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Sometimes, choosing the right shade, like that of a lipstick, feels overwhelming and confusing, doesn’t it? Shades that look flawless on a friend or an influencer can look completely different when you try them on. Sometimes it feels too bright, too dull, or simply not meant for you. With endless shades lining beauty counters and new trends appearing every season, finding “the one” that is meant for you can feel like a difficult job. But the secret to a perfect lipstick has less to do with what others choose and more to do with understanding your own skin.
Lipstick should never be chosen as an isolated product. Because it interacts with your natural skin tone, the undertone beneath it, and even your lip colour. This is why the same lipstick that can look soft and romantic on one person looks bold and harsh on another. But when chosen well, lipsticks can brighten the face, enhance your natural features, and bring balance to your overall makeup. And when chosen poorly, it can wash your face out or feel mismatched, no matter how carefully the rest of your makeup is done.
Let me tell you how you can get this right, and once you understand it, you’ll get it right each time. The first step in choosing a flattering lipstick shade is understanding your skin tone. The skin tone is the surface colour of your skin, and is usually somewhere between fair, light, medium, tan, and deep. This is the most visible part of your complexion and easiest to identify. Know that, even if your skin tone can change slightly due to sun exposure or tanning, it still offers a reliable starting point for you to start selecting the makeup shades. Fair and light skin tones go well with soft pastel colours, while medium to deep tones complement pigmented hues.
India has a variety of skin tones, and as skin tones deepen, lipstick shades tend to look best when they carry more richness and depth. Medium skin tones often suit a wide range of colours, from soft roses and mauves to deeper reds and berries, while tan skin tones are enhanced by warm browns, rusts, and bold pinks. Deeper skin tones truly shine in intense pigments like burgundy, wine, deep plum, and chocolate brown. These shades don’t overpower the complexion; instead, they enhance its natural richness and glow.
The skin tone alone is not the deciding factor. Undertone plays an equally important role. And that is why all shades never seem to work for everyone. Undertone is the colour of your veins and is generally categorised into three categories: warm, cool, or neutral. Warm undertones are hints of yellow, golden, or peach. Cool undertones are more towards pink, red, or blue. Neutral undertones sit comfortably between the two. Unlike skin tone, undertones remain constant throughout your life and strongly influence how colours appear on your face.
When lipstick matches your skin tone and your undertone, it looks perfect and not something that stands out. If you have a warm undertone, shades like peach, coral, terracotta, or warm red bases work really well as these shades complement the natural warmth of the skin. For people with cool undertones, on the other hand, the skin looks fresh with blue-based reds, berry tones, plum shades, and rosy pinks and complements the natural coolness. Those with neutral undertones are often able to wear both warm and cool shades with ease. They can often experiment with shades and select according to one’s personality.
One area where many people struggle is choosing the right nude lipstick. Nude does not always mean beige or pale; it also means a shade that looks natural on your lips. The most flattering nude lipstick is usually one or two shades deeper than your natural lip colour and aligned with your undertone. For deeper or Indian skin tones, nudes with brown, caramel, rose, or peach undertones tend to look far more natural than pale, chalky shades, which can appear ashy or dull.
If we look beyond colours, lipstick finish also affects how a shade appears on your skin. Matte lipsticks tend to intensify skin’s colour and create a bold, polished look, while creamy and satin finishes feel softer and more natural. Glossy and sheer formulas add freshness and volume, making them ideal for everyday wear or minimal makeup looks. The same shade can look different on each individual, depending on its texture, so I’d say the finish is just as important as the colour choice.
The occasion also plays a role in choosing the perfect lipstick. Soft nudes, rose tones, and muted pinks work well for daily wear and professional environments, while evenings and special occasions need bolder choices like reds, wine shades, and deep berries. At the end, balancing your lipstick with the rest of your makeup is key; a bold lip often pairs best with subtle eyes, while dramatic eye makeup is complemented by a softer lip.
In the end, choosing the perfect lipstick shade is not about any set rules, but more about understanding your features and trusting your choice. I’ve mentioned everything I know to make the process easier for you, so that the next time you go shopping, you’ll know what suits best. Makeup should always feel expressive, enjoyable, and personal. The right lipstick is the one that makes you feel confident the moment you put it on, whether it is a classic nude that we are talking about, a powerful red, or an unexpected pop of colour that you’d like to experiment with.
When you understand your skin tone and undertone, lipstick stops being a guesswork and becomes a product for self-expression. And that confidence, more than any shade, is what truly completes the look.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this platform is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional, dermatologist, or nutritionist regarding any health, fitness, or beauty concerns. Individual results may vary.
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