Think Pink: The 13 Best Pink Lipsticks For Every Skin Tone
Regina George was onto something when she said “On Wednesdays we wear pink.” While we can’t get behind her mandated dress code, we have to take a minute to appreciate the universally flattering element of pink lipstick. If you want to brighten your appearance, and look more awake and put together, (even if you’re having one of those days), without reaching for multiple beauty products, all you have to do is swipe on some pink lipstick to transform your makeup look. “If you prefer a lipstick shade that’s more neutral, go for a shade that’s soft and 1-2 tones darker than your natural skin tone,” says Min Min Ma, celebrity makeup artist for Jane Iredale, for that effortless, your lips but better look that you can pair with any eyeshadow.
It’s one of our favorite beauty hacks for faking a polished look on days when we just can’t, which is especially necessary when we’re spending so much time in front of the screen, (and on Zoom calls). From natural mauves that look just like your lips to dusty rose, pretty pastels, Barbie pink and neon, there are so many lip colors to choose from. It can seem daunting to try to select the perfect lipstick color for your skin tone online, (especially since the days of swiping samples on your hand at department stores or the Sephora and Ulta counter are behind us), but you can easily find the most flattering shade of pink lipstick for your complexion without leaving the house. “Generally, if you have cool skin undertone, go for cool shade,” says Ma. “Warm skin undertone goes with warmer shades.” If you’re still unsure, you can also check out our skin undertone blog for a helpful refresher.
Ma also offered up some hacks that help eliminate the guesswork that goes along with finding your perfect pink tint. “A good indicator is if you look better with silver jewelry, you’re likely to have cool undertones and vice versa with warm skin tone,” says Ma. If you wear both gold and silver, your skin undertone is neutral, which means you can wear a variety of pink shades from both sides of the spectrum. When all else fails, just smile and let your pearly whites guide you on our lipstick journey. “This is actually one of my favorite quick tips on how to choose your best lip shade,” Ma adds, who says this trick is especially helpful if you’re trying to find a hue that falls in the red, pink, or coral color family. “Smile. If the shade doesn’t look right with your teeth or it makes them look yellowish, move on to another shade,” says Ma.
Ready to think pink? We rounded up the best pink lipsticks to help you find the perfect color and formula for every situation.
About the Expert:
Min Min Ma is a celebrity makeup artist that works with Jane Iredale. She’s based in Brooklyn and boasts an impressive roster of clients including Meghan Markle, Hailee Steinfeld, Julia Garner, Zosia Mamet, Troian Bellisario, and more.
Best matte lipstick
This creamy lipstick is a matte, rosy pink shade that’s universally flattering. It delivers not only beautiful color, but a hydrating formula as well. Packed with botanical oils, vitamins C and vitamin E, and antioxidants, this lipstick will condition and help protect your pout while you wear it. When reviewing this lipstick, Ipster @panda_steaks wrote, “Long-lasting, creamy, and didn't dry out my lips like a lot of matte lippies do. Not a color I would normally pick for myself, but very flattering and looks nice for fall. Layer on for a dramatic effect or blot for a nice autumnal stain.”
Best coral color
Ready to shake things up? This bold, coral lipstick is perfect for those days when you can’t choose between a pink or red lipstick. It’s a semi-matte finish that glides on smoothly without any overpowering shine. While saturated colors like this bright pink tend to mean more touch-ups throughout the day, this long-wear lipstick formula keeps everything locked in place for longer. Ipster @mb4rss found a new favorite after receiving this lipstick in her Glam Bag, writing, “The lipstick itself is incredibly soft on the lips and it has great staying power...this one stays in my purse!”
Best drugstore find
Falling more on the nude side of the pink spectrum is this liquid lipstick from NYX. While some liquid lipsticks can feel drying, this long-wear formula is infused with vitamin E to condition your lips throughout the day. With a sleek, matte finish, it’s no wonder this is one of the best lipsticks the brand has to offer. “The matte on this doesn’t make my lips feel like they are glued together,” one Ipster wrote. “The color is so simple and subtle—a win in my book.”
Best non-drying lipstick
Hello, fuchsia! This highly pigmented formula comes with some hefty color payoff. The creamy color offers medium to full coverage that stays put for up to six hours. It’s also built with ESTÉE LAUDER’s time-release moisture complex to keep lips hydrated and happy. Ipster @charming_apple wrote, “Fantastic color. Lasts a LOT longer than I ever expected—through a holiday party. Moisturizing and lovely to apply. Loved the magnetized closure.” If you're looking for a luxe combination of color and moisture, this is the lipstick for you.
