It’s no secret that a good lipstick can transform your look. Bold, soft, shimmering or sheer – when it comes to finessing your make-up, picking the right shade is key. Not sure where to start? From skin tone to occasion, finish to technique, read on for our lipstick lowdown…
Why choosing the right lipstick matters
In our mind, lipstick is more than just a final flourish. It can often be a confidence-booster, helping contour your lips, and complement your outfit.
Whether you’re after a hydrating nude or a classic, long-lasting red, finding the right lipstick can make all the difference. And, with a wide range of No7 shades suit any occasion – plus creamy formulas from the No7 Pro Artist collection – finding your perfect match has never been easier.A step-by-step guide
Step 1: Determine your skin tone
Your skin tone sets the foundation for finding the right lipstick. As a general rule, most tones fall into one of three categories.
Light: Pale or fair skin that may burn easily in the sun
Medium: Beige or olive skin with warmer undertones
Deep: Darker, richer skin tones
Step 2: Identify your undertones
While skin tone is a broader term frequently used to describe complexion, undertones refer to the subtle hue beneath the skin. Knowing whether your undertone is cool, warm, or neutral can also help guide your lipstick choices.
Cool undertones: Pink, red, or bluish hues. You may notice that the underside of veins on your wrist appear blue or purple under natural light
Warm undertones: Golden, peachy, or yellow hues. Veins can look green in colour
Neutral undertones: A mix of both warm and cool tones. Veins may appear bluish-green
Step 3: Match the shade
Complementary colours are pairings that enhance and elevate each other – for example, shades that highlight natural undertones, or create a vivid contrast. Here are some guidelines for picking pigments that flatter your skin tone.
Light: Soft nudes, light pinks, and coral shades pair well with fair complexions
Medium: Warm pinks, peaches, and bold reds bring out golden undertones
Deep: Rich berries and deep reds beautifully complement darker skin
Step 4: Consider the occasion
Your lipstick choice can vary depending on where you’re headed (and what you’re wearing!). For example:
Everyday wear: Subtle nudes and pinks are ideal for work or casual outings
Special events: To make an impact, opt for bold, statement colours like reds or burgundies
Day trips: Long-lasting lipsticks are your friend, here. Keep an eye out for lipsticks with staying power, such as the No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick with up to 8 hours wear
Evenings out: Try a satin or shimmer finish for a catch-the-light lip look sure to turn heads
What colour lipstick suits me?
Choosing the best lipstick shade depends on your unique features – and, of course, your personal preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but as a starting point, you could consider the following:
Fair skin: Overly dark colours may look overpowering – but light pinks, nudes, and coral shades are a great way to highlight your delicate complexion
Medium skin: Peachy pinks and reds can really elevate the gold tones in your skin. For a touch of understated luxe, try a matte taupe or brown
Deep Skin: Rich berries and reds complement the depth of your skin tone, while vibrant fuchsias can offer a stand-out pop of pigment
Experimenting with bold colours
Be it an iconic red, edgy purple, or simply a shade that’s new to you, the key to pulling off a bold hue is confidence! However, if you’re unsure, head over to No7’s Virtual Make-Up Try-On to gauge what suits you before you commit to a colour. A specific shade caught your eye? See what it looks like on your lips and against your complexion – or, if you’re stuck for inspiration, give one of the No7 signature looks a go.
How to select lipstick colour based on finish
Once you’ve settled on a shade, you can customise it further by choosing a finish that fits the occasion at hand. There are many different types of lipstick finish, but we’ve highlighted four common effects below:
Matte: Can provide a bold, velvety look with long-lasting wear. Great for formal events or situations that require your lipstick to stay put
Satin: A versatile finish with a slight sheen, great for everyday wear for everyday wear
Gloss: Adds shine to the lips, which can help lips appear plumper
Sheer: Delivers a subtle wash of colour for a natural, fresh-faced look
No7 lipsticks for every occasion
With such a wide variety of lipsticks to choose from, No7 makes finding your right shade and finish that bit simpler.
Try: No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick
Hydrates while delivering intense colour
Available in 30 stunning shades
Nourishing formula
Shop colour by skin tone:
Fair skin: Waterlily
Medium skin: Shiny Conker
Dark skin: Berry Shine
Try: No7 Pro Artist Matte Muse Lipstick
Velvet matte finish
Non-sticky & moisturising formula
Strong colour payoff
Shop colour by skin tone:
Fair skin: Rose Couture
Medium skin: Modern Nude Chic
Dark skin: Red Carpet Ready
Try: No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick
Soft and creamy texture
Sheer, glossy finish in 13 shades
SPF 15
Shop colour by skin tone:
Fair skin: Pretty Please
Medium skin: Romantic
Dark skin: Caramel Kiss
Choosing a lipstick FAQs
Which lipstick shade suits me best?
Consider your skin tone and undertones, as well as your outfit, the occasion and overall make-up look. As a rough guide, remember: fair skin often pairs well with soft pinks, medium skin with peaches, and darker skin with deep berry pigments.
How do I know my undertone?
Take a look at the underside of your wrist in natural light; you should be able to see a network of veins running close to the surface. Blue veins indicate cool undertones, while green veins are associated with warmer undertones. Bluish-green veins suggest neutral undertones.
Can I wear bold lipstick if I have fair skin?
Absolutely! Bright reds and coral shades can make a striking statement against fair skin.
What’s the best lipstick for everyday wear?
Opt for hydrating, long-lasting formulas in versatile nudes, pinks or darker taupes.
By understanding your skin tone, undertones, and finish preferences – and utilising innovative tools like the No7 Virtual Make-Up Try-On – you’re all set to find the ideal lipstick. Explore the No7 lipstick collection today and embrace a shade that’s perfectly you
