The Ultimate Beauty Guide

You strive to be a bold presence in the world, so why should your lip color be any different? It shouldn’t, but sometimes bright shades can be a little intimidating. If you’re new to a bright lip and want to steer clear of looking like a clown, keep your eye makeup light and go easy on the blush — this will ensure that your bright lip is the focal point of your face. To really draw attention to the lip, choose matte shades for added oomph. Here are our favorite picks for different skin tones.

Fair and Light Skin Tones


If you’ve got a porcelain complexion, go for blue-based reds to channel your inner retro Hollywood starlet. Or pick peachy-pink shades and pink-based corals for a sunny, spring-inspired lip that will be sure to match any sundress. Stay away from warmer, orangey colors if you have cool undertones.

Product Picks: Too Faced Lip Injection Color Bomb! In Coral Pop, or L’Oréal Extraordinaire by Colour Riche in Pink Tremolo, or MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, and Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense in Satin Bright Pink

Medium and Olive Skin Tones


You’ve got a lot of versatility here. Almost any pink, from reddish to fuchsia, will suit medium skin tones nicely. Stick with orangey reds and cherry reds to complement your golden undertones. Corals can be a little trickier, so experiment to see which orange-based shades suit you. If you have medium skin with cool undertones, paint your pout with cheery, rosy pinks.

Product Picks: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Bang, or Dior Rouge Dior in Trafalgar, and Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine in Fuchsia in Excess

Deep Skin Tones


Bright berry shades — really, most bright shades — pop beautifully against darker skin. You can go in any number of directions here, whether you try a magenta, violet, or even tangerine. Try them all! In the crimson family, go for berry reds or chocolaty reds to perfect your bold lip.

Product Picks: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipscolor in Fifth Ave Fuchsia, or Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in Aria, and Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy in Tangerine