Beauty & Fashion
Which Lip Color Should I Wear?
Written by Julie Partin | September 27, 2014
When it comes to lips, it seems there are endless options! Maybe you have a big event coming up or are simply feeling the need to experiment with color and step away from your usual light gloss. Our quick lip color guide will help break down when to wear what, and how! Here are a few of the main colors available, our recommendations, and celebs in similar looks.
Red
Red is great for evenings and whenever you want to glamorize a look. Red looks fantastic with black and white outfits and is perfect for the holiday season. With this color in particular, you may want to spend a bit more money on a quality lipstick. You know it’s a cheap red if it quickly fades to pink once applied. A deep red goes well with more natural-toned makeup, and a bright red creates a fun ’60s vibe when paired with eyeliner. When going for red lipstick, don’t overdo your blush or you can look clownish. Have the rest of your makeup done before applying lip color to avoid any smearing.
Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in Classic Bright Red, $12.50
Pink
In some cases, bright pink lips are more of a unique statement than even red. What’s fun about pink is that it can create both girly and edgy looks. A frosty pastel pink is perfect for occasions like weddings, showers and brunches. A bright Barbie pink or magenta is great for evening events, concerts and any time you’ll be taking fun pictures. Most shades of pink look cute and sassy, but the darker ones can be classic chic. Pink lips look great with any color outfit except reds, oranges and similar shades that clash. It’s a look that especially pops when paired with greens, blues and silvers. When going for pink lips, use a close shade of blush, but be careful not to overdo it.
Color Whisper by Maybelline in Faint for Fuchsia, $7
Coral
Coral is the perfect color for most occasions and goes well with almost every outfit. It’s just bright enough to be fun and just girly enough to be feminine. Consider wearing coral if you want a pop of color in the daytime. It also looks great with almost every skin tone, but tends to really shine on very fair and very tan skin. Coral matches outfits of all colors, but really works best with bright colors. A frosty shade can go on by itself or over another color that’s accidentally too bright.
Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Runway Coral, $16
Neutral
If you’re not used to wearing color on your lips, then a neutral, natural shade is a great place to start! It works well with any or no makeup, and looks awesome with braces and for everyday looks and events. It’s perfect for a morning church service or an early class, for example. If you wear lots of bronzer or accidentally put on way too much eye makeup, a calm lip color will tone it back down. If you’re wearing an outfit and it seems like all other shades of lipstick are clashing, go with something close to the tone of your actual lips. To add a little glam to an understated look, wear a neutral with a moisturizing gloss or shine. A soft lip liner under the lipstick will make sure it lasts all day.
L’Oréal Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude, $7
Wine
This deep, bold choice is a trend that comes in and out every few years, and right now it’s very in! Wine lip color looks great on women with cool undertones to their skin. It’s an elegant evening color and is often accompanied by dramatic eye makeup. It looks best with black, white and dark jewel-tone outfits. With dark lips, feel free to try a funky hairstyle or updo. Make sure that you don’t overdo it with blush. Apply some powder to the area around your lips before applying to ensure it stays in place. It will also stain clothes, so get dressed and brush your teeth before putting it on.
L’Oréal Colour Riche Lipstick in Sparkling Wine, $7
Poll
Which color is your favorite?
Loading ...Girls, what color do you find yourself wearing most of the time? Which color do you want to try next?
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Image: Lightstock | Prixel Creative
Posted by Leftie on December 29, 2016 at 22:56
I love red and wine. For people who hate the process of doing makeup like myself they make you look like you are wearing more formal makeup than you really are but it’s still classic and bold for everyday.
Posted by sara_jazz_coffee on November 26, 2014 at 21:29
Love all of these, although I don’t think I’d have the nerve to go for red or wine. I mostly stick to neutrals and corals.
Posted by Justilean on November 19, 2014 at 10:37
I really don’t wear makeup too often in my personal life, only to work usually. But when I do I either accentuate my eyes and go easy with lips (rosy/coral tones) or do really simple eyes with bright red or wine lips.
(Also I use lip liner instead of lipstick to color my lips in, and apply a thin coat of vaseline or chapstick over it bc I like the precision of a pencil you don’t get with a thick tube of lipstick)
Posted by biblegirl on October 27, 2014 at 07:07
I really like the pink, neutral, and coral.
Posted by My Savior Reigns on October 26, 2014 at 10:49
I usually go for the pinks in lipstick. I would like to find some good neutral and or coral colors that would suit my complexion.
Posted by Trinity on October 16, 2014 at 18:24
I love wine coloured lipstick!
Posted by maybeBabyTam on October 11, 2014 at 09:52
I’d love to try a bright pink sometime. But I’ve been sticking to coral because my skin is olive-y and I have dark hair – I think it works ^_^
Posted by GingaNinja on October 6, 2014 at 14:40
I have porcelain skin, red hair, and hazel eyes, so I have a hard time find lips shades that look good on my, but coral and wine are both soooo pretty! 😀
Posted by JuliePartin on September 30, 2014 at 20:02
Lostinthesound – you totally can pull them all off with enough confidence and the right outfit!
Ohwhatatangledweb_weweave, I would try a deep pink. It sounds like your coloring is similar to this girl’s and it would go perfectly when you want to dress up! http://www.popsugar.com.au/beauty/How-Wear-Dark-Pink-Lipstick-Spring-24677696
Posted by Lostinthesound on September 29, 2014 at 17:16
I wish I could pull off any of these! Wine colored lipsticks and clothing are my favorite!
Posted by Smylinggirl on September 28, 2014 at 15:17
I like natural, light makeup, so the light pinks and neutrals are definitely me.
Posted by GirlStandingByGod on September 28, 2014 at 00:15
Most of the time I wear coral or neutral. Once in a while I wear red.
Posted by Ohwhatatangledweb_weweave on September 27, 2014 at 19:39
I like the neutral and the coral shades here. I feel like coral looks better if you are a redhead though, and I am not. As for neutral, it kind of has an everyday look to it. Any suggestions on something I could use (I am not a fan of real dark or popping reds) on special occasions? I have brown medium length curly hair with carmel highlights, bangs, and hazel eyes. Sometimes I wear glasses, and my skin is reasonably fair.
Posted by Katiebug1999 on September 27, 2014 at 11:17
I always wear wine lipstick, because I am light skinned. 🙂
Posted by JesusFreak3278 on September 27, 2014 at 10:06
I usual wear coral or neutral, but I think I’d like to try a deep red or maybe wine next 🙂