Lipstick Buying Guide: Finding Shades for Different Occasions

A lipstick can change your whole look in seconds — but buying online without swatching can be tricky. This lipstick shades buying guide walks you through finishes, undertones and the right shades for everyday, office, parties and weddings.

Step 1: Know your undertone

Your undertone is the colour beneath your skin tone. Check the veins on your wrist in daylight:

• Greenish veins: warm undertone — peach, coral, brick red and warm browns suit you.
• Bluish or purple veins: cool undertone — pinks, berries, plums and blue-reds suit you.
• Hard to tell: neutral undertone — you can wear most shades.

Step 2: Choose a finish

If your lips are often dry, choose satin or cream formulas, or prep with lip balm before a matte.

Step 3: Pick shades for the occasion

Everyday and college

Your-lips-but-better shades: soft rose, mauve, peachy nude or light brown. Easy to apply without a mirror.

Office

Muted nudes, rosewood, soft berry or brick. Long-wear satin or soft matte finishes work well.

Parties and evenings

Deeper berry, wine, plum or a bold red. A matte liquid lipstick stays put through food and drinks.

Weddings and festivals

Classic reds, deep maroons and corals pair beautifully with traditional outfits. Liquid matte formulas last longest.

Finding the right nude for Indian skin tones

A nude should be close to your natural lip colour, not your skin colour.

• Fair to light: pinkish or peachy beige nudes.
• Medium (wheatish): caramel, rose-brown and warm mauve nudes.
• Dusky and deep: chocolate, cinnamon and deep rose-brown nudes.

Very pale nudes can make lips look washed out on medium and deep skin tones.

How to choose shades when shopping online

• Look for swatch photos on different skin tones in the product images or reviews.
• Check photos in daylight — studio lighting changes colours.
• Read reviews about dryness, transfer and how long it lasts.
• Try a mini or a smaller pack first if available.

Make lipstick last longer

1. Exfoliate lips gently once a week.
2. Apply a thin layer of lip balm, then blot.
3. Line your lips with a matching pencil.
4. Apply lipstick, blot with a tissue and apply a second layer.

Build a three-shade starter kit

• One nude for daily wear
• One everyday colour (rose, mauve or brown)
• One statement shade (red, berry or maroon)

Then complete your look with our makeup essentials for beginners and the makeup kit checklist. Browse lipsticks in every finish on Valenti Mart.