Lipstick is one of my favorite beauty products. It has the power to instantly brighten my face, pull together an outfit, and make me feel confident—even on the busiest days. But choosing the right shade for the right occasion can feel overwhelming. With so many options, from classic reds to soft neutrals, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of colors. Over the years, I’ve learned that the perfect lipstick shade depends on more than just personal preference. It’s about finding a color that flatters my skin tone, matches the mood of the occasion, and works with my overall look. Whether I need a bold statement for a night out or a subtle wash of color for everyday wear, I’ve found a foolproof way to select the right shade every time.

Understanding Your Undertone

Before choosing any lipstick, I always consider my undertone. This one factor makes all the difference in how a shade looks on my lips. Undertones fall into three main categories: warm, cool, and neutral.

  • Warm undertones: Skin has a golden, peachy, or yellow tint. Lipsticks with warm undertones—like corals, oranges, and warm reds—tend to look best.
  • Cool undertones: Skin has a pink, red, or bluish tint. Blue-based reds, pinks, and berry shades complement cool undertones beautifully.
  • Neutral undertones: A mix of warm and cool. Most lipstick shades work well on neutral undertones, making it easier to experiment with different colors.

A simple trick I use to determine my undertone is looking at the veins on my wrist. If they appear more blue, I have cool undertones. If they lean green, I have warm undertones. If I see a mix of both, I’m likely neutral.

Choosing the Right Shade for Every Occasion

Once I know which colors flatter my skin tone, I think about the occasion. Different events call for different lipstick styles, and I love having a go-to shade for each one.

Everyday Wear: Effortless and Polished

For my daily routine—whether running errands, working from home, or heading to a casual lunch—I want a lipstick that enhances my natural lip color without overpowering my look. A soft, neutral shade is my go-to because it’s versatile, flattering, and easy to apply without a mirror.

  • Best Shades: Nude, pinky-brown, soft mauve, sheer coral
  • Budget-Friendly Picks: Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte in “Touch of Spice,” Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Bare Affair”
  • Why It Works: These shades add a touch of color while keeping the look fresh and natural. They pair well with minimal makeup and are comfortable for all-day wear.

If I want just a hint of color, I reach for a tinted lip balm. It hydrates my lips while adding a sheer wash of pigment—perfect for no-makeup days.

Office and Professional Settings: Sophisticated and Polished

In professional settings, I want my lipstick to enhance my look without being distracting. A muted, sophisticated shade that complements my skin tone is ideal.

  • Best Shades: Rose, dusty mauve, soft berry, muted red
  • Budget-Friendly Picks: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche in “Spiced Cider,” NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in “Cannes”
  • Why It Works: These shades add a polished touch without overpowering my overall appearance. They complement professional attire and create a confident, put-together look.

I also make sure to choose long-wearing formulas that don’t require frequent touch-ups. A satin or matte finish works best for staying power without excessive dryness.

Casual Outings: Playful and Fun

For brunch with friends, weekend shopping trips, or casual date nights, I like to experiment with slightly bolder shades. This is when I opt for fresh, playful colors that bring life to my face without feeling too dramatic.

  • Best Shades: Peach, soft red, berry pink, coral
  • Budget-Friendly Picks: e.l.f. Satin Lipstick in “Taffy,” Burt’s Bees Lipstick in “Sunny Day”
  • Why It Works: These colors brighten up my look without requiring heavy makeup. They’re fun, youthful, and easy to wear.

A creamy or satin finish keeps my lips feeling hydrated, making these shades comfortable for long wear.

Evening and Special Events: Bold and Striking

When dressing up for an evening event, wedding, or fancy dinner, I love making a statement with my lipstick. A bold lip adds glamour and completes an elegant look.

  • Best Shades: Classic red, deep plum, bold fuchsia, rich burgundy
  • Budget-Friendly Picks: Wet n Wild Mega Last Matte Lip Color in “Cherry Picking,” Milani Color Statement Lipstick in “Best Red”
  • Why It Works: These shades command attention and elevate any outfit. Whether I’m wearing a little black dress or a sophisticated gown, a bold lip adds the perfect finishing touch.

For long nights, I rely on matte or liquid lipstick formulas to ensure my color stays vibrant without smudging or fading. A lip liner helps keep the edges crisp and prevents feathering.

Romantic Dates: Soft and Luminous

For a romantic evening, I prefer lip colors that enhance my natural beauty without looking too intense. Soft, luminous shades create a warm, inviting look.

  • Best Shades: Rosewood, soft pink, caramel nude, warm berry
  • Budget-Friendly Picks: CoverGirl Exhibitionist Lipstick in “Sultry Sienna,” NYX Butter Gloss in “Angel Food Cake”
  • Why It Works: These shades give a soft, romantic feel without overwhelming my makeup. They add just the right amount of color to make my lips look naturally beautiful.

A hydrating lipstick or lip gloss keeps my lips feeling soft and kissable, making these shades perfect for date night.

How to Test and Find the Right Shade

When shopping for a new lipstick, I always test shades properly to ensure they complement my skin tone. Here’s how I do it:

  1. Swatch on My Wrist – This gives me an idea of how the color looks against my skin. If it clashes or looks too ashy, it’s not the right shade.
  2. Test on My Lips – If possible, I try the shade on my lips to see how it interacts with my natural lip color. Some shades appear different in the tube than they do on my lips.
  3. Check in Natural Light – Store lighting can be deceiving. I always check the shade in natural light before making a final decision.
  4. Consider the Formula – I think about when and how I plan to wear the lipstick. Do I need a long-wearing matte, a hydrating cream, or a glossy finish?

The Power of the Perfect Lipstick

Lipstick is more than just makeup—it’s an expression of mood, style, and confidence. By choosing the right shade for each occasion, I can enhance my natural beauty and feel put-together no matter where I’m headed. Whether it’s a soft nude for everyday wear or a bold red for a night out, the right lipstick always makes me feel polished, confident, and ready for whatever the day brings.