Understanding Undertone: The Foundation of Lipstick Selection
When you apply lipstick, your skin's undertone acts as a canvas that influences how that color appears. When you choose lipstick that harmonizes with your undertone, you create a cohesive, radiant look.
The Three Undertones
-
Cool Undertones
- Characteristics: Pink, red, or blue hues beneath the skin surface
- Vein color: Blue or purple
- Best jewelry: Silver, white gold, platinum
-
Warm Undertones
- Characteristics: Golden, peachy, or yellow hues beneath the skin surface
- Vein color: Green or olive
- Best jewelry: Yellow gold, rose gold, copper
-
Neutral Undertones
- Characteristics: Balanced mix of warm and cool tones
- Vein color: Combination of blue-green
- Best jewelry: Both gold and silver
Best Lipstick Shades for Cool Undertones
Cool undertones have a natural affinity for lipstick colors with pink, blue, or purple bases.
Classic Reds for Cool Undertones
Blue-Based Reds (The Holy Grail for Cool Undertones)
- Cherry Red: A bold, blue-red that makes teeth appear whiter
- Crimson: Deep, blue-red with dramatic impact
- Wine: A sophisticated red with purple undertones
- Burgundy: Deep red with cool purple undertones
Famous Blue-Based Reds to Try:
- MAC Ruby Woo: The quintessential blue-red
- NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella
- Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Undefeated
Berry and Plum Shades
Berry colors—think raspberries, cranberries—are incredibly flattering on cool undertones:
- Raspberry: Bright, cool pink-red
- Cranberry: Festive red with cool purple undertones
- Plum: Deep purple-red
- Mulberry: Red-purple with subtle berry undertones
Pink Lipsticks for Cool Undertones
- Cool Pink: True pink with no warm undertones
- Fuchsia: Hot pink with blue undertones
- Rose: A balanced pink with cool purple undertones
- Magenta: Bold purple-pink with dramatic impact
- Dusty Rose: Muted pink with cool purple undertones
Nude Lipsticks for Cool Undertones
- Pink-Based Nude: Subtle pink that enhances natural lip color
- Cool Taupe: Brown with cool gray undertones
- Dusty Rose Nude: Muted pink that's flattering on cool skin
- Rosy Brown: Brown with cool pink undertones
Cool Undertone Lipstick Quick Reference
| Category | Best Shades | Shades to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Reds | Blue-red, cherry, crimson, wine, burgundy | Orange-red, brick red, rust |
| Pinks | Cool pink, fuchsia, rose, magenta, dusty rose | Coral, peach, warm pink |
| Berries | Raspberry, cranberry, plum, mulberry | Warm berry, coral-berry |
| Nudes | Pink-nude, cool taupe, rosy brown | Beige, peach, orange-nude |
Best Lipstick Shades for Warm Undertones
Warm undertones glow with colors featuring golden, orange, peachy, and earthy pigments.
Classic Reds for Warm Undertones
Orange-Based Reds
- Tomato Red: Bright, orange-red with fresh appeal
- Coral Red: Red with pink-orange undertones
- Burnt Red: Deep red with orange-brown undertones
- Brick Red: Classic red with warm brown-orange undertones
Famous Warm Reds to Try:
- MAC Lady Danger: Bright orange-red
- NARS Heatwave: Burnt orange-red
- Maybelline SuperStayMatte Ink in Pioneer
Coral and Terracotta Shades
Coral is particularly flattering on warm undertones:
- Coral: Pink-orange blend that's universally flattering
- Salmon: Pink-orange with a softer, more delicate effect
- Peach: Soft orange-pink for everyday wear
- Terracotta: Brownish-orange with earthy sophistication
Pink Lipsticks for Warm Undertones
- Coral Pink: Pink with orange undertones
- Peach Pink: Soft pink with peachy warmth
- Warm Rose: Rose with golden undertones
- Cinnamon: Brownish-pink with warm spice
- Apricot: Soft orange-pink for a natural look
Nude Lipsticks for Warm Undertones
- Peach Nude: Soft peachy-brown that's natural-looking
- Caramel: Warm brown with golden undertones
- Terracotta Nude: Brown with warm orange undertones
- Honey: Golden brown with sweet warmth
- Mocha: Medium brown with coffee-like tones
Warm Undertone Lipstick Quick Reference
| Category | Best Shades | Shades to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Reds | Orange-red, tomato, coral, brick, burnt red | Blue-red, berry red, cool crimson |
| Pinks | Coral pink, peach, warm rose, cinnamon | Cool pink, fuchsia, lavender |
| Corals | Coral, salmon, peach, terracotta | Cool berry, purple-coral |
| Nudes | Peach, caramel, honey, mocha, terracotta | Pink-nude, cool taupe, gray-nude |
Best Lipstick Shades for Neutral Undertones
Neutral undertones have the best of both worlds—they can often wear both warm and cool colors successfully.