Most long-wearing lipstick
Looking for a neutral with just a little bit of pop? Enter: this long-wear lipstick. Semi-matte and totally buttery in texture, it’s a classic pink-red lipstick done right. The rich pink color veers more on the cool side and looks especially great on people with cool undertones. The richly pigmented formula will also save you time—just a quick swipe and you’re good to go. After receiving this lipstick in her Glam Bag, one Ipster couldn’t help but sing its praises. “Love the mix of ‘not quite satin’ and ‘not quite matte.’ The perfect blend.” she writes. “Neutral without being too brown. My perfect pinky-nude. This was a home run.”
Best plumping lipstick
If you want to enhance your lips look no further than this liquid formula that goes from cream-to-matte and is infused with menthol that will plump up your pout and leave your lips slightly tingly. Ipsters love the non-drying matte lip and how it stays put throughout the day. “Lip product goes on easily and lasts for hours, the color is neutral and compliments my fair skin nicely,” says one review. “Love the color and it stays on even after eating a cheeseburger,” says another.
Best waterproof lipstick
Not only does this long-lasting lip color serve up the most natural, mauvy pink hue, but it’s waterproof, too, which means it’s perfect to pack on vacation, (or anytime you plan to be near the water). “Love this, it stays in place. It's the perfect shade,” says one review. “I really like that it is long lasting and it dries so that it doesn’t come off,” says another.
Best nude-pink
This natural hue looks just like your lips, (but better), and delivers long-lasting color in a lightweight formula that won’t streak or flake, making it the perfect choice for a day spent in front of the screen on back-to-back Zoom calls. “Good neutral and very blendable - liquid lipsticks usually dry out my lips but this does not,” says one review. “This shade has become my new obsession,” says another.
Easiest-to-apply lipstick
If you love the look of baby pink lipstick but are hesitant about perfecting the application process, reach for this matte lipstick that comes with a precision tip that doubles as a lip liner for a practically fool-proof application that lasts for up to 8 hours. The hydrating formula will keep your lips soft and smooth thanks to a built-in primer oil—no need to reach for lip balm. This major multitasker is like a lip liner, lipstick, and lip primer all in one. “This is the best lipstick I have ever used!!! The applicator is perfect and whoever's invented it is a genius. The lipstick goes on SO easily, dries fast and stays all day! It does not dry my lips out,” says one review. “This lipstick is easy to apply, is a nice color and it lasts for a long time,” says another.
Best neon pink
While nude, natural lips are a great go-to for every day, if you want to make a major statement with your makeup, look no further than this beautiful, bold pigment that’s infused with vitamin E to ensure it won’t dry out your lips. Take it from us—there’s nothing mellow about this hot pink hue that can brighten up your entire complexion, and it will stay put for hours thanks to the creme to matte formula. “OMG this shade is amazing! I get so many compliments about this shade. It will last all day,” says one review. “It is beautiful and bright and so so much fun,” says another. Bonus: it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Best cruelty-free option
Looking for a lipstick shade you can feel good about? This cruelty-free, non-toxic formula won’t let you down as it delivers a universally-flattering, rosy pink shade that looks good on a variety of skin tones. It’s like skincare for your lips—nourishing delicate skin thanks to a moisturizing blend of jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamin E. “This lipstick is so moisturizing and I absolutely love the shade, so cute,” says one review. “I use this almost every day. Beautiful color and smooth texture,” says another.
Best glossy color
If lip gloss and lipstick had a baby the result would be this high-shine lacquer that delivers as much opaque pigment as a lipstick but with the glossy finish of a lip gloss, making this unique formula perfect to take you from day-to-night. Wear the pink, nude hue alone if you want to brighten up your complexion or pair it with smoky eyeshadow for the perfect finish. Ipsters love the way it delivers shine without leaving any sticky residue behind. “Great nude for an extra glossy look,” says one review. “I have been really into nude lips lately, and this is a nice color with a non-sticky formula,” says another.
Best creme formula
If you want a creamy formula that delivers insane color payoff and shine, all while leaving your lips moisturized, reach for this bold hue by URBAN DECAY that will easily glide on and leave you with a lasting finish. While some creme lipsticks can flake or fade, this hydrating formula will leave your lips baby soft. “I swear it’s like butter,” says on review, marveling at the lipstick texture. “I feel so confident wearing this,” says another.
Whether you love a bold pop of color like a bubblegum pink or prefer to reach for neutral, rosy nudes, you can't go wrong with these highly-pigmented long-wearing formulas that will instantly brighten up your complexion.
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