiant. It’s perfect for everyday wear and special occasions.

Get That Perfect Lippie for Your Skin Tone

Isn’t it amazing how understanding your skin tone and undertone can simplify your makeup game? Let this chart and tips guide you, but don’t let it dictate you. After all, the best shade is the one that makes you confident!