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Pick The Perfect Lip Color With Kiehl’s

SKINCARE

How To Pick Your Perfect Lip Color: Our Top Tips

There are a lot of factors to consider when seeking out your perfect lip color. Learn how to find the best lipstick shade for you with Kiehl’s lip color guide.

Picture this: It’s Friday night, you’re rushing to get out the door to meet up with your friends. You’re almost finished getting ready when you realize that lipstick is the last thing you need to complete the look, but all of your lip shades just don’t seem quite right. We’ve all been there.

That’s where the old classic, a signature lip, comes in. Just like your favorite perfume, a signature lip color is one that you can wear every day and never get tired of. It’s fresh and endlessly flattering, and no matter what you wear with it, it feels like you. In short, it’s a staple—but finding that perfect lip color can be tricky. That’s where we come in. Keep reading to learn how to find your perfect lip color, what lipstick colors are trending this year, and how to make sure your lip shade looks fresh all day.

How Do I Find My Perfect Lip Color?

Nailing down the perfect lip shade can be hard, but oftentimes the best shade is dependent on your skin tone and undertones. Identifying and understanding your undertones are the keys to finding your perfect lip color (not to mention your foundation color).

There are three types of undertones: cool, neutral, and warm. Ideally, you should choose a lip color that complements your skin’s undertone. If you’re not sure what your undertone is, that’s okay: There are a few ways to check. First, see how your skin reacts to the sun. If you burn easily you may have cool undertones, while if you tan readily you likely have warm undertones. Those who burn and tan, meanwhile, tend to have neutral undertones. Another way to check is by looking at the color of your veins. Flip your wrist over and take a look; if you see a bluish hue, you may have cool undertones. Veins that appear green or olive can indicate that you have warm undertones. And if you have a mix of bluish-green veins, it’s a sign you have a neutral undertone.

Cool undertones: When you’re searching for a lipstick shade, you’ll want to try lip colors with blue and purple tones to flatter your cooler skin. A deep plum or red lipstick, for example, will be more flattering than an orange-red hue.

Try Love Oil For Lips in Botanical Blush to give your lips a tint of color. This hydrating lip oil is formulated with coconut oil, moringa oil, and acerola cherry. The tinted treatment helps replenish your lips, boosting moisture for a softer, smoother pout. Apply it liberally throughout your day to keep your lips moisturized and colorful.

Neutral undertones: Everyone with neutral undertones will have a mixture of pink and yellow in their skin’s base. The combination of warm and cool undertones will allow you to rock a wide range of lipstick shades—lucky you. If you have a deeper skin tone, try a berry lip color, like the Love Oil For Lips color Midnight Orchid. Lighter pink and mauve shades, meanwhile, suit fair skin tones best.

Warm undertones: Yellow, golden, and peachy tones in your skin will tell you that you have warm undertones. When you’re looking for the perfect lip color, try a range of reds, oranges, and terracotta to make your skin tone pop.

What Lipstick Colors Are Trending For 2022?

Now that you have an understanding of what your undertone is, you’re ready to start trying different lip colors. Even though you’ve found your everyday, go-to lip shade, you can still experiment with something new when the mood strikes—or you discover an exciting trend. And fortunately, there are plenty of trending lip shades for 2022. If you’re looking to make a statement, experiment with an orange lip. Making multiple appearances on recent runways, a bold orange lip is a great color for spring and summer. It shows off your confidence and adds a pop of color to any outfit for every occasion. For an orange lipstick color in a more lowkey setting, try a lip stain or gloss that offers a more subtle wash of color.

As fall approaches, we recommend a trendy berry lip color. Whether it’s a stunning raspberry or a sweet cherry, it will make for a great everyday lip color.

How to Keep Your Lip Color Looking Fresh

It’s time to set up your lip care routine. This is important because your lips will keep color on for longer if they are in good shape. Think of your lips like a canvas and the lipstick as your paint. It’s easier to paint when your canvas is clean and smooth. First, make sure you exfoliate your lips. Lingering dead skin can result in an uneven or patchy lipstick application. Next, your lips need hydration; keep them feeling soft and supple by applying lip balm daily and drinking plenty of water. And lastly, don’t overdo applying your lip color; this can end up appearing obviously thick. Rather than put on a thick layer, you can build up color gradually. Start by applying a few thinner layers and blot in between.

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