It’s happened to all of us: You try out an exciting new lip color, but when you look in the mirror, it seems a bit flat. When you try out a new lipstick or gloss, you may be disappointed to find that it doesn’t flatter your skin. We have some tips to guide you in choosing the perfect shade of lipstick. Asking yourself some questions is all it takes.

What is my undertone?

Am I a cool person?

Am I a warm-toned?

Am I neutral in my tone?

What color lipstick should I use? Undertones are the first thing to consider

The perfect color of lipstick has less to do with your skin tone. This is the level of darkness in your skin. The undertones of your skin are what will guide you in choosing the perfect lipstick shade. Undertones of the skin tend to fall under one of three categories – cool, neutral, or warm.

Am I cool-toned?

You may notice blue, purple, or pink tones in your skin if you have cool undertones. You can detect cool undertones by examining the veins inside your wrist. You may have cool undertones if your veins appear blueish or purple. Silver jewelry may look better on you. A bright white shirt might be more flattering.

What is the best lipstick for someone with cool undertones if they have a cool complexion?

We suggest that if your skin is cool, you match like with like. Try a lip color that has cool undertones. Cool-leaning shades of lipstick include plums, mauves, magentas, cranberries, and cherry reds.

Try Glo Skin Beauty Liquid Lipstick in Darling or Glaze. jane-iredale also offers the triple luxe long-lasting, naturally moist lipstick in Rose (a light magenta) or Natalie (a bright pink).

Am I a warm tone?

You may notice yellow or gold tones in your skin if you have warm undertones. Look for greenish veins inside your wrist to determine if you are warm-toned. Green veins may indicate warm undertones.

What shade of lipstick should I use if my undertones are warm?

You can easily remember the best way to choose the right lipstick color. If you have warm tones, then look for lipsticks with orange undertones. You can find lipsticks in peach, corals, apricots, orangey-red, tangerines, and browns. Try Laura Geller’s Smart Pout Matte Lipstick in Guru (a pale peach) or Brilliant (a subtle coral). If you like a more creamy lip color, then try Maifanshi Lipstick. It has a light, moisturizing texture. OR01 is a bold apricot-coral.

Am I using neutral colors?

You might have neutral undertones if you can’t decide whether your skin is cool or warm. If you look closely at your veins, you may see green or bluish tones. You probably have a neutral tone.

What is the best lipstick for someone with neutral undertones if they have a neutral skin tone?

There’s no limit! You can wear any color of lipstick if you have neutral skin tones. Try both warm and cooler shades or neutral shades with a balanced balance of warm undertones and cool undertones. For example, the Mineralist Hydra Smoothing Lipstick in Courage is a classic red from BareMinerals. Try Mineral Cosmetics Lipstick in Barely Nude, which is a neutral pink shade.