Purple lipstick is having a major moment right now. Once considered an unusual or alternative choice, purple lips are now mainstream and can be spotted on celebrities, models, and beauty influencers. But is the purple pout right for everyone? While purple lipstick can be striking and fun, it’s not universally flattering. Certain skin tones and lip shapes can pull off the purple lip better than others. So who exactly should wear purple lipstick? Read on for tips on who can rock the purple lip look.
Fair Skin Tones
Those with very fair or porcelain skin tones are often great candidates for wearing purple lipstick. The high contrast between the lighter skin and bold lip color makes the purple really stand out. Cool-toned fair skin with pink or red undertones is particularly well-suited for purple lipstick. Those with cool undertones should opt for blue-based purples like orchid, lilac, or lavender which complement the skin. Warm-toned fair skin with peachy or yellow undertones is better paired with red-based purples like violet or plum. Try playing with different hues to see which purples make your skin glow.
Medium Skin Tones
Medium or olive skin tones can also pull off a purple pout beautifully. The trick is finding the right undertone of purple to complement your complexion. Those with warm yellow, golden, or peach undertones should stick to warmer red-based purples. Meanwhile, neutral or cool yellow undertones look best with blue-based purple shades. Jewel tones like amethyst, iris, or emerald flatter medium cool skin tones. Darker, richer hues like eggplant, berry, and wine are made for medium warm complexions. Stay away from pastel or neon purples which may look garish.
Dark Skin Tones
Don’t be afraid to try purple lipstick with a rich dark complexion. Deep plummy purples and burgundies pop against darker skin. Look for intense saturated or metallic shades. Dark skin provides the perfect vibrant backdrop for these bold, eye-catching colors. Avoid lighter lilac or lavender shades which can look washed out. Instead go for deep tones with blue, red, or black undertones. Dark skin also holds up well against unconventional shades like indigo, violet, and deep eggplant. Make sure the formula is highly pigmented for maximum color payoff.
Pink Undertones
Those with predominantly pink undertones in their lips or skin should choose purples with a blue, rose, or berry base. Pink undertones mix beautifully with these shades to create a sophisticated, cohesive look. Mauve, orchid, lilac, and raspberry are flattering picks. Stay away from orange-y purples which may clash with the cool pinkness. Finding the right balance of pink and purple hues is key. Try combining a pink lip liner with a blue-based purple lipstick.
Yellow Undertones
If your skin leans yellow, go for purple lipsticks with a golden, red, or coral base. Yellow paired with shades like plum, berry, wine, and marsala creates warmth and dimension. Avoid green-tinged or bright purples which may overemphasize yellowness. Dusty mauves, brick reds, and deep plums are complementary. Use a yellow-toned lip pencil for a smooth transition between lip and lipstick.
Pale Lips
Very light or washed out lips provide the ideal blank canvas for vivid purple lip color. Pale lips allow the true vibrancy of the shade to shine through. Fair lips also let you get creative, wearing both bold jewel tones and softer pastel purples. Make sure to exfoliate and moisturize to prevent patchiness and maximize color payoff. Use a lip primer before applying the lipstick directly onto lips for long wear.
Thin Lips
Thin lips can be beautifully accentuated with purple lipstick. Choose creamy or glossy formulas which add fullness and dimension. Stay away from matte purples which may sink into lip lines. Darker plummy shades like eggplant, berry, and plum make lips appear fuller. Use lip liners and lip plumping glosses to get a pouty effect. Overlining lightly just outside the natural lip also helps create the illusion of fuller lips. Focus the deepest shade in the center of lips, blending outwards.
Small Lips
Just because your lips are small doesn’t mean you can’t rock a purple pout. Use lip plumping and volumizing products to boost your lips before applying color. Bold, opaque purples work best for maximizing impact on small lips. Lighter washes of color can get lost. Precision is key – use lip liners and lip brushes to ensure you color stays perfectly within lip lines. Avoid bleeding into the skin around the mouth. A touch of lip gloss in the center creates fullness.
Large Lips
Big, full lips provide ample real estate for intense purple hues. Go for rich, saturated colors to stand out against your ample canvas. Vampy eggplants, wines, and berries make a stunning statement. Sheer washes are less impactful – opaque and metallic purples shine on larger lips. Make sure to prep lips first to prevent patchiness. Use lip masks and scrubs to exfoliate and moisturize. Finish with a balm before applying the lipstick. Blend from the center outwards for flawless application.
Dark Lips
Deeply pigmented lips pair gorgeously with purple lip color. The high amount of melanin provides contrast against even the boldest purple shades. From moody, gothy darks to bright pops of violet, dark lips balance intense purples beautifully. Exfoliate and moisturize first to prevent any patchiness. Use a lip primer, then apply the purple lipstick directly and boldly. Blotting and reapplying gives rich, saturated color that lasts. Pair deep purples with charcoal or black lip liners for extra definition.
Light Lips
Barely-there nudes and pale lips make the perfect backdrop for all kinds of creative purple shades. Without much natural pigment, light lips allow vibrant purples to take center stage. Feel free to play with unconventional tones like indigo, lilac, and lavender. Neutral pale lips won’t compete with any shade. Just take care to prep with balms and scrubs first to ensure smooth, hydrated texture. Use lip liners to prevent feathering. Reapply purple shades on light lips more frequently.
Cool Undertones
Do you have a cool undertone to your lips and skin? Blue-based purples are made for you. Orchid, lilac, periwinkle, and mauve shades flatter and accentuate cool tones. Stay away from orange or coral purples which may clash. Pick hues with a berry, rose, or pink undertone. Applying a layer of cool-toned lip balm first helps the cool purple lipstick go on smoothly. Make sure your lip pencil matches the cool undertone as well. Keep color within lip lines to prevent a washed out look.
Warm Undertones
Lips and skin with yellow, peach, or golden warmth are complemented by purple lipstick with warm, red bases. Plum, magenta, berry, and rust flatter warm tones. Avoid greenish or cool blues which don’t jive with warm undertones. Look for shades with a hint of brick, terra cotta, or copper. Make sure your lip liner and lip balm or primer are also warm-toned. Buffing on a coral cheek can tie the whole warm makeup look together beautifully.
Olive Skin
Olive complexions are perfectly suited to wear purple lipstick. The green and grey undertones provide an ideal complementary base for shades like emerald, amethyst, and forest berry. Avoid pastels, which can make olive skin appear sallow. Instead, play with saturated jewel tones, bronze purples, and antique shades like burgundy. Exfoliate and moisturize to prevent patchiness that can occur with olive skin’s thicker texture. Use a lip primer and liner to ensure vivid color that doesn’t bleed.
Neutral Undertones
Do you have a balanced mix of warm and cool undertones? You’re in luck – neutral lips pair well with both warm and cool purple shades. Feel free to experiment across the purple spectrum to find what you like best. Mauves, plums and orchids are foolproof starting places for neutral skin. Avoid pastel purples, which can look washed out without clear warm or cool undertones. Build up the intensity of purple gradually if you’re unsure what pops against your neutral skin.
Conclusion
While purple lipstick has universal appeal, some skin tones and lip shades are particularly well-suited to rocking the purple pout. Fair and dark complexions provide ideal contrast for vibrant purples. Cool-toned skin pairs best with blue-based shades while warm golden complexions shine in red and coral purples. Thin lips and pale lips give purple lipstick maximum impact. Ultimately there are flattering shades of purple lipstick for every skin tone – it’s just about finding the right undertone match. So don’t be afraid to get creative and embrace this fun trend in all its colorful glory!
