How to Choose the Right Lipstick for Your Skin, Undertone, and Age

Choosing the right lipstick should feel empowering, not overwhelming. But between undertones, finishes, texture changes, and the way shades look online versus in real life, it is easy to feel stuck buying colors that never quite work.

This guide breaks down how to choose lipstick in a way that actually makes sense for your skin, your undertone, and the way your lips change over time. Use it as a reference, not a rulebook.

For a complete breakdown of undertones, finishes, and age-related considerations, start with our lipstick shade selection guide .

Lipstick undertones explained

Undertone is the most common reason a lipstick looks “off.” It has nothing to do with how light or dark your skin is, and everything to do with the subtle tones underneath.

• Warm undertones: Skin leans golden or olive. Lipsticks with beige, caramel, or softly brown bases tend to look natural.
• Cool undertones: Skin leans pink or rosy. Mauves, rose tones, and blue-leaning shades usually flatter best.
• Neutral undertones: A balance of both. Shades that are not overly warm or cool are easiest to wear.

If undertones feel confusing, you are not alone. Many people sit somewhere in between. When in doubt, neutral leaning shades are usually the safest starting point.

Choosing lipstick by skin depth and contrast

Beyond undertone, skin depth and facial contrast matter more than most people realize.

• Fair skin: Medium depth shades often look more balanced than very pale or very dark colors.
• Medium skin: A wide range works, but overly muted tones can sometimes look flat.
• Deep skin: Rich, well-pigmented shades tend to show best without looking gray or ashy.

Contrast matters too. If your hair, brows, and skin are close in tone, softer shades often look more natural. Higher contrast faces can usually handle deeper or clearer colors.

Lipstick finishes and how they actually wear

Finish often matters more than color, especially as lips change over time.

• Satin lipstick: Balanced, comfortable, and forgiving. A strong everyday option for most people.
• Lip stain: Lightweight color with longevity, ideal if you dislike heavy texture.
• Gloss: Adds softness and dimension, especially when layered.
• Matte: Can look striking, but often emphasizes dryness and texture.

When lips feel dry or textured, softer finishes tend to look more natural and comfortable.

Best lipstick for mature lips

As lips age, they naturally lose volume and moisture. This makes finish and application more important than chasing trends.

Formulas that feel flexible, hydrate while wearing, and do not settle into lines tend to look more flattering than stiff or drying textures. Color should enhance your features, not compete with them.

Lipstick for rosacea and facial redness

If you have rosacea or persistent redness, undertone matters even more. Bright reds or peach-heavy shades can sometimes amplify redness.

Neutral or beige leaning lip colors often help balance the face and draw attention to the lips rather than the skin.

For deeper guidance, see our article on choosing lipstick shades for rosacea.

How to choose lipstick online

Shopping for lipstick online adds another layer of complexity. Lighting, screen settings, undertone, and natural lip pigment all affect how a shade appears.

If buying lipstick online has been frustrating, read our detailed guide on how to choose the right lipstick color online . It walks through undertones, application mistakes, and practical ways to avoid buying shades that never quite work.

When to get help choosing

If lipstick consistently feels frustrating, it may not be you. Small adjustments in undertone, finish, or depth can make a big difference.

Our Custom Makeup Quiz can help narrow down shades that suit your skin and preferences. For more personalized guidance, a 1:1 consult offers expert help choosing what truly works.

Frequently asked lipstick questions

How do I know my lipstick undertone?
If jewelry or makeup pulls yellow on you, you may be warm. If pink dominates, you may be cool. Neutral undertones often sit comfortably in between.

Why does lipstick look different online?
Lighting, screen settings, undertone, and natural lip color all affect how a shade appears.

Is satin lipstick better than matte?
For most people, especially with dry or mature lips, satin finishes are more forgiving.

How many lipsticks do I really need?
A small range of well-chosen shades usually outperforms a drawer full of almost-right colors.