Classic Reds for Neutral Undertones
- Balanced Red: A red that isn't strongly blue or orange-based
- Cherry: Red with subtle pink undertones
- Classic Red: Timeless red that works for most neutrals
- Merlot: Deep red with balanced undertones
Pink Lipsticks for Neutral Undertones
- Rose: Balanced pink with subtle warmth
- Soft Pink: Delicate pink for natural looks
- Warm Rose: Rose with subtle golden undertones
- Cool Rose: Rose with subtle pink undertones
- Berry: Red-purple that works for many neutrals
Nude Lipsticks for Neutral Undertones
- Balanced Nude: A nude that isn't strongly warm or cool
- Rose Nude: Nude with subtle pink undertones
- Caramel Nude: Warm brown that's not too orange
- Taupe Nude: Brown-gray that's balanced
How to Test Lipstick on Your Skin
Where to Test
-
On Your Lips (Best Option)
- Lip color interacts with your actual lip pigmentation
- Shows how the shade looks in motion
-
On Your Fingertip
- The pad of your pinky finger has similar coloration to lips
- Quick test when full lip swatch isn't possible
The Lighting Factor
- Natural Light: The gold standard for accurate color assessment
- Store Lighting: Often designed to flatter products
- Warm Indoor Light: Can make colors appear warmer
- Cool Indoor Light: Can make colors appear cooler
Always test in natural light when possible.
The Tooth Test
Some lip colors can make teeth appear more yellow:
- Cool Reds (blue-based): Often make teeth appear whiter
- Warm Reds (orange-based): Can emphasize yellow tones
Common Lipstick Mistakes by Undertone
Cool Undertone Mistakes
- Wearing orange-based reds
- Choosing peachy pinks
- Selecting warm brown nudes
Warm Undertone Mistakes
- Wearing blue-based reds
- Choosing cool pinks
- Selecting neutral foundations with pink undertones
Quick Reference Guide
At a Glance: Lipstick by Undertone
| Undertone | Best Reds | Best Pinks | Best Nudes | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cool | Blue-red, cherry, wine, burgundy | Cool pink, rose, fuchsia, magenta | Pink-nude, cool taupe, dusty rose | Orange-red, coral, peach |
| Warm | Orange-red, tomato, coral, brick | Coral, peach, warm rose, cinnamon | Peach, caramel, honey, mocha | Blue-red, cool pink, fuchsia |
| Neutral | Balanced red, cherry, classic | Rose, soft pink, warm/cool rose | Balanced nude, rose nude | Nothing specifically |
Building Your Lipstick Wardrobe
Every lipstick wardrobe should include:
- Everyday Nude: Your go-to for natural looks
- Classic Red: For formal occasions and statement moments
- Soft Pink/Rose: For professional and casual settings
- Bold Berry or Coral: For when you want to make an impact
- Fun Color: A playful shade for creative expression
Conclusion
Finding your perfect lipstick shades is both a science and an art. By understanding your undertone—whether cool, warm, or neutral—you gain a framework for choosing colors that enhance your natural beauty.
Ready to discover your perfect lipstick shades? Take our undertone quiz and get personalized lipstick recommendations tailored to your unique coloring.