If there is one item of makeup that truly represents the phrase – spoiled for choice, it’s a humble lipstick that does most of the heavy lifting without being too pretentious. From fiery reds to subtle browns, from bold purples to peachy pinks, there are over a hundred different shades to choose from when it comes to your lip colour. It is the myriad of options that makes choosing the right one all the more difficult.
A lip colour can make or break your day. The right shade can tie in the whole look, make your skin appear brighter, even out pigmented lips, and elevate the outfit to a whole new level. But the wrong shade? It washes out your skin, makes you appear aged, and leaves a ghostly look on your face. So, if you don’t want to look like Nikki Minaj (circa 2016), when she wore that hot pink lipstick with an unsavoury hue, go beyond just your skin tone (literally and figuratively) and familiarise yourself with undertones. So, without further ado, let’s get into finding your Shade Twin with the Lakmē Hya Matte Range.
What Are Undertones & How To Identify Them?
An undertone is the subtle colour under your skin’s surface that makes your skin look unique. Unlike the skin tone that changes under the sun, light exposure, and other cosmetic procedures, undertones remain constant and affect the way colours reflect on your skin. Undertones determine what shades of makeup and colours of fabric suit your skin. So, understanding your undertone is of utmost importance while selecting something as trivial as a lipstick shade. There are mainly three types of undertones that one might have – warm, cool, and neutral. Here are a few ways you can identify your undertone.
The Jewelery Method
This test requires intuition more than examination. When accessorising, if gold jewellery makes your skin look more radiant than silver, then you likely have a warm undertone. If silver suits your skin, you have a cool undertone, and if both work for your skin, then you likely have a neutral undertone.
The Vein Method
This test requires a bit of examination. Look at the veins on your wrist closely. If they appear greenish, then your undertone is warm. If they appear blue or purple, then you have a cool undertone. And a blue-ish green vein indicates a neutral undertone.
The Fabric Method
We have all seen those viral Korean fabric tests that help you pick the colours that suit your skin the most; they also help identify your undertone. You can replicate that at home with just two cloth pieces. Take a white fabric and an off-white, cream, or neutral fabric and hold them close to your skin. If your face brightens up when the white fabric is placed next to your face, then you have a cool undertone; if the cream or off-white fabric makes your skin appear brighter and glowing, then you have a warm undertone. If both the fabrics look the same, then you have a neutral undertone.
Now that you know how to identify your undertone, it is time to pick the right formulation, one that hydrates, nourishes, and sits comfortably on your lips, turning your puckers into pouts.
Your Perfect 9to5 & 5to9 Lipstick
Identifying your undertone is not enough to slay your looks. Whether it is a chic 9-to-5 nude or a 5-to-9 bold lip colour, you need a formulation that delivers ultimate comfort, long-lasting wear, and a versatile matte finish that’s elegant and hydrating. The Lakmē HYA Matte Lipsticks are an upgrade to their quintessential long-wear, moisturising lippies that offer ultimate nourishment and intense colour payoff. Here’s why the Lakmē HYA Matte Lipsticks are worth buying.
Versatile & Inclusive
Whether it’s a flirty pink or an elegant nude, the Lakmē Hya Matte Range comes with a wide selection of colours to choose from. From luscious bullets that glide effortlessly to moisturising liquid lippies that offer an extraordinary pigment, this range is nothing short of all-inclusive, no matter what your skin tone or undertone is.
Ultimate Hydration
Made with twice the hyaluronic acid, these lipsticks are made to moisturise and nourish your pout all day long. Pigmented lips and uneven lip texture a bane? No more, because this formula provides a 14-hour comfort wear that instantly plumps the lips, smoothens out the wrinkles, and fills the cracks.
Transfer-Proof & Water-Resistent
Because of the vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, both the bullet and liquid lipsticks are transfer-proof and water-resistent. Say goodbye to relentless touch-ups throughout the day, because this pigment is here to stay.
Discover Your Perfect Lip Shade
If you have a warm undertone, opt for deeper shades with hues of yellow, brown, and red. If you have a cool undertone, choose colours with pink, peach, and purple hues. Neutral tones don’t require a specific shade; they have the luxury to pick either a warm or cool colour. Still confused? Don’t worry, we have a handy cheatsheet with the ideal 9to5 nudes and browns and 5to9 bolder reds that will help you pick your Shade Twin for your lips.
Lady In Red
Red lipsticks are great 9-to-5 and 5-to-9 lip colour; they make you look assertive, decisive, and confident. If you are in the mood to go all glam, a little red on your lips is all you need to look presentable. Here are some colours that will suit warm and cool undertones respectively.
Warm Reds:
Cool Reds:
Nudes For Life
Don’t want too much attention coming your way? Or simply want a low-key look for those times when you just can’t? A perfect nude lipstick is the treasure we are all looking for.
Warm Nudes:
Cool Nudes:
Pretty In Pink
A perfect 5-to-9 or even a brunch date with the girlies needs a peachy pink to add to the playful vibe of the room. But more often than not, warm-toned beauties find it hard to choose their perfect pink, fret not, we have that sorted for you.
Warm Pinks:
Cool Pinks:
Through The Grapevine
Even the most seasoned beauty players find purple to be an intimidating colour; beyond picking the right undertone, deciding between plum, wine, and mauve itself can become a task. So, here’s our recommendation when it comes to all things purple.
Warm Purples:
Cool Purples:
Parting Thoughts
The Lakmē Hya Matte Lipsticks are a testament against food, sweat, water, impurities, and even time. Their hydrating, long-lasting, comfortable wear is the perfect lippie, whether you are looking for a 9to5 nude or a bold colour for your 5to9. Read more about the Lakmē Hya Matte Range to complement your lipstick game with equally long-lasting concealers, foundations, and setting powders.
FAQs
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How to identify your undertone?
Look at your veins; if they appear green, your undertone is warm; if they are blue or blue-ish green, your undertone is cool or neutral, respectively. You can also see what metal suits you better. If gold is your colour, you are warm-toned; if silver brightens you up, you are cool-toned.
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What lipstick colour suits darker skin tones?
Reds, browns, and nudes are suitable for darker skin tones. Pinks, peaches, and plums suit lighter skin tones.
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What lip shade suits lighter skin tones?
Lighter skin tones should opt for cooler reds to avoid blocking your complexion with bolder lip shades. You can opt for cool-toned pinks, peachy nudes, and creamy browns to complement your look.
