Purple is a versatile and popular dress color that can be paired with a variety of lipstick shades. When selecting a lip color to complement a purple dress, there are a few key factors to consider:
The undertone of the purple
Not all shades of purple are created equal. Purple spans the color spectrum from cool to warm undertones. A purple with blue undertones reads as cooler, while one with red comes across as warmer.
Cooler purple hues, like lavender, lilac and mauve, look best with lipstick shades in similar cooler, pinkish purple tones. Lipsticks with a berry or grayish undertone also complement these shades. Popular lip color options include:
– Mauve
– Plum
– Lavender
– Berry
– Magenta
– Fuchsia
Warmer purple dresses, like amethyst, mulberry or eggplant, pair nicely with lipsticks in the red or brown color families. Brick reds, rusts, terra cottas and deep berries flatter this undertone. Great lip color matches include:
– Brick red
– Rust
– Terra cotta
– Deep berry
– Wine
– Brown
The most foolproof way to identify flattering lipstick shades is to match the undertone of the lip color to that of your dress. But mixing undertones, for example a warm purple dress with a cool toned lip, can also create an eye-catching contrast.
Your skin tone
The next factor to consider is your natural lip color and skin tone. Lighter complexions tend to look best in berry tones with a touch of brown. Medium skin tones shine in brick reds and rose shades. Darker complexions are complemented by deeper, brighter and warmer hues.
Here are some lipstick recommendations based on skin tone:
| Skin Tone | Recommended Lipstick Shades for Purple Dress |
|---|---|
| Fair | Mauve, Plum, Berry |
| Light | Berry, Magenta, Rose |
| Medium | Brick Red, Rose, Rust |
| Tan | Terra Cotta, Brick Red, Cranberry |
| Dark | Wine, Deep Berry, Brown |
Look for lipsticks with yellow, peach or orange undertones rather than blue or pink if you have a darker skin tone. Stay away from pastels and go for richer, bolder hues.
Hair color
Hair color is another factor when coordinating your lipstick with a purple dress. Brunettes look great in berry and magenta shades. Blondes suit mauves, pinks and nude pinks. Redheads shine in brick reds and deeper berries.
Whatever your hair color, avoid matching it exactly with the same shade lipstick. Go a touch lighter or darker to create contrast.
The style of the dress
The formality and style of your purple dress also informs lipstick choice. For a day or casual dress, glossy sheer lipsticks, satin finishes and lighter, brighter colors typically work best.
Formal evening gowns call for matte lipsticks in deeper shades. Metallic, frosted and liquid lipstick finishes also pair well with fancy dresses.
Some examples:
| Dress Style | Best Lipstick Finishes | Best Lipstick Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Casual day | Glossy, sheer, cream | Pink, mauve, light berry |
| Cocktail | Satin, cream | Rose, plum, terra cotta |
| Formal evening | Matte, metallic, liquid lipstick | Deep berry, wine, dark red |
Sheer, shiny finishes work for more casual daytime affairs while matte deeper tones match the elegance of formal eveningwear.
Your makeup look
How you style the rest of your makeup also impacts lipstick choice. Neutral eyes and skin call for a bolder lip. Play up lips with a strong color like a blue-based fuchsia or red-based cranberry.
Smoky dramatic eyes shift the focus upwards, so pair them with a more subtle lip in the pink or nude families. Use just enough color to enhance your natural lip tone.
For a monochromatic look, match your lipstick color to your eye makeup. Try a soft purple lipstick with purple shadow. Or go bold with berry lips and brows paired with amethyst eyes.
With all makeup, including your dress color, lips included, consider the total vibe you want to achieve. Makeup trends also influence popular lipstick pairings.
Current makeup trends
Like fashion, makeup styles come in and out of favor. Some current lip trends that work with purple dresses include:
– 90s browns – Dusty roses, browned berries and moody browns paired with purple recall the 90s aesthetic.
– Monochromatic – As mentioned above, choosing one color story across your entire look is on trend.
– Vibrant brights – Vivid shades like fuchsias, hot pinks and oranges make a bold statement.
– Glossy lips – Shiny finishes in sheer textures let the purple dress star.
– Ombre lips – A graduated lip color that fades from dark to light. Try purple in the center blending out to berry.
– Blurred matte lips – Matte pigments blended for a softer, sultry effect.
Choosing the most flattering shade
With all of the above factors considered, how do you choose that one perfect lipstick to make your purple dress pop? Follow these tips:
– Identify if your purple dress is cool or warm toned. Match with similarly shaded lipsticks.
– Consider your skin’s undertone and natural lip color. Berry shades work on most.
– Factor in your hair and eye colors. Complementary shades add interest.
– Pick lip finish and intensity based on dress style and formality.
– Decide on your overall makeup vibe – understated or high drama.
– Swatch shades at makeup counters under natural lighting.
– Test colors at home to see how they wear on you and with your dress.
– Take photos in different lighting. Selfies show how shades photograph.
– Get a second opinion from objective friends on what flatters you most.
With trial and error, you’ll discover your signature lip pairings with purple dresses. Play around until you find shades that make you feel confident and beautiful.
Conclusion
Purple dresses offer a fun fashion challenge to identify the most flattering lipstick colors. While the perfect shade depends on your individual coloring and style, some universally ideal options include berry, plum, wine, magenta and brick red.
Pay attention to undertones in both your dress and lipstick. Cool-toned purples pair best with pinkish berries and mauves. Warm eggplants and amethysts shine with terra cotta, rust and brick tones.
Experiment with different lipstick textures and intensities. Sheer glosses suit casual looks during the day, while matte bold pigments make an elegant statement for formal affairs.
Most importantly, have fun with makeup! The right lipstick can make you feel on top of the world. Let your inner creativity run wild as you play with color combinations to find your signature look.
