Finding Your Perfect Shade: A Guide to Shades for Every Skin Tone

Finding Your Perfect Shade: A Guide to Shades for Every Skin Tone

We are all on the search for the shades of lipstick that make us feel like the best version of ourselves. That become our go-to product where one quick sweep can liven up our faces and faux a good night’s sleep. When it comes to lipstick shades, there’s no one size fits all, and while some skin tones have been overlooked by brands in the past, we made it our mission to ensure that we created shades for every skin tone and every undertone, so that everyone can find at least one shade of nude and red that makes them feel their best.

While you might know your skin tone, undertones are a whole different story and can be the difference between a shade lifting your complexion or making you appear sallow. Getting this right is key to understanding the shades that work for you, and those that can essentially work against you. It’s not always easy to identify your colourings, so we want to help guide you towards your perfect shade.

What are undertones

Undertones are the natural tones and colour that occur within your skin. These are typically warm or cold, however you can also have a neutral undertone, which is a relatively equal mix of both. Your skin tone, however, is the colour and depth of your complexion, and this is likely to change throughout the seasons based on sun exposure. Your undertones always stay the same, no matter the time of year, so once you get to know about your individual undertone, you’re set! It’s important to note that just because your skin tone is the same as someone else’s doesn’t mean that your undertones will be the same, and therefore shades that suit one complexion may differ from another.

Understanding your undertones is pivotal to finding your perfect shade. Getting it right can lift your complexion, make your skin glow and your eyes pop, and generally works with your colourings to make you look like the best version of yourself. If you choose the wrong shades from your skin tone and undertones, it can result in your complexion looking ashy, sallow or even dull, and rather than working with your features to look more naturally healthy, it can make you appear fake or lifeless – the opposite to what you want.

How to find your undertone

Undertones are generally split into 3 categories: cool, warm or neutral. To find out which applies to you, start by looking at your veins as this is one of the main giveaways.

If your veins appear blue/purple, you probably have a cool undertone. You might find that you also burn more easily in the sun. For example, if you have a darker skin tone, yet have a cool undertone, you usually will have very little warmth in your skin.

If your veins are usually green, it’s likely you have a warm undertone. You probably tan easily and soak up the sun with little chance of burning. A good example of this is olive, Mediterranean skin.

If your veins are a mixture of blue and green, and it’s not easy to differentiate, then you may have a neutral skin tone. Typically, you will tan in the sun, but you may get burnt first.

When trying to figure out your skin tone, make sure you are using natural light as artificial lighting can misrepresent the look of your skin and therefore you might come to the wrong conclusion when it comes to your colourings.

Check the tones in your face and neck – if your skin has pinky or red hues, this signifies a cool tone, yellowy or peach tones symbolise warm, and a mixture of both may imply a neutral undertone.

The most flattering shades for cool skin

The most flattering shades for cool skin

If your skin has cool undertones, your best bet is to stick with shades that have cool undertones in them. These will look the best against your complexion and flatter without being too overpowering.

 

Nude Shades:

For nudes, look to shades that have pinks and mauve tones running through them, or any kind of floral shade.

Red Shades:

For reds, you want to look to blue-toned shades as these tend to look best on cooler skin – berry or plum tones are great!

The most flattering shades for cool skin

The most flattering shades for warm skin

The most flattering shades for warm skin

If your skin has warm undertones, the most flattering shades for you tend to be colours with warm undertones too. Although we think that those with warmth in their skin can wear pretty much anything, these shades will be the most complimentary.

 

Nude Shades:

For nudes, these tend to be shades that contain rich browns, creamy peaches and warm rose tones.

Red Shades:

For reds, this is often those that contain orange undertones whether that’s a bright, vibrant shade or more of a classic pillar box red.

The most flattering shades for warm skin

The most flattering shades for neutral (or undecided) skin

The most flattering shades for neutral (or undecided) skin

Having a neutral skin tone generally means you get the pick of the bunch. Where cooler shades will highlight the cool tones within your skin, and the warmer shades will highlight the warmth, you can pull off pretty much any shade you like.

 

Nude Shades:

You’re not restricted when it comes to picking a nude shade as most will adapt to suit your skin tone. Try rosy shades or those with more of a mauve undertone.

Red Shades:

If you’re new to red, start with a “true red” – something that doesn’t have too much of an orange or a blue undertone, but sits somewhere in the middle. Think classic shades like a pillar box red.

The most flattering shades for neutral (or undecided) skin

Still need help identifying your undertones?

If you’re still struggling to discover your undertones, why not Try our Shade Finder Quiz. It’s a quick and easy way to find out your colourings and will suggest a selection of shades most suited to you. Click here to try the Shade Finder Quiz.

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