9 Great Lipsticks For Deeper Skin Tones

If you have warm undertones – think golden, yellow or olive – opt for shades with warmth, like terracotta, orange-reds, peachy nudes and rich browns. Bobbi Brown’s ‘Poppy’ is a bold, orange-toned red that picks up golden and olive hues, adding warmth and brightness to these sorts of complexions. It’s matte but still feels soft and comfortable on the lips, which makes it perfect for those long summer days when you want your lip to stay put but not feel dry. Equally as comfortable to wear is ‘Nude Romance’ by Charlotte Tilbury. It has a soft, peach-red base that adds warmth without washing you out – so it’s the kind of nude that still gives life to your face. A deeper option is ‘No Satisfaction’ by NARS, a stunning warm brown that has a rich, reddish-brown base that really enhances golden and olive complexions without feeling too heavy or dark. The formula is lightweight but super pigmented, plus it glides on like a cream and sets to a soft matte that stays put for hours. 

Cool undertones, with hints of red, pink or blue, tend to suit lipsticks with blue or plum bases – think berry tones, blue-reds and mauve nudes. The deep berry tone of Laura Mercier’s ‘Plum Plissé’ has just the right amount of plum to complement the pink or blue hues, giving deeper complexions that fresh, lifted look. It’s bold but still super wearable – perfect for everyday or dressed-up moments. M·A·C’s ‘Ruby Woo’ is a classic for a reason, and it’s especially flattering on deeper skin tones with cool undertones, as the blue-red base instantly brightens the face. Finally, The Beauty Crop x Aisha Lip Kit – created with deeper skin tones in mind – has deep plum and cool brown shades perfect for adding depth and definition. The Coco Charm lip oil gives a gorgeous finish with just the right amount of hydration and shine.

Neutral undertones can usually wear both warm or blue-ish bases. Rosy browns, soft mauves and classic reds all work beautifully. An easy win – if you’re after a flattering rosy, brown – is NYX’s ‘Berlin’. It has just the right amount of warmth and depth to enhance your natural lip colour without overpowering your look. Another high-street gem is E.l.f’s ‘Effortless’, a gorgeous dusty mauve that feels modern and fresh, perfect when you want something low-key but still polished. Then, from Pat McGrath, ‘Vendetta’ is the kind of red that just works: bold, timeless and incredibly flattering on neutral undertones. It’s a true red with a hint of coolness, that gives the lips a pulled-together look. If you’re after a statement shade that never goes out of style, it really delivers.