Dezcourse

Alright, let’s talk lipstick. Finding the perfect shade is like dating. It’s awkward at first, you don’t always know what you’re looking for, and sometimes you just end up with something that makes you question your life choices.

But here’s the deal—lipstick is way less intimidating than I thought once I figured out the whole undertone thing. And trust me, I learned that the hard way. The first time I bought a red that looked like ketchup on my lips? Yikes. But, hey, it happens.

Step 1: Know Your Skin’s Undertones

First things first—undeniably important. When I was younger, I didn’t even know what undertones were. I thought if I had pale skin, I had to wear pale lip colors. (Spoiler alert: no one should wear the same color as their skin tone. It’s like putting a potato chip in a potato bag.)

So, how to find the perfect shade of lipstick for your skin starts here: figuring out if your undertones are cool, warm, or neutral.

What Are Undertones, Anyway?

Okay, so your undertone is the hue beneath the surface of your skin. It doesn’t change no matter how much you tan (or burn). It’s like the secret vibe your skin has going on.

• Cool undertones: Think blue, pink, or red tones. (I, personally, used to think this just meant I was sick all the time, but hey, that’s another story).
• Warm undertones: Yellow, golden, peach. These people are like the walking, talking version of sunshine.
• Neutral undertones: You got a bit of both—neither cool nor warm. Lucky you.

Now, grab a mirror and look at the veins on your wrist. You might think this is some weird witchcraft, but it’s a thing. If your veins look more blue or purple, you’re cool-toned. If they look green, you’ve got warm undertones. Confused? Just remember: if your veins are a weird mix of colors, you’re probably neutral.

Cool Undertones: Your Lipstick Palette

So, once you’ve nailed your undertone, let’s dig into how to find the perfect shade of lipstick for your skin. If you’re cool-toned, here’s the playbook:

• Cool Reds: Go for the ones with a hint of blue. Think Ruby Woo from MAC. When I wore Ruby Woo for the first time, I’m not gonna lie—I felt like I could conquer the world. Then I tried to sip my coffee, and it was like I had war paint on. But, hey, worth it.
• Berry and Plum: These colors will make you feel like a vampire queen in the best way. I remember the first time I wore a berry lipstick to a party—I looked like I had a secret. The best kind of secret.
• Mauve and Soft Pinks: If you’re not ready to go full-on drama, these shades are your best friend. Subtle, chic, and so easy to wear.

Just don’t go for anything too orange or yellow. Trust me, it’ll look like you had an unfortunate encounter with a pumpkin.

Warm Undertones: Shades That Shine

For warm undertones, picking out how to find the perfect shade of lipstick for your skin is honestly a little easier. You get to have fun with colors that scream summer. Every. Single. Day.

• Corals and Oranges: These colors were made for you. Seriously. It’s like the lipstick version of eating a popsicle on the beach. I tried a coral lipstick one hot summer afternoon (we’re talking 92°F, no AC) and felt like I had unlocked a whole new level of personality. Game changer.
• Terracotta and Red-Orange: These shades are so warm, it’s like they’re giving you a hug. If your lips were a fireplace, these would be the flames. Trust me, they work.
• Peachy Pinks: Soft and fun, peachy pinks are perfect for brunch or a walk down the street where you might run into that cute barista. He’ll notice your lipstick. (Or so I tell myself.)

Basically, if it has orange or golden undertones, it’s a winner. Think of it as a big ol’ yes to the warm, sunny vibes.

Neutrals: The Goldilocks of Lipstick

Neutral undertones, you lucky ducks. You get all the options. I’m jealous.

• Roses and Soft Reds: Try a soft rose lipstick. It’s like your lips, but better. It’s the type of color that says “I woke up like this” but in a super chic way.
• True Reds: You can wear the classic red lipstick without the fear of looking like a clown. Your neutral skin can carry the brightness.
• Nudes and Browns: Think of these as your go-to’s for easy glam. Not too dark, not too light—just the right amount of color to complement your skin.

This is how I figured out how to find the perfect shade of lipstick for your skin—by just playing around. I learned more from trying and failing than from following any beauty guru’s advice.

Finding Your Signature Red

You’re never fully dressed without red lipstick. If you’re wondering how to find the perfect shade of lipstick for your skin, trust me—every person should have a red in their arsenal.

If you’re cool-toned, pick something with blue undertones. A red that’s too orange will leave you looking like you’ve just dipped your lips in pizza sauce (I know, I made that mistake).

If you’re warm-toned, the world is your oyster. Orange-based reds? Go for it. Brick reds? You got it.

Testing Lipsticks: The Real Way

Here’s a pro tip: don’t test lipstick on the back of your hand. It’s basically the worst way to know if it’ll work on your lips. I learned this the hard way after I swatched three shades that looked perfect on my hand, but on my lips, they were…well, not perfect.

What you want to do is test it on clean lips, preferably after moisturizing. Also, I’ve learned that the natural light test is a MUST. Department store lighting is definitely lying to you.

Seasonal Lipstick Swaps

Okay, let’s be real. Your lipstick doesn’t need to be the same shade all year round. Winter is the season for bold, dark shades, while summer’s perfect for light, dewy colors.

So, when you’re thinking about how to find the perfect shade of lipstick for your skin, take into account the season you’re in. In the winter, I tend to gravitate towards berry shades that feel deep and rich, but come summer, I’m all about that gloss life.

The Naked Lip Problem

I’ve been down this road before. You know, when you try a nude lipstick, and suddenly you look like you’ve been sucking on a highlighter for three hours? Yeah, that’s a disaster.

If you’re cool-toned, try a nude with a pink or mauve undertone. If you’ve got warm tones, lean into peach or caramel shades. And if you’re neutral, honestly, you’re set. Nudes look good on you no matter what.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Fast forward past three failed attempts, a couple of embarrassing lipstick smudges, and you’ve made it to this moment: you know exactly what works for you. That’s how you find the perfect shade of lipstick for your skin—by trial, error, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of magic.

And just remember—lipstick isn’t just a color. It’s your armor. It’s the “good morning” when you’re exhausted. The “I’ve got this” when you don’t. Wear it proudly.