Why Your Lipstick Doesn't Look Like It Does in the Tube

Ever bought a lipstick that looked stunning on a friend (or an influencer), only to try it on and find it looks completely different on you? The culprit is likely your undertone.

Your skin tone is the surface color of your skin (fair, medium, deep), which can change with the seasons. Your undertone is the subtle, permanent hue underneath your skin. It's the filter through which all makeup colors are seen. Understanding this is the single most important factor in finding your signature shades.

Lipstick swatches arranged by undertone
Undertone comparison chart

The 3 Main Undertones

Warm (Golden/Yellow)

You have golden, peachy, or honey hues. You likely tan easily and look best in gold jewelry.

Best Lipstick Shades:

  • Coral & Peach
  • Warm Reds (Brick, Tomato)
  • Terracotta Nudes
  • Golden Browns

Cool (Pink/Blue)

You have pink, red, or bluish hues. You likely burn easily and look best in silver jewelry.

Best Lipstick Shades:

  • Blue-Red (Cherry, Ruby)
  • Berry & Plum
  • Mauve & Cool Pink
  • Rosy Nudes

Neutral (Balanced)

You have a mix of warm and cool tones, or it's hard to tell. You can wear both gold and silver.

Best Lipstick Shades:

  • True Reds
  • Dusty Rose
  • Pinky-Browns
  • Almost anything!

Quick Tests to Identify Your Undertone

1

The Vein Test

Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light.
Green veins? You're Warm.
Blue/Purple veins? You're Cool.
Blue-Green or hard to tell? You're likely Neutral.

2

The Jewelry Test

Which metal makes your skin glow?
Gold? Warm.
Silver/Platinum? Cool.
Both look great? Neutral.

3

The White T-Shirt Test

Hold a stark white piece of fabric next to your un-made-up face.
Skin looks yellow/sallow? You're Warm (try off-white instead).
Skin looks rosy/pink? You're Cool (you rock stark white).
Skin looks gray/ashy? You might be Olive (a unique subset of Neutral/Warm).

Curated Picks for Every Undertone

Hand-picked by our editors to help you stop guessing.