Top 5 Lipstick Shades Perfect for Every Skin Tone

Let’s be real—finding the perfect lipstick can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. With endless shades on the market, all claiming to be “universal,” choosing the right one for your unique skin tone can get a little tricky.

Good news though! We’ve rounded up five foolproof lipstick shades that work beautifully across a wide range of skin tones. Whether you’re fair, medium, olive, or deep-skinned, there’s a shade (or five!) waiting to bring out your best pout.

So, grab your mirror and let’s dive into the top lip colors that complement every complexion.

#1 Coral & Peach – Bring on the Warm Glow

Best for: Medium to warm skin tones with neutral or warm undertones

If you're someone whose skin tans easily or has a naturally warm glow, then coral and peach shades were basically made for you. These sunny hues are like a beach vacation—for your lips!

• Coral blends pink and orange, and it instantly lifts medium skin tones.
• Peach shades are subtle and soft, making them ideal for everyday wear.

Imagine sipping iced tea on a summer afternoon—coral lipstick gives off that same warm, fresh vibe. These shades also enhance your skin without stealing the spotlight, making them perfect for both brunch dates and Zoom meetings.

#2 Berry & Plum – The Cool-Girl Classic

Best for: Medium to cool skin tones

Want something a little bolder? Berry and plum shades deliver drama and sophistication without going overboard. They're bold enough to make a statement but still totally wearable.

• Berry tones like raspberry or cranberry bring a fresh brightness to cooler skin.
• Plums offer a deeper, moodier finish—perfect for evening looks.

If you have cool undertones (think pink or bluish tints in your skin), these shades will bring out the natural blush in your cheeks and prevent your lips from looking flat. It's like your skin just woke up more alive!

#3 Classic Red – A Shade for Everyone

Best for: All skin tones, with undertone variations

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the queen of all lip colors—the classic red. It’s iconic, empowering, and yes, anyone can wear it. The secret? It's all in the undertone match.

• Cool undertones: Go for a blue-based red like MAC’s Ruby Woo.
• Warm undertones: Try orange-reds or fiery scarlets.
• Neutral undertones: Lucky you—most reds will flatter you beautifully!

Red lipstick is your best friend when you want to feel polished, powerful, and put-together in seconds. It’s great for special occasions—but don’t be afraid to rock it on an ordinary Wednesday either. Confidence is key, and red helps bring it out.

#4 Nude Shades – The “No-Makeup” Makeup Hero

Best for: Every skin tone (when chosen correctly!)

Done right, nude lipstick is like a good pair of jeans—it goes with everything. But the trick is choosing the right nude for YOUR skin tone and undertone.

• Fair skin: Light peach or pink-based nudes prevent you from looking washed out.
• Medium skin: Caramel or rosy nudes work great here.
• Deep skin: Look for rich chocolate or warm taupe nudes.

If you're not sure about your undertone, think about how jewelry looks on your skin. Do you look better in gold? You probably have warm undertones. Silver? More likely cool. Both? You’re neutral—and that opens up a world of possibilities.

Here’s a tip: when in doubt, go for a mauve or tan nude with a hint of warmth. These shades tend to flatter most people and keep your lips looking healthy, not pale.

#5 Terracotta & Earthy Tones – Rich and Radiant

Best for: Medium to deep skin tones with warm undertones

These shades might sound intimidating, but trust us—they’re as wearable as your favorite brown sweater. Warm tones like terracotta, burnt orange, and cinnamon work like magic to enhance deeper skin tones.

• Terracotta adds a rustic warmth that complements golden complexions.
• Earthy browns like chocolate and mahogany can create a grounded, classy look.

These shades highlight your natural glow and give your makeup a cozy, effortless finish. Whether it’s weekday glam or date night chic, earthy lipsticks add just the right amount of depth without being too much.

Still Not Sure Which Lipstick to Choose?

No worries—we’ve got a few bonus tips to help you discover your signature shade:

Know Your Undertone

Discovering your undertone is a game-changer when it comes to buying makeup that truly suits you. Here’s a quick hack:

• Cool undertone: Your veins look blue or purple; you burn easily in the sun.
• Warm undertone: Your veins look green; your skin tans easily.
• Neutral undertone: You’re somewhere in between—lucky you!

Try It On

Nothing beats testing a shade on your actual lips (or at least your hand). Most beauty stores offer testers, or you can grab samples to try at home. If that’s not an option, find swatches online of people with similar skin tones—it really helps!

Play with Texture

Finish matters. Love bold color but hate dry lips? Opt for a satin or creamy finish. Want something long-lasting? Matte might be the way to go. Glossy finishes can make lips look fuller and hydrated, especially for everyday wear.

Don’t Stick to the Rules!

OK, we’ve talked a lot about “what works,” but personal style and confidence trump all rules. If you love a color and it makes you feel amazing, wear it proudly. Makeup is about expressing YOU!

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Lipstick

The best lipstick shade is the one that makes you smile when you look in the mirror. While undertone guides and expert suggestions are helpful, don’t be afraid to explore and experiment. You might be surprised by what you love!

Remember, makeup isn’t about covering up—it’s about showing off what makes you unique. Whether you’re stepping out in a bold red or rocking a cozy nude, let your lip color tell your story.

Ready to find your perfect shade? Start with these five classics and see which ones make you feel like the superstar you are. Happy swatching!

Keywords to Keep in Mind (for the curious reader):

• Best lipstick for skin tone
• Lipstick shades by undertone
• Flattering lipstick colors
• Universal lipstick shades
• How to choose lipstick color

Now go pout it out—with confidence and color!