Best Plum Lipsticks for Cool Undertones

Plum lipstick is the sophisticated older sister of the berry family. It’s moody, elegant, and carries a sense of mystery that is hard to replicate with reds or pinks. For those with cool undertones, plum is more than just a seasonal trend—it’s a color family that aligns perfectly with your skin's natural "blueprint."

Finding the plum lipstick cool undertones crave is about leaning into the "blue" and "violet" pigments. Because cool skin has hints of pink, red, or blue beneath the surface, these purple-based shades look incredibly harmonious. They provide a richness that makes the skin look porcelain and the eyes look piercing. Whether you’re looking for a soft, ethereal lavender-plum or a deep, vampy blackberry, the plum spectrum has something for every cool-toned beauty.

The Science of Cool Undertones and Purple

Cool undertones are characterized by a pinkish or bluish cast to the skin. You likely find that silver jewelry is more flattering than gold, and your veins appear blue or purple.

Purple (and by extension, plum) is a cool color on the color wheel. This is why a plum lipstick rarely "clashes" with cool skin—it’s in the same family. However, the wrong plum can sometimes highlight redness in the face. The key is to find a plum that has a "clear" base rather than a "muddy" one. If you’re unsure of your depth of "coolness," our Shade Matcher tool can help you identify exactly where you sit on the spectrum.

Soft Plums and Lavenders for a Modern Look

For those who want to wear plum during the day, a "dusty" or "lavender" plum is a beautiful choice. These shades feel modern, fresh, and slightly unexpected.

MAC Cosmetics Up the Amp is a legendary lavender-plum that has a creamy, amplified finish. It’s bright enough to be a "statement" but cool enough to remain sophisticated. For a more "my lips but better" version, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (though often called a berry) leans quite plum on cool skin, providing a sheer, blackened-purple stain that is universally adored.

If you love the look of a designer plum but aren't ready to commit to the price, the Dupe Finder can help you find affordable alternatives from brands like NYX or Essence that offer that same cool-toned purple energy. To see what other cool-toned beauties are wearing, check out the Trending Shades section of our app.

Deep and Moody: The "Vampy" Plum

When it’s time to go bold, cool undertones can pull off the deepest, darkest plums with ease. These shades provide a dramatic contrast that is incredibly striking.

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Venom is a rich plum with a hint of shimmer that looks phenomenal on cool-fair to cool-medium skin. For a truly vampy look, MAC Cosmetics Rebel is a mid-tone cream plum that is a favorite of makeup artists worldwide. It starts as a bright purple but can be layered to become a deep, wine-plum.

For those with deep cool skin, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Train Bleu is the gold standard. It is a deep, blackened-purple that looks like velvet on the lips. It’s the ultimate "power" color for a night out.

How to Apply Plum Like a Pro

1. Prep is Key: Darker shades like plum can highlight dry patches. Always use a lip scrub before application.
2. Use a Matching Liner: Plum lipstick can be prone to "feathering." Using a liner like MAC Nightmoth or Cyber World will keep your edges crisp and professional.
3. Keep the Rest Simple: A plum lip is a lot of "look." Pair it with clean skin, a touch of cool-toned blush (like a soft lilac), and simple winged eyeliner.

Plum lipstick is a celebration of depth and cool elegance. If you have cool undertones, it’s a color family that allows you to embrace your boldest, most sophisticated self.

Ready to find your perfect shade? Skip the guesswork — try POUT's free Shade Matcher and discover your match in seconds.