Lipstick Shades for Brown Skin: How to Choose the Right Shade for Your Undertone

Before you head to the store, look at the subtle hues beneath the surface of your skin. Here is how to decode your undertone:

• Cool Undertones: You have traces of blue, pink, or red in your skin and the veins on your wrist appear blue or purple, and silver jewellery makes your skin pop.

• Warm Undertones: You have hints of golden, yellow, or peachy tones and your veins appear greenish, and gold jewellery looks beautiful against your skin.

• Neutral Undertones: You are a balanced mix of both warm and cool and your veins appear blue-green, and you can pull off both gold and silver jewellery with ease.

Once you've identified your undertone, you can narrow down the lipstick shades that will naturally complement you. "Indian skin is incredibly diverse and rich in undertones, which is what makes it so beautiful, but also why lipstick can sometimes look very different once applied. The first step is identifying your undertone," mentions Harlin Sachdeva, makeup expert and founder of one of India's renowned Indian makeup brands, "Warmer undertones can pick peachy nudes, terracottas, and warm browns, while cooler undertones can lean into rose pinks, mauves, and berry tones. It's less about the shade itself and more about how it sits against your skin."

• Cool Undertones: The Jewel Tones

Look for lipsticks with blue or purple bases to harmonise with your cool tone. The best shades for you are:

Deep Plum:

This shade is a moody, sophisticated choice that adds drama without looking muddy.

Ruby Red:

These shades will make your teeth look whiter and your skin look luminous. Yay!

Mauve Pink:

This hue is a perfect everyday neutral that provides contrast without being too bright.

Cool Cocoa:

This colour is a brown with a slight gray or purple tint for a 90s-inspired, vintage look.

• Warm Undertones: The Sun-Kissed Palette

If you have warm undertones, lean into colours that mimic the glow of a sunset such as oranges, yellows, and rich reds.

Terracotta:

This shade is a burnt orange-brown that feels effortless and earthy.

Fiery Coral:

This hue is high-impact and vibrant. It acts like a spotlight for warm complexions.

Golden Bronze:

This colour is metallic or a shimmer-flecked brown that celebrates your golden hues.

Brick Red:

This shade is a warm, brownish-red that is far more flattering than a bright candy apple.

• Neutral Undertones: The Best of Both Worlds

You have the luxury of choice, but shades that hit the middle of the spectrum often look most sophisticated.

True Chocolate:

This is a rich, balanced brown that defines the lips perfectly.

Muted Rose:

This shade is neither too hot nor too cold. It's the perfect "Your Lips But Better" shade.

Berry:

This hue is a versatile mix of red and purple that works for day or night.

Taupe:

This is a neutral-toned nude that provides a chic, minimalist vibe.

"Finish plays just as important a role, especially in Indian weather. I always recommend opting for formulations that are comfortable and skin-friendly, hydrating mattes, gloss hybrids, or nourishing liquid lipsticks that don't dry out the lips throughout the day," adds Harlin Sachdeva, founder, House of Makeup.

Thus, the finish of a lipstick changes the look of the colour just as much as the pigment does. Here's an expert approved guide on how to choose the right lipstick finish:

• Matte:

This shade provides a flat, high-pigment finish. It's long-lasting and ideal for a bold, professional look, though it requires hydrated lips to prevent cracking.

• Creamy:

This hue is the gold standard for comfortable daily wear. It offers a slight sheen and keeps the lips feeling moisturised throughout the day.

• Glossy:

This shade is ideal for a fuller lip appearance. The light-reflecting properties draw attention to the lips and add a youthful energy.

• Satin:

This hue provides a balanced finish that sits between matte and cream.

"For brown skin, nudes, richer reds and pink tones remain the most versatile categories, but the key is choosing tones that don't wash you out. A well-balanced nude or a slightly deeper red or pink can instantly elevate the face while still feeling effortless and wearable," concludes makeup expert Harlin Sachdeva. If you're building a starter kit, these are the non-negotiables for brown complexions:

Avoid shades lighter than your skin. Look for "Cafe au Lait" or deep tan shades that match your lips' natural perimeter.

A deep, wine-colored Bordeaux or a vibrant blue-toned crimson.

A bright Fuchsia or Electric Orange. Brown skin carries high-saturation colours beautifully.

According to makeup exports, here are some tips to make your lipstick appear more vibrant and luminescent:

Use a brown or deep plum lip liner to create a seamless transition between your skin and the lipstick.

Pigment (especially matte) clings to dry patches. Using a quick sugar scrub ensures a smooth canvas.

If your lips are multi-toned (hyperpigmentation), a dab of concealer can help the lipstick colour show up true to the tube.

Use a small brush with a bit of foundation to sharpen the lines around your mouth for a professional finish.

Always choose lipsticks made using the best ingredients such as the Elle 18 Color Pop Matte Lipsticks.

These are the most frequent mistakes as per makeup specialists:

• Ignoring the Ashy Factor: Avoid shades with too much white base (like pale pastels), as they often look chalky or ashy on brown skin.

• Skipping the Liner: Forgetting liner can make bold colours look bleary or messy at the edges.

Lastly, don't forget to have fun while choosing your lipstick shade. Whether it's a nude power matte for a high-stakes meeting or a playful pink gloss for a beachside brunch, the right lipstick is the ultimate exclamation point to your personal style. Shine on!