How to Choose Lipstick Shades Based On Undertones
Finding the right lipstick can feel like a treasure hunt - something that is widely heard of but rarely found! And with endless options - from shades of gorgeous pinks and nudes, fiery reds, earthy browns to stunning mauves and purples - the search can feel never-ending and overwhelming. So, how to choose the correct lipstick shade that’s made just for you? The answer is simple - the first step in this journey is to understand your undertones.
Consider this article your playbook to navigating the world of undertones - from warm, cool to neutral - and find lipstick shades tailor-made for you.
Understanding lipstick undertones
Just like your skin, lipstick shades have undertones too - warm, cool, and neutral. It is simply the ‘hidden’ colour underneath the main shade of lipstick. Here’s how you can identify which undertone your lipstick falls under -
• Warm Shades: Lipsticks for warm undertones are like colours of the sun, yellow, orange, or even red.
• Cool Shades: Cool undertone lipsticks have hints of blue, pink, and purple - the other half of your colour wheel.
• Neutral Shades: Neutral lipsticks have balanced undertones and don’t lean too warm or cool. Coffee colours and taupes are some examples of neutral tones.
Now that you know about the different lipstick undertones, all you have to do is figure out which undertone family and shade suits you the best. Here are three simple steps to help you choose:
How to choose lipstick shades correctly?
Step 1: Understanding Your Skin’s Undertone
Warm lipsticks suit warm skin tones and cool lipstick undertones are ideal for cooler skin. Figuring out where you stand is not as tough as we think. Simply try these 3 steps at home -
I) Vein Color Test: Look at the veins beneath your wrists. If your veins appear more blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If they look more greenish, you likely have warm undertones. If it’s a mix of both, where you can’t pinpoint the shade, you may have neutral undertones.
II) Jewellery Test (Gold vs. Silver): A quick way to determine your undertone is to see which jewellery looks best on you. If gold jewellery tends to complement your skin and makes it glow, you can choose lipsticks for warm undertones. If silver jewellery looks better on you, it usually means you have cool undertones. If both gold and silver suit you, you may have neutral undertones.
III) White Paper Test: This is another simple test to understand skin undertones. Simply hold a sheet of pure white paper next to your face in natural light. If your skin looks more yellow or golden next to the white paper, you have warm undertones. If it looks more pink or blue, you likely have cool undertones. If it appears more neutral, you might have a balanced undertone and you can choose lip colours for neutral skin tones.
Step 2: Lipstick Shades for Each Undertone
I) Warm Undertone
Golden hour colours are your best friends if you have a warm skin undertone. In fact, cooler lipstick shades might wash out your natural glow. You should opt for these shades as they complement your skin tone and balance your overall look. All your yellows, peaches, and a few reds are great lipsticks for warm undertones.
Here’s the list of lipstick shades for warm undertones:
• Orangey-reds
• Brick-reds
• Terra-cotta
• Peach
• Corals
• Warm browns
• Caramels
Our recommendations for warm-toned lipsticks:
• From the Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Range - Noho Amber
• From the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Range - Treat Yourself
• From the Maybelline Superstay Matte Liquid Lipstick Range - Ambitious
II) Cool Undertone
Looking for cool undertone lipstick? Here’s your best bet. Blue undertone lipsticks are the best shades for those with cool skin tone as they brighten your appearance (remember, those with blue-ish veins or sunburn before you tan, you have cool-toned skin). Lipsticks for cool undertones also have hints of purple and pink in them, making them flattering for people with cool-toned skin. A blue-based red lipstick should be a staple for your vanity as it flatters your skin while making your teeth look whiter.
Lipstick shades for cool undertones
Here’s a list of various lipsticks for cool undertones:
• Blue and purple shades
• Mauves
• Bright cherry reds
• Berry shades like cranberry; or a deep plum
• Fuschia and purple pinks
• Raspberry or hot pink
Our recommendations for cool-toned lipsticks are:
• From the Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Range - Indipink Night
• From the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Range - Lead the way
• From the Maybelline Superstay Matte Liquid Lipstick Range- Inspirer
III) Neutral undertones
The neutral undertone can be highly advantageous and just as confusing. A wide range of colours suit this undertone, however, it’s tough to strike the right balance. Shades that offer the right mix of warmth and coolness are your best bet. Here are some lip colors for neutral skin tones that you can always bet on -
• Pink-brown nude shades
• Dusty pinks
• Classic reds
• Soft browns
• Muted mauves
• Taupe
Our recommendations for neutral-toned lipsticks are:
• From the Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Range - Beige Appeal
• From the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Range - Hustle in Heels
Step 3: Testing Lipstick Shades Before Buying
Now that you know how to choose the correct lipstick shade, it’s time to double-check. These simple tricks are your last-minute reassurance that the colour you’ve picked will never betray you.
I) Swatching on wrists vs. lips
A great way to test your newly found shade is to swatch it at the back of your hand. If the shade is intense or pops on your skin, it has yellow or warm undertones. If it looks muted, you probably have cool-toned lipstick on your hands as they are formulated using a blue pigment.
II) Checking under different lighting conditions
Yellow lights and white lights can also change the colour of your skin. Hence, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they can do so for your lipsticks as well! Make sure to test out shades and swatches under multiple lighting setups, and most importantly natural light, to ensure you have the fitting shade.
How to choose a lipstick shades? - Recap
Your skin and lipsticks both have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. For instance, warm skin tones look radiant with warm lipstick undertones, while cool skin tones pair beautifully with cool shade. Matching your lipstick's undertone to your skin tone is the key to finding flattering shades that suit you the best.
More tips on how to choose lipstick 
• Don’t forget to check the lipstick finish! The same shade may look different in a matte vs a satin touch
• Choose nourishing formulations that don’t dry out your pout
• Always look for lasting lip colour results! All the work put into finding the right lipstick pays off when it lasts you longer!
• Try out different coverage styles like bold or blurred with cheek and lip tint formulas.
• Give you lipstick a fuller look by adding a few swipes of shimmery lip gloss.
Frequently asked questions about lipstick undertones
• How to tell if a lipstick is warm or cool?
You can place your lipstick swatch next to a bright blue object. If the lipstick colour complements the blue colour, it has a cooler tone. Whereas warm undertone lipstick shades will seem too stark when compared to a blue object. This is because these colours are on the opposite sides of the colour wheel and create a contrast.
• Can I wear any shade regardless of undertone?
It’s best to complement your lipstick undertone with your skin undertone. Warm lipsticks bring out the shine in warm undertones, whereas a cool lip shade may make you look pale and washed out. Similarly, a warm lipstick on cool-toned skin may look too bright or overpowering!
Now that you know how lip makeup and skin undertones work, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. If you still feel confused about how these lip colours will turn out, simply head to the Virtual Try-On tool. This tool realistically simulates a vast range of lipstick shades on your selfie or live camera. Stay tuned for more lip makeup tips with Maybelline India!
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