There's something fun about changing up your lip color [1] with the season — it has the power to make your entire look feel new. For spring, lighter lipstick colors and silky lip glosses [2] can make your lips pop. It's the perfect time to go for something bold and bright after wearing mauves, deep reds, and purple hues all winter.
There are so many lip color possibilities out there that picking a new one can be both exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time. If you're having trouble selecting a spring shade [3], let your skin tone be your guide. Taking cues from the undertones of your skin can make finding a flattering color [4] so much easier. To help you find your match made in lipstick heaven, Steve Kassajikian [5], global makeup artist at Urban Decay, shared his tips for pairing a spring lip color with your skin tone, below.
How to Determine Your Skin Tone
"Cool skin tones have a pink and blueish undertone to their skin and tend to burn out in the sun, warm skin tones have a golden and yellowish undertone to their skin and tend to tan out in the sun, and neutral skin tones have a neutral undertone which tends to burn then tans out in the sun," said Kassajikian. There are different tricks to help you determine your skin tone, like looking at the veins on the inside of your wrist to find your undertones [6] and considering what you feel you look better in: silver or gold jewelry.
As for lipstick shades, Kassajikian detailed the best color schemes for cool, neutral, and warm skin tones. "Pinkish beige and rosy shades complement cool skin tones; nude, coral, and red shades complement neutral skin tones; and warmer shades with blue and purple undertones compliment warm skin tones."
Best Spring Lipstick Shade For Cool, Light Skin Tones
Those with light or fair skin and cool undertones should look for rosy lipstick shades. Try the Milani Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper in Pink Quartz [7] ($9).
Best Spring Lipstick Shade For Warm, Light Skin Tones
Light, warm skin tones should look for blue and purple toned pink lip colors, like the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Backtalk [8] ($19), a universal pinky mauve lipstick.
Best Spring Lipstick Shade For Cool, Medium or Olive Skin Tones
Those with a cool medium or olive skin tone look best in rosy peach lip colors, like the Beauty by POPSUGAR Be the Boss Lip Gloss in Lucky Star [9] ($18).
Best Spring Lipstick Shade For Warm, Medium or Olive Skin Tones
The Tarte SEA Color Splash Lipstick in Sunkissed [10] ($21) is a cool-toned, light peach lipstick shade that will compliment warm, medium skin tones.
Best Spring Lipstick Shade For Cool, Deep or Dark Skin Tones
Because pinkish-beige colors look best on cool, deep skin tones, try the ColourPop So Juicy Plumping Gloss [11] ($8). It's a shimmery, bronzed, peach terracotta color.
Best Spring Lipstick Shade For Warm, Deep or Dark Skin Tones
Orange and bronze lip colors are most flattering on deep skin tones. If you have warm undertones, try the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Saw-C [12] ($18) because it has a blue base tone.