Finding the best lipstick shades for your skin tone can feel like guesswork, but it does not have to be. The right shade can brighten your face, make your teeth look whiter and pull a whole makeup look together, while the wrong one can leave you looking washed out or tired. This guide rounds up 20 flattering lipstick shades for fair, light, medium, olive, brown and deep skin, so you can stop guessing and start wearing the colours that love you back.
If you are still building your makeup bag, start with our guide to makeup for beginners: what to buy first, then come back here to choose the lipstick shades that suit you best.
How to Find the Best Lipstick Shades for Your Skin Tone
Before you shop, work out your undertone. Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in daylight: blue or purple veins usually mean a cool undertone, green veins point to a warm undertone, and a mix of both suggests you are neutral. Silver jewellery tends to flatter cool undertones, while gold suits warm ones.
As a rule, cool undertones shine in blue-based reds, berries and soft pinks, warm undertones glow in orange-based reds, corals and terracotta, and neutral undertones can wear almost anything. Always test a shade on your lips or your fingertip rather than only on the back of your hand, and check it in daylight before you commit, because a colour that looks perfect under shop lights can look very different at home.
Best Lipstick Shades for Fair Skin
1. Classic Blue Red
A blue-based red is the fair skin hero. Its cool undertone contrasts beautifully with pale skin, makes teeth look whiter and adds instant polish to even the simplest outfit. Wear it with a light base and a touch of mascara, and let the lips do all the talking.
2. Soft Rose Pink
Soft rose pink is the everyday answer for fair skin. It mimics the natural flush of your lips, just a little prettier, and it works for work, brunch and everything in between. Choose a creamy finish for a fresh, healthy glow that never looks overdone.
3. Sheer Berry
A sheer berry gives fair skin a gentle wash of colour without overwhelming it. The translucent finish lets your natural lip colour show through, so the result looks soft and wearable rather than heavy. It is a lovely choice for autumn days and evening dinners alike.
Best Lipstick Shades for Light Skin
4. Warm Peach Nude
A warm peach nude is one of the easiest lipstick shades for light skin. It warms up the complexion without washing it out, and it pairs beautifully with both neutral eyes and a soft smoky look. Make sure the nude is slightly deeper than your natural lip colour so your lips do not disappear.
5. Dusty Rose
Dusty rose is the quiet classic of the lipstick world. This muted pink-brown flatters light skin because it has just enough warmth to look natural and just enough depth to define the lips. It is the shade to reach for when you want to look polished in under a minute.
6. Cherry Red
Cherry red is a bright, cheerful red with a hint of pink, and it looks wonderful on light skin. It adds colour and energy to the face without the severity of a deep, dark red. Keep the rest of your makeup simple, and this shade will carry the whole look.
Best Lipstick Shades for Medium Skin
7. Terracotta
Terracotta is a warm, earthy shade that sits beautifully on medium skin. It has the richness of brown with the warmth of orange, which makes it flattering in both summer and winter. Pair it with bronzed cheeks and a little highlighter for a sun-kissed finish.
8. Warm Brick Red
Brick red is a softer, warmer cousin of classic red, and it is made for medium skin tones. It gives you the drama of a red lip without the sharpness, so it works for the office as well as for a night out. A matte finish keeps it modern and long-lasting.
9. Rosewood
Rosewood is the perfect in-between shade: part rose, part brown, entirely flattering. On medium skin it reads as a polished, grown-up nude with depth, and it suits every occasion from weddings to weekday lunches. It also layers beautifully under a clear gloss.
10. Spiced Cinnamon
Spiced cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of spice to medium skin. This brownish-red shade looks especially lovely with gold jewellery and warm-toned eyeshadow. It is a brilliant choice when you want a statement lip that still feels cosy and wearable.
Best Lipstick Shades for Olive Skin
11. Warm Coral
Warm coral lights up olive skin like nothing else. Its golden-orange undertone plays against the green undertones in olive skin and creates a fresh, healthy glow. Wear it with minimal eye makeup and let the colour shine.
12. Burnt Orange
Burnt orange is a bold, confident choice for olive skin. The deep orange tone complements the natural warmth of olive complexions and looks stunning against dark hair. If a full orange feels too much, press it onto the lips with your finger for a softer stain effect.
13. Deep Rose
Deep rose is a richer, deeper take on pink that olive skin wears beautifully. It has enough blue in it to balance olive undertones, yet it stays soft and romantic. It is a wonderful everyday shade that also dresses up well for evenings.
Best Lipstick Shades for Brown Skin
14. Chocolate Brown
Chocolate brown is a rich, delicious shade that looks effortless on brown skin. It defines the lips with depth and warmth, and it works with everything from a bare face to full glam. Add a touch of gloss in the centre of the lips for extra dimension.
15. Rich Plum
Rich plum gives brown skin a luxurious, jewel-toned finish. The purple undertone flatters warm complexions beautifully and adds drama without needing any other makeup. It is one of the best lipstick shades for brown skin if you love autumn and winter looks.
16. Caramel Nude
Caramel nude is the ultimate everyday shade for brown skin. It is warm, creamy and just a touch deeper than your natural lip colour, so it looks like your lips but better. Pair it with a brown lip liner for a defined, polished finish.
Best Lipstick Shades for Deep Skin
17. Burgundy Wine
Burgundy wine is a deep, romantic shade that looks incredible on deep skin. Its rich red-purple tone adds drama and elegance, making it perfect for evenings, weddings and special occasions. A matte formula will keep it in place for hours.
18. Deep Berry
Deep berry is a bold, beautiful choice that deep skin carries with ease. The jewel tone pops against rich complexions and gives an instant glamorous lift. Balance it with soft, neutral eyes so the lips stay the star of the show.
19. Espresso Brown
Espresso brown is a deep, sophisticated shade that flatters deep skin beautifully. It is darker and cooler than caramel, which makes it ideal for a polished, defined look. Wear it with a matching liner and a little gloss for a flawless finish.
20. Bold Fuchsia
Bold fuchsia is the fun, fearless pick for deep skin. Its vivid pink-purple tone stands out beautifully against deep complexions and adds instant energy to any look. If you are new to bright lips, try a satin finish first — it is more forgiving than matte.
How to Make Your Lipstick Last Longer
Exfoliate your lips gently, apply a thin layer of lip balm and blot away the excess, then line your lips with a pencil in a matching shade. Apply your lipstick in two thin layers, blotting with a tissue in between, and finish with a light dusting of translucent powder through a tissue. These small steps keep even the creamiest shades in place for hours.
Once you have found your shade, pair it with a soft, natural base by following our everyday natural makeup look guide — the perfect partner for a bold or nude lip.
Choosing the Best Lipstick Shades for Your Skin Tone
The best lipstick shades for your skin tone are the ones that make you feel confident the moment you put them on. Use your undertone as a starting point, test shades in daylight and do not be afraid to try something bold. Your perfect shade is out there — and now you know exactly where to look.