BEAUTY Cosmetics

What color lipstick should I wear? A guide to universally flattering shades

Written by Allison

Having a hard time picking your lipstick today? This helpful guide sorts out hues, finishes and textures.

What color lipstick should I wear? Answer: one you feel confident in.

Ah, the age old question. What color lipstick should I wear? It’s a dilemma we’ve all had more than once because we are downright swimming in options these days.

If picking a lipstick color is near to impossible we’ve got four guidelines to help you out so you can finally put the what color lipstick should I wear question to bed. And bookmark this page, because it’s as important as our bible of nail growth tips.

We sorted out all the best shades for your most iconic makeup looks. You’re welcome.

Opt for sheer

what lipstick should I wear? sheer gloss formula

If the Queen of inclusive makeup lines, Rihanna, can’t make a universally flattering lippie, who can? Rihanna’s makeup line, Fenty Beauty, has one lip product in their permanent collection as of right now, Gloss Bomb.

If you’re asking yourself “what color lipstick should I wear?” and genuinely not knowing the answer, you can never go wrong with a sheer nude. Never.

what lipstick should I wear

The shade Fenty Glow was hand picked by Rih to look good on everyone. It’s super sheer so your natural lip color shines through!

SHOP GLOSS BOMB NOW

kevin aucoin lip gloss, what lipstick should I wear

This is why sheer lip options work for everyone. No matter what your skin tone if you go for a sheer lip, it’s going to work with your natural coloring. For a bolder option, try the Kevyn Aucoin The Lip Gloss in the shade Bloodroses.

what lipstick should I wear? kevin aucoin bloodroses lip gloss

Bloodroses is one of Kevyn Aucoin’s most iconic shades but it may not be for everyone. Opting for the gloss version lightens up the color and makes it wearable for all skin tones.

SHOP KEVYN AUCOIN BLOODROSES NOW

kryolan lipstick in bright red, what lipstick should I wear?

Taking things a little more pigmented we recommend the Kryolan Lipstick Sheer in the shade Megan.

kryolan lipstick, what lipstick should I wear today

This is a bright cheery red with a neutral tone. That neutral red shade with a sheer formula makes sure that it works for absolutely everyone. See how the bullet looks more neutral than it does on the lips?

That’s yellow undertones pulling through to make this lipstick warmer toned against a warmer complexion.

Pinks for all

what lipstick should I wear today, nyx pink lipstick

Pink lips will always work on every skin tone the key is making sure the depth is right for you. Pastel pinks are a touch ’60s mod and aren’t really in style at the moment. We say opt for a medium pink to make sure you don’t take things too light.

what lipstick should I wear today, pink nyx semi matte lipstick

One universally flattering favorite is the NYX Butter Lipstick in Sweet Tart. The slightly cool tone and medium pink color works for almost everyone. If this pink is a little too loud for you, you can blot it into your lips (therefore applying less color) or pick a more neutral shade of pink.

what lipstick should I wear today? pinky dusty mauve lipstick tone in a semi gloss finish

Clarins Joli Rouge in Litchi is one of those pinks we can’t imagine looking bad on anyone. It’s not too bright, not too warm or cool toned. It’s just right.

clarins joli rouge lipstick in litchi, what lipstick should I wear today

The little kick of shine never hurt anyone either.

luscious lipstick, what lipstick should I wear today

Or you can go bold with a bright matte pink. This is one of those shades that everyone needs in their arsenal, even if it’s not a daily staple.

what lipstick should I wear today

Luscious Cosmetics Heartbreaker Lipstick in Pirate is a shade that looks perfectly bold on everyone.

Iconic staple shades

what lipstick should I wear today, iconic lipstick colors

There’s a reason iconic shades are so popular. You get just the right color mix and it looks fab on literally everyone. One of those shades is Kat Von D Lolita.

Kat Von D lipstick, what lipstick should I wear today

This mauve pink works as a neutral pink for some, a my lips but better staple for others, or a nude lip for babes with deep skin tones.

Go red or go home

red lipstick on medium lips. what lipstick should I wear today

Everyone looks good in a red lip. Promise. If you aren’t used to wearing red lipstick (or any bold shade) getting used to how you look in bright colors may be an adjustment.

what lipstick should I wear today

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Tannin is one of those shades that works for cool toned red heads to the deepest skin tones.

bite beauty tannin

Or, if you’re not yet on board with a bold red, try a lipstick you can wear sheer or bold. The Lancome Matte Shaker in Kiss Me Cherie can be applied with a light wash for a tint of red. File this info away for when you study our how to wear dark red eyeshadow guide, too.

deep red lipstick, what lipstick should I wear today

Or you can layer up for a finish not unlike the Bite lipstick above.

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About the author

Allison

Bio: She's a New Orleans based beauty writer, nail polish hoarder, and doughnut enthusiast. When she isn't camping out in her local coffee shop for hours on end, you'll probably find her taking selfies in front of every colorful wall she's ever seen. Follow along on Instagram @allisonmarieschmidt.