A swipe of the right lipstick has the power to instantly brighten your complexion, enhance your features, and make you look more awake and polished—even if you’re wearing minimal makeup. Certain shades can bring warmth and balance to your face, making skin appear healthier and more radiant, while others can actually emphasize dullness, uneven tone, or fine lines. It’s not that any color is “bad,” but some hues simply don’t complement as many skin tones or undertones, and the result can be less flattering than you’d hoped.
If you’re thinking about refreshing your lipstick collection for the new year, it helps to know which shades tend to work their magic on nearly everyone—and which ones can be surprisingly draining. From timeless colors that consistently light up the face to trend-driven tones that don’t always do skin or facial features justice, a little guidance can make all the difference. Here are three of the most flattering lipstick shades to invest in this year, along with three popular hues that may not work wonders for most complexions.
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1. Flattering: Berry
Berry lipstick shades strike the perfect balance between bold and wearable, which is why they tend to flatter such a wide range of skin tones. Sitting somewhere between red, plum, and pink, berry hues have both warmth and depth, allowing them to complement cool, warm, and neutral undertones alike. They naturally enhance the lips without looking overly harsh, and they add instant richness to the complexion, making skin appear brighter and more even. Whether worn sheer or full-coverage, berry shades also have a soft, romantic quality that feels polished without being overpowering.
2. Flattering: Coral-Red
Coral-red is a universally flattering hybrid that combines the brightness of orange with the classic appeal of red, making it especially effective at waking up the face. The subtle warmth in coral tones helps counteract dull or sallow skin, while the red base keeps the shade from looking too trendy or costume-like. This color is particularly flattering on those with warm or neutral undertones. The result is a fresh, lively look that instantly makes lips the focal point without overwhelming the rest of the face.
3. Flattering: Rosy Nude
Rosy nude lipsticks are beloved for their ability to enhance natural lip color rather than mask it, which is why they work so well across many complexions. Unlike beige or gray-leaning nudes that can wash skin out, rosy nudes contain a hint of pink that mimics a healthy flush. This added warmth brings softness to the face, subtly defining the lips while maintaining a natural, effortless look. Rosy nude shades are especially forgiving, making them an ideal everyday option that complements everything from minimal makeup to a full glam look.
4. Unflattering: Blue-Red Lipstick
While blue-red lipstick is often praised as a classic, it can be surprisingly unforgiving on many skin tones. The strong cool undertones can create a stark contrast against the complexion, which may emphasize redness, uneven skin tone, or shadows around the mouth. On some faces, blue-red shades can appear overly harsh or dated, drawing attention to fine lines in the lips rather than enhancing them. Without the warmth needed to balance the face, this bold color can overpower softer features.
5. Unflattering: Pale Beige
Pale beige lipstick is one of the most commonly unflattering shades because it tends to drain the face of color. Lacking warmth or depth, this shade can look like concealer on the lips, creating a flat, washed-out effect that makes skin appear dull or tired. Pale beige tones often highlight dryness and texture, especially on mature lips, and can clash with natural lip pigmentation. Instead of enhancing features, they can blur them—making the lips look smaller and your complexion less vibrant.
6. Unflattering: Dark Vampy Hues
Dark vampy lipsticks, such as deep plum, black cherry, or near-black shades, can easily overwhelm the face if not perfectly balanced with makeup and skin tone. These intense colors often cast shadows around the mouth, which may accentuate fine lines, discoloration, or uneven texture. On many skin tones, vampy hues can make the complexion look paler or more sallow. In a nutshell: this color can feel heavy and aging for everyday wear, and draw attention to the lips in a way that isn’t always flattering.
