Finding lipstick colors for tan skin is easiest once you know your undertone. Tan skin can be warm, neutral or cool, and each suits a different family of colors. The right lipstick makes the face look fresh, while the wrong one can make lips look pale or gray.
Lipstick colors by undertone
- Warm undertone: coral, terracotta, brick red and brown nudes. Avoid pale blue-pinks that can make the face look dull.
- Neutral undertone: rose, mauve, pink nude and brick red. You have the widest range.
- Cool undertone: berry, plum and blue-based reds. Bright orange usually looks off.
Not sure of your undertone? Try the four tests in how to find your skin undertone.
Example: lipstick advice from Kira
Here is Kira’s real reply to “which lipstick color suits me?”, with previews on the photo:
Tips for darker lips
- Hydrate first. Dry lips make color patchy. Apply lip balm a few minutes before.
- Use a matching lip liner. It evens out lip color before lipstick so the shade looks true.
- Choose a pigmented formula. Sheer lipsticks and light tints often disappear on darker lips.
- Avoid nudes that are too pale. Pick a nude one or two shades deeper than your skin so it does not look gray.
Want fuller-looking lips? Read about matte, satin or glossy lipstick finishes.
How to test a color before buying
A swatch on the back of your hand does not always match how a color looks on your lips. Test on a fingertip and dab it on, or see a preview on your own photo. Kira can show three lipstick colors on your face so you can compare before buying.
Try lipstick colors on your photo
Send a selfie to Kira on WhatsApp and ask which lipstick suits you. You get an undertone reading, recommendations, colors to avoid, product links and previews on your photo. See the lipstick example on the homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Which lipstick colors suit tan skin?
It depends on undertone. Warm undertones suit coral, terracotta and brick red. Neutral undertones suit rose, mauve and pink nude. Cool undertones suit berry, plum and blue-based red. Check your undertone first for the best match.
What lipstick works on darker lips?
Choose a well-pigmented lipstick, apply a matching lip liner first to even out lip color, and avoid nudes that are too pale. Shades like brick red, berry and rose usually look great on darker lips.
How can I choose lipstick without trying it in store?
Find your undertone and pick from the matching color family. To be more confident, use a preview on your photo. Kira can show three lipstick colors directly on your selfie via WhatsApp.
- Makeup
- Lipstik
- Undertone
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