Finding a lipstick you enjoy is about preference, not following a rule. Undertone can be a useful starting point, but your natural lip colour, the shade’s depth and its finish all influence the final look.
Start with undertone, not skin depth
Skin depth describes how light or deep your complexion is. Undertone describes its underlying colour: cool often suggests pink or bluish tones, warm suggests golden or peachy tones, and neutral combines elements of both. Any skin depth can have any undertone. If these categories feel unclear, you do not need to choose one to enjoy lipstick.
Blue-based versus orange-based reds
A blue-based red leans cooler; an orange-based red leans warmer. These describe the red’s colour direction, not visible blue or orange stripes. For a coordinated look, try a cooler red alongside cool undertones or a warmer red alongside warm undertones. For contrast, try the opposite. Neutral undertones can explore either direction, and no red is off-limits to any complexion.
Compare shades in the same natural light and at a similar depth and intensity. Your natural lip colour and the amount applied can change how a red appears. A shade name or product photo alone is not enough to establish its undertone, so we have not labelled individual reds here as blue-based or orange-based without explicit stored details.
Shade and finish examples to explore
The examples below reflect shade and finish descriptions checked in our current product listings. They are starting points, not promises of a particular result on your lips.
- Revlon Strawberry Shortcake 080: described as cool-toned cotton-candy pink, with a glossy, pearly finish and delicate silvery shimmer.
- L’Oréal Caramel Solo 703: described as a warm peach-pink shade with a glossy finish.
- Maybelline Espresso Exposed 955: described as deep, cool-toned burgundy with a glossy finish.
- Maybelline Vibrant Violet 681: described as purple with pink undertones and a creamy matte finish.
Choose the effect you like
Matte finishes offer a less reflective look; glossy finishes add shine; pearly or shimmering finishes add light-catching reflection. Finish is separate from undertone. Start with a light layer, compare in daylight, and build the colour to your preference. Choose the shade that gives you the effect you want, whether harmonious, contrasting or simply fun.
Explore the Lipstick collection and check each product’s shade and finish details before choosing.