Undertones Explained: How They Affect Your Lipstick Choice

You can have the most expensive lipstick in the world, but if the color clashes with your skin's undertone, it will never look quite right. We often focus on how light or dark our skin is (our "overtone"), but the real secret to a flawless makeup look lies in your undertones—the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin. In this guide, we’re providing a masterclass in skin undertone lipstick matching. We’ll help you identify your type and show you which shades will make your features truly pop.

What Are Undertones?

While your skin tone can change with the seasons (becoming tanner in the summer or paler in the winter), your undertone remains the same for your entire life. There are three primary categories:

1. Cool: Hints of pink, red, or blue. You likely look better in silver jewelry and your veins appear blue or purple.
2. Warm: Hints of yellow, peach, or gold. You likely look better in gold jewelry and your veins appear greenish.
3. Neutral: A mix of both, or your undertone is roughly the same as your skin tone. You look great in both silver and gold.

If you want to see which shades are currently the most popular for your specific undertone, our Trending Shades section is a great place to start your research.

The Best Lipstick Shades for Every Undertone

Once you’ve identified your undertone, choosing the right skin undertone lipstick becomes much easier:

• For Cool Undertones: You look best in "blue-based" shades. Think of classic crimsons, plum, berry, and cool-toned pinks. Avoid anything too "orangey" or "brick-toned," as these can make you look tired.
• For Warm Undertones: You shine in "yellow-based" or "orange-based" shades. Think of vibrant corals, brick reds, terracottas, and warm peachy nudes. Cool-toned lilacs or mauves can sometimes look "ashy" on you.
• For Neutral Undertones: You have the most flexibility! You can pull off almost anything, from a cool berry to a warm orange. However, many neutral-toned people find that "true" reds or muted mauves are their most flattering "everyday" choices.

If you find a luxury shade you love but it’s for the wrong undertone, our Dupe Finder can help you find affordable alternatives with the correct "base" hue to suit your skin.

The Quick "White Paper" Test

Still not sure? Try the white paper test. Hold a piece of plain white paper up to your face in natural light. If your skin looks pink or rosy against the paper, you’re cool-toned. If it looks yellow or golden, you’re warm-toned. If you can’t really tell, you’re likely neutral.

Using Technology for Precision

While these tips are a great starting point, the most accurate way to find your perfect match is through technology. Human eyes can be deceived by lighting and surrounding colors, but AI is much more objective.

With the POUT Shade Matcher, you don't have to guess your undertone. Our AI analyzes your skin's color properties from a simple photo and automatically matches you with the products that will look best on you. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement or a subtle nude, we take the science of undertones and turn it into a perfectly matched beauty look. Stop guessing and start glowing with a shade that was made for your skin.

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