HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT LIP COLOR FOR YOUR SKIN TONE

September 28, 2023

Looking for the perfect color to make your pout pop? With thousands of lip colors on the market, choosing the ideal shade is no easy task – that is, until now.

We’ve put together this killer lipstick guide for all skin tones to help you seal the deal on any makeup look. Want to get the scoop? Here’s how to choose the perfect lip color based on your skin tone.

WARM UNDERTONES

Those with warm undertones have skin that features a yellow, golden, peachy, or olive hue. Typically, these babes tend to get more tan from the sun, rather than burnt. Beyoncé, Eva Longoria, and JLo are just three bombshells sporting warm-toned skin.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE WARM UNDERTONES

The easiest way to work out your skin tone is to take a look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear green (rather than blue), then your skin has warm undertones.

BEST LIPSTICK SHADES FOR WARM UNDERTONES

Warm-toned babes, we know what you’re thinking: what’s the best lip color for me? We recommend sticking to lipsticks with warm hues to complement your complexion. Go big with a fiery red or orange like Full-On™ Satin Lipstick in RED MY LIPS or Plump Shot™ Lip Serum in our new multichrome shade STARSTRUCK CORAL. Or why not make a bold statement in shades of copper or gold, like Full-On™ Plumping Lip Polish Gloss in CHARLIE and SARINA? These lush hues are the perfect lip colors for warm undertones.

As for nudes (the lip color, that is), try to match it to your skin tone. Fair-skinned babes should opt for a lighter nude, while those with bronzed skin can rock a richer shade.

COOL UNDERTONES

Those with cool undertones have skin featuring subtle shades of pink, purple, red, and blue. Think fierce females such as January Jones, Cara Delevingne, and Lupita Nyong'o.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE COOL UNDERTONES

You know the drill: take a look at the veins on your wrist again. If they’re blue (as opposed to green), then you’ve joined the cool-toned club.

BEST LIPSTICK SHADES FOR COOL UNDERTONES

Look for lipsticks featuring blue or purple undertones to take your pout to a whole new level. We’re talking bold bluish-reds and moody red wine hues, like Full-On™ Satin Lipstick in SEXY VAMP. When opting for a nude lipstick, try a rosy-pink nude if you’re feeling flirty like Full-On™ Plumping Lip Cream Gloss in MUDSLIDE, or a taupe-toned beige such as Full-On™ Satin Lipstick in SKIN TEASE for something low-key.

NEUTRAL UNDERTONES

Those with neutral undertones have skin featuring both pink and yellow hues. Yup, they’re both warm and cool, meaning you can throw just about any color at them, and they’ll come out looking fierce.

Just some of our favorite babes sporting neutral undertones include Selena Gomez and Dua Lipa.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE NEUTRAL UNDERTONES

You guessed it! Whip out your wrist and check those veins. If yours seem to look both blue and green, then your skin has neutral undertones.

BEST LIPSTICK SHADES FOR NEUTRAL UNDERTONES

Neutral-toned babes have the best of both worlds, as they look chic in lipsticks featuring warm or cool hues. To narrow it down, look to your skin’s complexion instead. If you’re fair-skinned, swipe on a pink-hued lip color like Full-On™ Plumping Lip Cream Gloss in PINK LADY (it's a cult favorite). Those with a medium complexion look killer in mauve colors, such as Plump Shot™ Lip Serum in DOLLY BABE and Full-On™ Plumping Lip Polish Gloss in JESSICA for a shimmery twist. If you’re rocking a deep complexion, you can’t go wrong with berry shades of lipstick, like Full-On™ Satin Lipstick in MAGENTA MAVEN.

JOIN THE PERFECT POUT CLUB

With tons of fresh lipstick shades available in nudes, pinks, reds, and mauves, our lip colors are made for every BUXOM babe, no matter your skin tone. The best part is you can choose your ideal shade in a BUXOM product that suits your needs. Whether you want the full-on coverage and lip-plumping powers of our Full-On™ Satin Lipstick, a glossed-up pout courtesy of our Full-On™ Plumping Lip Polish Gloss or Full-On™ Plumping Lip Cream Gloss, or you want to enter your faux-filler era with Plump Shot™ Lip Serum in a wide range of shades including sheer, multichrome and shimmer, we've got you covered. See for yourself!

  • Plump Shot™ Lip Serum

    A clinically-shown plumping lip serum infused with collagen peptides that plumps and smooths lips.

  • Full-On™ Plumping Lip Polish Gloss

    Plumps lips, Tantalizing tingle, High-shine.

  • Power Line™ Plumping Lip Liner

    Chisel-tip, defines lips, creamy, matte color.

  • Full-On™ Satin Lipstick

    Creamy, satin lipstick, rich color.

  • Full-On™ Plumping Lip Cream Gloss

    Creamy, shimmer-free gloss, Plumps lips.

  • Power-Full Plump Lip Balm

    Plumping, Moisturizing lip balm.