How to Choose the Right Lipstick Shade (And Feel Confident Wearing It)

If you've spent years swiping on clear chapstick, suddenly seeing your face with a bright coral or a deep mauve can feel like looking at a stranger. The truth is, there are two main reasons you might feel like lipstick looks funny on you.

First, you just aren't used to seeing yourself wearing it, meaning you literally have to retrain your brain to get used to the makeup on your face. Second, and most importantly, you might be fighting your skin's natural undertones.

Finding your signature shade is a journey of trial and error. But once you understand color theory, picking the perfect pout becomes effortless.

Here's my definitive guide to finding a lip color that flatters your complexion, plus a fun mini-quiz to help you discover your perfect match!

Step 1: Find Your Undertone

I always tell my clients that the secret to a flawless lip starts before you ever pop the cap off a tube. You have to identify your skin's underlying tones first. Think of this as the permanent background color sitting just below the surface of your complexion—it usually leans cool, warm, or right in the middle as a neutral.

Here are three quick professional tests to find yours:

• Check your wrist: Let's start with the easiest trick in the book. Flip your arm over and look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural lighting. Do they give off a bluish or purple tint? That's a dead giveaway that you have a cool undertone. On the flip side, if those veins are pulling more of a green hue, you're in the warm category. Spotting a little bit of both means you're neutral.
• Look in your jewelry box: Think about the metal that makes your complexion instantly pop. As a general rule of thumb, reaching for gold pieces and loving how they look means you have warm-toned skin. If your face lights up when you put on silver or platinum, your undertones are cool.
• Think about your SPF routine: Your summer tan (or lack thereof!) is a huge indicator of what's happening beneath the surface. If you tend to burn easily and rarely tan, you likely have cooler undertones. If you tan easily and get a golden glow, your undertones are warm.

Step 2: Match Your Color Family

Now that you know your undertone, you can shop for lipsticks that complement your natural coloring instead of clashing with it.

• For cool undertones: Look for blue-toned classic reds or lipsticks with purple, mauve, or beige undertones. If you have fair skin with cool undertones, true pinks and true reds will help you look vibrant and awake.
• For warm undertones: Opt for lipsticks that feature golden, red, or orange hues. Peaches and oranges are flattering on warmer colorings. If you have olive skin, a warm red-orange is a go-to choice.
• For tan and deep skin: One of the most common mistakes is choosing a pale shade that's too light, which can make the lips look washed out. Instead, reach for deeper, bolder colors or caramel and brown-toned nudes that complement the rich tones naturally found in your skin.

Step 3: Use the "Training Wheels" Method

If you're transitioning from bare lips to a full pout, ease into it!

• Find your YLBB: Start with a "Your Lips But Better" (YLBB) shade as your makeup training wheels. Look for natural-looking pinks and nudes that match your natural lip pigment—these shades go with every outfit and occasion.
• Try balms first: Jumping straight into a heavy, saturated color can definitely feel a little intimidating. If you want a softer transition, try a tinted lip balm instead, since they offer less color opacity and end up looking much more natural.
• Don’t skip the lip liner: If you do go for a bold shade, you have to use a lip liner so the color doesn't bleed and get messy around the edges of your mouth. My favorite trick for a gorgeous, contoured look is finding a liner that’s a smidge darker than the actual lipstick.

Introducing: The Best Dressed Luxury Lipstick

When you're finally ready to commit to a gorgeous, pigmented lip, the formula you choose matters just as much as the shade.

That’s exactly why I developed the Elaina Badro® Luxury Lipstick Collection. I wanted to completely take the guesswork out of your makeup bag and give you a staple product you actually want to put on every day.

Luxury Lip Collection

Best Dressed Luxury Lipstick

Engineered with hydrating, high-impact pigments designed to suit versatile undertones without feathering or bleeding.

Shop Best Dressed Lipstick

Mini Quiz: What Lip Color Should I Wear?

Still not sure where to start? Keep track of your answers to these three quick questions to find your vibe!

Your Quiz Results

• Mostly A's: The "Your Lips But Better" Nude
  You want to look effortlessly polished without feeling like you have a ton of makeup on. Look for a satin-finish, neutral pink or caramel nude that enhances your natural lip shape. It's the perfect everyday staple!
• Mostly B's: The Golden Peach or Brick Red
  You lean warm and love a sun-kissed, vibrant vibe! Embrace your warm undertones with rich terracotta, brick red, or a soft, punchy peach.
• Mostly C's: The Classic Blue-Toned Red or Deep Berry
  You aren't afraid of a little glamour. Because you likely have cool undertones, a crisp, blue-based ruby red or a moody, deep plum will look absolutely striking against your skin and complement your bold style.