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Have you ever admired a lipstick shade on one of your girlfriends, only to later realise that it makes you look all washed out? Well, you’re not alone. India is a diverse country, especially so when it comes to skin tone. This makes finding the perfect lipstick shade for Indian skin tones a tad bit challenging.
Indian skin tones range from ivory to dusky. With changing skin tones comes varying undertones which determine the kind of hues that will look good on you.
Understanding Your Undertone
If you’re curious about the undertone of your skin, here’s a quick test: Stretch out your hand in front of you such that the inside of your wrist is facing upwards. Now look at the colour of your veins. Is it green or blue? If you notice green veins, you have warm undertones, and if you notice blue veins, then you have cool undertones. Pick lipstick shades that go well with your undertone, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Meanwhile, we’ve done the work for you by curating a list of the best nude, red, and brown long-lasting lipsticks that look flawless on Indian skin tones.
How To Choose A Lipstick Shade
If you are wondering how to pick a lipstick colour that will suit you perfectly, here are a few tips to bear in mind.
Occasion
If you’re attending a wedding, a festival, or any other celebratory event, we recommend going all out with a bold lip colour. Choose a vibrant red topped up with gloss and some overlining to define your pout. For a formal event, pick between subtle nudes, browns, and peachy shades.
Outfit
Pick a lip colour that complements your outfit. If the lipstick shade doesn’t pair well with your outfit, the overall look might appear off-balance. So, pick a nude shade with beige or white clothes and a bold red with heavily embroidered outfits.
Undertone
According to a study , certain colours suit specific skin tones better. However, your undertone is the most important factor when choosing a lipstick shade. Our skin is not made of a single colour; multiple layers of our body, blood cells, veins, and skin come together to give our skin pigment. Hence, not just the skin tone, but our undertone is equally important when purchasing lipstick. Here’s a cheat sheet to better understand your undertone.
Best Nude Lipstick Shades For Indian Skin Tones
Do you prefer natural-looking lipstick shades for your Indian skin? Then a good nude lipstick, which suits your undertones, is just what you need. Here are some of the best nude lipsticks for Indian skin:
1. Pinkish Nude
The Nykaa So Creme! Creamy Matte Lipstick in Wakeup Makeup is a light pinkish nude shade that promises a creamy matte finish and long-lasting comfort. It works well with most Indian skin tones. If you’re a big fan of minimal and no-makeup makeup looks, then this is a must-have makeup essential.
Nykaa Recommends:
2. Mauve Nude
The Faces Canada Weightless Matte Finish Lipstick in Buff Nude is perfect for anyone with fair or medium skin tones. One of the best lipstick shades for Indian skin tones, this budget-friendly makeup essential is enriched with almond, jojoba and vitamin E oil. Plus, it guarantees an intense colour payoff with just a single stroke.
Nykaa Recommends:
3. Berry Nude
Packed with the benefits of argan oil, the Lakme Absolute Matte Ultimate Lip Color in Brunch Nude is a nourishing and luxurious formula. This peachy nude lipstick flatters all Indian skin tones.
Nykaa Recommends:
Best Red Lipstick Shades For Indian Skin Tones
It’s universally acknowledged that you cannot falter with red lipstick. One of the best shades for Indian Skin – red is one of the most versatile, chic, and evergreen hues. It can make the simplest makeup look pop. So, here are some of the best red lipsticks that suit Indian skin tones.
1. Ruby Red
The Maybelline New York Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick in Rich Ruby is one of the best lipsticks for dusky skin. This pocket-friendly lipstick is infused with moisturising shea butter and looks fabulous on women with darker skin tones. With a 12-hour staying power, this lipstick just needs one smooth glide for perfection.
Nykaa Recommends:
2. Brown Red
One of the best lipstick shades for dusky skin, the Elle 18 Color Pop Matte Lip Color in Code Red is a highly pigmented formula that provides a smooth, matte finish. With a guaranteed one-stroke application, you won’t even need frequent touch-ups
Nykaa Recommends:
3. Cool-Toned Red
Perfect your pout with the SUGAR Matte Attack Transferproof Lipstick in Grateful Red. One of the best lipstick shades for wheatish skin, this SUGAR lipstick is bold and beautiful. Infused with jojoba oil, it has a creamy texture and provides a non-drying matte finish, making it comfortable for all-day wear.
Nykaa Recommends:
Best Brown Lipstick Shades For Indian Skin Tones
Most Indians have warm undertones and brown lipsticks work perfectly to compliment them. So, here are some of the best brown lipstick shades for Indian skin.
1. Maroonish Brown
Known for its luxurious, velvety texture, the Kay Beauty Matte Drama Long Stay Lipstick in Rolling is one of the best lipsticks for dusky skin. Enriched with grapeseed oil and red raspberry, this lipstick keeps your lips hydrated and offers protection against UV rays and blue light.
Nykaa Recommends:
2. Chocolava Brown
A list of beautiful browns is incomplete without the Swiss Beauty HD Matte Lipstick in Chocolava. A highly pigmented lipstick shade for dusky skin, this one is great for a perfectly contoured retro pout.
Nykaa Recommends:
3. Terracotta Brown
The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Cover Star is a hydrating light brown lipstick that makes your lips appear fuller. Packed with 3D glowing pigments, this shade is perfect for those who want to experiment with bolder looks.
Nykaa Recommends:
Tips For Beginners
Now that you’ve got all the details on how to pick the perfect lip shade for your dusky, fair, or wheatish skin tone, take notes of these pro tips
- Don’t hesitate to use a lip liner before applying lipstick. It lends definition to your lips and makes them appear fuller and more plump.
- Don’t rush to throw out a shade that doesn’t suit you. You can blend it with other lip colours and create a brand-new shade that might just work for you.
- If you wear lipstick regularly, then you must invest time in lip care as well. Exfoliate and hydrate your lips regularly to ensure a smooth lipstick application.
- Once you’ve applied your lipstick, take a tissue, and press it between your lips. This will get rid of any excess colour, prevent transfer, and make it last longer.
- If the lipstick shade is too bright, you can apply just a little and then use your finger to blend it out and soften it.
Now that you know how to select lipstick colour never have a dull moment when it comes to flaunting a pout.
FAQs
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How to choose a lipstick shade?
According to a study about colour theory, the lipstick shade you pick should depend on your skin colour and undertone. Shades that suit your undertone make your face look brighter, without washing you out.
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Does lipstick brighten the skin?
Yes, the right lipstick shade can brighten your complexion, making you look more radiant. If you are wondering how to pick a lipstick colour that will make your skin look brighter, look at the infographic on different undertones and the right lipstick for the shade.
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Do I need to wear lip liner with lipstick?
To give your lips more definition and make them appear fuller, applying a lip liner is ideal. Some people may have a double lip line that makes the lips look uneven. In such a case, a lip liner can offer a better shape with minimal effort.
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Which lipstick shade is best for everyday use?
Nude and brown hues are ideal for everyday use; they complement most outfits and offer a subtle flush to the skin that pairs well with Western, formal, and Indian attires.
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Can I use lipstick as a blush?
While lipsticks are specifically formulated for the lips, they can double as a blush when you don’t have one handy. Swipe some across the apples of your cheeks and blend thoroughly for a flushed look.
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How to pick lipstick for a friend/sister/mother?
Look at their skin tone and recognise their undertone. If they have fair skin with pink undertones then pick lighter pinkish, peachy, nude shades. If they have dusky skin with yellow undertones then pick reds, browns, and darker nudes.
