Have you ever put on a lipstick and felt like your entire face suddenly looked fresher?
It isn't always about the lipstick being brighter or more pigmented. The relationship between the shade and your skin tone can change how your complexion appears.
Understanding a little about undertones and colour can make choosing lipstick much easier.
It Starts With Your Skin's Undertone
Your skin tone can change with the seasons, sun exposure, or even your surroundings. Your undertone is different — it's the subtle tone beneath the surface of your skin.
Undertones are generally described as warm, cool, or neutral.
Warm undertones tend to work well with shades that have golden, peachy, or warm tones. Cool undertones can complement colours with pink, berry, or blue-based tones, while neutral undertones can often work across a wider range.
Why Some Shades Make Your Skin Look Brighter
The right lipstick can create contrast that makes your complexion appear more fresh and balanced.
For example, a rosy or berry-toned shade can bring out cooler tones in the skin, while warm nudes and terracotta shades can complement warmer complexions.
It's less about finding a universally “perfect” shade and more about understanding which colours work with your natural colouring.
Don't Forget About Depth
The depth and intensity of a lipstick can also change how it looks against your complexion. A soft nude can create a subtle effect, while a deeper berry or red can create stronger contrast.
Skin Story's lipstick collection includes shades such as Sienna, Terracotta, Merlot, Mulberry and Scarlet, giving you different colour directions to experiment with.
Your Finish Matters Too
A creamy lipstick with a comfortable finish can create a different effect from a more defined or intense colour. How the formula feels and wears can influence whether a shade becomes something you actually reach for regularly.
Skin Story lipsticks combine rich colour with ingredients such as Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Vitamin E and Bakuchiol, depending on the formula.
The Best Shade Is the One You Enjoy Wearing
There are plenty of rules about which lipstick shades you “should” wear — but they don't have to limit you.
Your undertone can be a useful starting point, but personal preference matters too. Try different colour families, compare them in natural light, and notice which shades make you feel most comfortable and confident.
Sometimes, the shade that brightens your face is simply the one that feels most like you.
At Skin Story, we believe makeup should give you room to experiment — from everyday neutrals to colours that make a statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which lipstick shades suit my undertone?
Warm undertones often pair well with warm shades, cool undertones with cooler shades, while neutral undertones can work with a broader range of colours.
Can lipstick really make your skin look brighter?
Yes. The contrast and relationship between a lipstick shade and your natural colouring can influence how bright or balanced your complexion appears.
Should I choose lipstick based only on my undertone?
Not necessarily. Undertone is a useful guide, but depth, finish, personal preference, and the overall look you want also matter.