Your lips are one of the first places people's eyes land on your face — which means a single lipstick swap can dramatically shift your entire look.
Why lip color has such a big impact
Because lips are a small, saturated area that naturally draws attention, a color that clashes with your undertone can throw off your whole face. On the flip side, the right lip color can make you look lively and put-together even with minimal other makeup.
Recommended lip colors by season
- Spring Warm: Coral, salmon pink, orange-leaning red
- Summer Cool: Rose pink, mauve, raspberry
- Autumn Warm: Brick red, terracotta, brown
- Winter Cool: Blue-red, wine, vivid fuchsia
Does finish (matte vs glossy) matter too?
Finish matters almost as much as hue. Matte finishes render color more intensely and saturated, which suits the sharper looks of Winter Cool and Autumn Warm. Glossy, dewy finishes give a fresh, plump look that tends to suit Spring Warm and Summer Cool.
How to shop without regret
In-store lighting can distort how a color looks, so test the shade in natural light whenever possible, and swatch it directly on your lips rather than the back of your hand. Shade names vary between brands even within the "same" color family, so trust what you see on your own skin over review photos.