Finding the perfect lip shade can feel like a guessing game. You pick up a color that looks beautiful in the tube, try it on, and somehow it just doesn’t work. How do you find the perfect shade made for you?
We have good news. Once you understand your skin tone and undertone, finding your most flattering lip shade becomes a lot easier.
The fun part? There are no strict rules. The best shade is always the one that makes you feel confident!
Step One: Know Your Skin Tone and Undertone
Skin tone refers to the depth of your complexion: fair, light, medium, or deep.
Undertone refers to the subtle hue beneath your skin’s surface: warm, cool, neutral, or olive. Your undertone stays consistent regardless of how much time you spend in the sun.
Step One: Know Your Skin Tone and Undertone
The quickest way is to look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light:
- Warm undertone: Your skin has golden or yellow hues and your veins appear green
- Cool undertone: Your skin has pink or blue hues and your veins appear blue or purple
- Neutral undertone: You have a mix of both warm and cool, and your veins look blue-green
- Olive undertone: Your skin has a slightly green or muted tone and often looks best in balanced or warmer shades
Matching your lip shade to your undertone helps everything look more natural and flattering, even if you’re going bold.
The Best Lip Shades for Fair and Light Skin Tones
Great options to try:
- Soft pinks
- Peachy nudes
- Light berries
These shades add just enough color to make your lips look defined and polished without feeling too harsh or heavy against lighter skin tones.
The Best Lip Shades for Medium and Olive Skin Tones
Medium skin tones are the most versatile. They can wear both warm and cool shades beautifully. Olive skin tones tend to look especially stunning in balanced or slightly warmer shades that complement their natural undertone.
Great options to try:
- Rose tones
- Mauves
- Warm reds and corals
The versatility of medium and olive skin tones means you have the freedom to experiment. A warm coral for daytime and a deeper rose for evening? Both work beautifully!
The Best Lip Shades for Deep and Rich Skin Tones
Deep and rich skin tones are made for bold, saturated shades. Rich colors enhance the complexion beautifully and won’t look washed out the way lighter shades sometimes can.
Great options to try:
- Berry tones
- Burgundy
- Deep reds
- Chocolate or plum shades
If you’ve ever shied away from bold lip colors, deep skin tones are actually the perfect canvas for them. The deeper and richer, the better.
Pro Tip: How to Know if a Shade Is Working for You
Not sure if a shade is the right match? Here’s a simple way to tell.
If your lip color helps your complexion look brighter and more even, it’s likely a great match.
If it leaves your skin looking washed out or tired, try adjusting the shade slightly. Going a little warmer or cooler can make a surprising difference in how well it complements your natural undertone.
Remember: the goal isn’t to follow rules. It’s to find the shade that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Find Your Perfect Shade with L’BRI
Our brand new lip collection has a shade for every skin tone and undertone:
- Coral Bloom: Warm, bright, and perfectly spring
- Rose Pink: Your go-to for every occasion
- Berry Punch: Sweet with just a little edge
- Black Cherry: Bold, rich, and stunning
Pair any shade with our new Lip Liners, available in Petal, Rosewood, and Mauve, to make your color last longer and look more defined all day.
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. L’BRI products are cosmetic formulations intended to improve appearance and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
