Best Lipstick for Your Season
The right lipstick balances your whole face, not just your lips. A shade that shares your undertone makes your teeth look whiter and your skin more even; the wrong one can wash you out. Match the undertone first (warm vs cool), then the depth (light vs deep). Not sure of yours? Try the warm vs cool undertone test or take the color test first.
Spring skin glows in clear, warm shades with a fresh, juicy finish — coral, peach-pink, and warm orange-reds. Skip anything dark, muddy, or blue-toned.
Summer suits soft, cool shades with a rosy, dusty quality. Rose, mauve, and soft berry flatter without overpowering; avoid bright orange or heavy brick tones.
Autumn comes alive in rich, earthy warmth. Terracotta, brick red, and cinnamon-brown mirror your golden depth; steer clear of icy pinks and cool blue-reds.
Winter can carry strong, clear color that softer types cannot. True blue-red, fuchsia, berry, and deep plum create striking contrast; muted or orange-brown shades tend to dull you.
Swatch it on your bare lips (not your hand) in natural daylight and check whether your teeth look whiter and your under-eye area brighter. If the color "wears you" or greys your skin, it is fighting your undertone. When in doubt, pick a slightly softer version of your season's shade — it is more forgiving than going too bright.
Complete the harmony: pair your lip with a blush and eyeshadow colors from the same undertone family — one warm element on a cool face is all it takes to unbalance it.
Almost — the trick is the red's undertone. Warm seasons glow in orange- or coral-reds; cool seasons in blue- or berry-reds. There is a flattering red for everyone; only the base changes.
Match the nude to your undertone and depth: warm types suit peachy or caramel nudes, cool types suit rosy or mauve nudes, and deeper skin looks best in richer brown-nudes rather than pale beige.
Yes. Undertone and depth decide whether a shade flatters you; the brand only decides finish and price. Once you know your season you can shop any brand confidently.
Take the free color test to get your season in minutes, or read the eight sub-season guide for full palettes.