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Finding the Right Lip Color to Complement Your Traits

Sensational Shades

When it comes to your makeup, the right shade of lipstick – or gloss, balm, or stain, for that matter – can make or break your look. But how do you know what colors to embrace and which ones to avoid? We’re here to help!

In general, lip colors are broken down into three major types – sweets, nudes, and bolds – and the most compatible shade and intensity within those categories can be influenced by everything from your skin color and its undertones to your hair and eye color. To find a color that will help you look and feel your best, cross-reference your traits below.

Based on Skin Tone

For those who are fair or light-skinned, colors such as light pink, coral, peach, nude, and dusty red are a great choice, while rose, berry, cherry red, and mauve-inspired hues look great on medium complexions. Tan skin tones can rock just about any color that’s not brown or purple, and they look especially fabulous when sporting a deep pink or bright red. Deep-skinned individuals will love plum, caramel, and wine colors and also look phenomenal in blue-based red options. 

Undertones matter too, and it’s easy to find the right fit! If you have cool undertones, go for lipsticks that also have cool tones and are blue- or purple-shaded. Warm-undertoned individuals should similarly go for warmer shades that lean more orange, red, or golden.

Based on Eye Color

Matching lip shades with eye color is not as hard as you think. Ladies with brown eyes will look great in bright reds, browns, and light pinks, while blue eyes will pop when paired with different shades of cherry or scarlet colors. Those with green eyes can sport terracottas and pinks, while nude and plum colors work especially well with those who have gray eyes. 

Based on Hair Color

If you have blonde locks, there are a variety of shades that will suit you well. If your skin is lighter in tone, try a dusty or purple-based pink or scarlet, but if your skin is darker in color, you might prefer caramel and warm or salmon pinks. Those with both dark hair and skin might gravitate toward golden, terracotta, and bronze hues, while lighter-skinned brunettes can easily sport bright pink, scarlet, cherry, and plum. Those with red hair look great in salmon, coral, terracotta, and burnt sienna.

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