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Choosing the perfect lipstick shade can be a seriously transformative experience, enhancing your natural beauty and making a bold statement. One crucial factor in finding the ideal lip color is considering your hair color. The synergy between your hair and lipstick can either harmonize to create a stunning look or clash, detracting from your overall appearance. (Eek.)
Luckily, the world of lipstick (and tints and glosses!) offers an extensive palette of shades, from classic reds and soft pinks to daring purples and sultry nudes. Understanding the principles of color theory and how they interact with your hair color can empower you to make confident choices. The right lipstick shade can not only complement your hair but also enhance your skin tone, eye color, and overall facial features, elevating your entire look.
Find your perfect shade, below!
For dark and dirty blondes like Sydney Sweeney, muted shades of pink go perfectly with the laid-back hair color. We’re obsessed with the new Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Long-Lasting Lip Pencil ($30 at Sephora) in Walkyrie 180 (a burnt coral red), which has a warm undertone to give dark blonde hair a boost. The Clinique Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss in Brulee ($25 at Target) is another great choice for those looking for something a bit deeper.
Folks with naturally black hair can pretty much pull off anything but take it from Rihanna and give a powerful red lip a try. Shades of burgundy, wine, and deep reds are your BFF, like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored ($28 at Fenty Beauty). If you want to try the hue without the splurge, the Wet n Wild Cloud Pout Soft Blur Matte Lipstick in Little Red Rosette ($5 at Target) is an excellent alternative.
Gray-haired folks always look amazing in rose and mauve tones — just ask Hilarie Burton. Kulfi’s
Heirloom Satin Lipstick ($30 at Sephora) is perfect for all shades of gray hair. We especially love the colors Rose Wood (a rosewood neutral) and Bangle Box (a light pink neutral). For a more budget-friendly option, consider shopping the Wet n Wild Rich Satin Lip Color in Hush Lil Beige for $3 at Target.
Your bright blonde or platinum hair is bold so why not go for a bold lip? Skip the muted tones and instead opt for a glossy bright hue, like the Saie Glossybounce High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil ($22 at Sephora) in Play (a bright pink), or the Wet n Wild Rich Satin Lip Color in One in a Milli Melon ($3 at Target).
Is there anything better than a pinky-nude lip on a brunette? It’s so pretty! Of course, a “nude” lip is based on your skin tone and undertones and luckily, there are so many on the market now to cater to everyone. We especially like Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick ($39 at Sephora) in shades Peep Show (a soft pink peach nude) and Divine Rose (a nude pink).
Redheads should not be afraid of red lipstick — all rosy shades look beautiful. Emma Stone goes for deeper pink shades with great success. Get her look with Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Crème in Soft Rose ($24 at Sephora), the e.l.f. O FACE Satin Lipstick in Standing Ovation ($9 at Target), or the e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain in Pinkies Up ($6 at Target).
