Lipstick shades that will make your smile look bright and beautiful
A gleaming smile is an instant confidence booster. But sometimes, even pearly whites can appear a little less than brilliant depending on the lipstick shade you choose. The good news is, that makeup offers a clever little trick – certain lipstick shades can actually enhance the whiteness of your teeth, making your smile appear even brighter. Choosing the right shade of lipstick is as important as choosing the right shade of foundation or concealer for your skin tone.
It’s helpful to understand the color wheel to keep your teeth looking their whitest. Colors directly opposite each other tend to cancel each other out visually. So, to counteract any yellowness in teeth, we want to avoid lipstick shades that lean yellow, orange, or brown. These warm tones can inadvertently emphasize any yellow undertones in your teeth. This article will guide you to choose the right smile-enhancing lipsticks as per your skin tone and undertone, exploring five fantastic shades and their variations that flatter a wide range of skin tones and undertones.
1. The Classic Blue-Based Reds:
Red lipstick is a timeless statement, and the good news is, it can also be your secret weapon for a brighter smile. The key lies in the undertone. Opt for blue-based reds – think cherry red, crimson, or even a cool-toned ruby red. These shades have a magic trick up their sleeve. The cool blue tones counteract any yellowness in your teeth, making them appear whiter in contrast.
Perfect for: This shade is surprisingly versatile. It flatters most skin tones, particularly those with cool and neutral undertones. For those with warm undertones, a sheer wash of blue-red or a red with a hint of pink can still work wonders. Mac Ruby Woo is one great example of this.
Pro Tip: Pair your blue-based red with a cool-toned blush in pink or rose for a cohesive look.
2. Cool-Toned Pinks:
Pink lipsticks are often associated with sweetness and innocence, but the right shade can also be your smile brightener. The secret lies in choosing pale pink or cool-toned pinks. Think of shades with a hint of blue or lavender in them. These pinks counteract yellowness in teeth similar to blue-based reds, but with a softer touch.
Perfect for: Cool-toned pinks are a great choice for fair to medium skin tones with cool or neutral undertones. If you have warm undertones, lean towards pinks with a touch of peach or coral for a more flattering effect. Anastasia Beverly Hills Hush Pink is your go-to.
Pro Tip: Balance a bold pink lip with minimal eye makeup to avoid overwhelming your face.
3. Plums and Berries:
Plums and berries are a sophisticated and universally flattering lipstick choice. The reason they work so well for brightening smiles is because of their cool undertones. The deep, rich pigments create a beautiful contrast with your teeth, making them appear pearly white. This shade sits directly opposite yellow on the color wheel, making it a secret weapon for a brighter smile. The muted violet tones act like a magic trick, counteracting any yellowness and leaving your teeth looking dazzling white. Plus, plum adds a chic and modern twist to any look, making you stand out from the crowd.
Perfect for: Plums and berries are incredibly versatile. Lighter berries with a hint of pink work well for fair skin tones, while deeper plums flatter medium to deep skin tones, regardless of the undertone. Mac Cosmetics Sin is perfect.
Pro Tip: For a bolder look, pair your plum or berry lipstick with a dramatic smokey eye. For a daytime look, keep the rest of your makeup simple.
4. The Shimmery Pinks and Nudes:
While matte lipsticks are all the rage, they can sometimes make teeth appear duller. If you still crave a matte finish, opt for a cool-toned shade as discussed earlier. However, if you’re open to a touch of shine, consider shimmery nudes or pinks. The subtle shimmer reflects light, creating the illusion of whiter teeth.
Perfect for: Shimmery nudes and pinks are perfect for all skin tones and undertones. They add a touch of glamour without overwhelming your natural beauty.
Pro Tip: For a fuller-looking pout, apply a clear lip gloss over your shimmery lipstick.
5. The Bold Statement Fuchsia:
Fuchsia is a vibrant and playful color that can be surprisingly smile-brightening. The key is to choose a shade with a cool blue undertone. This bold pop of color creates a dramatic contrast with your teeth, making them appear whiter in comparison.
Perfect for: Fuchsia is a confident and eye-catching color that works best on those with fair to medium skin tones and cool or neutral undertones. If you have warm undertones, don’t shy away! Opt for a fuchsia with a hint of pink or coral for a more flattering take. Mac Cosmetics All Fired Up is the ideal shade.
Pro Tip: Since fuchsia is such a statement lip, keep the rest of your makeup minimal. A touch of eyeliner and mascara is all you need to complete the look.
Additional Tips for a Brighter Smile:
While lipstick color plays a starring role in brightening your smile, there are a few additional makeup tricks you can incorporate:
- Whiten Your Smile with Liner: Line your lips slightly outside your natural lip line with a nude lip liner that matches your skin tone. This plumps the appearance of your lips and creates a subtle barrier between your lipstick and your teeth, making them appear whiter.
- The Power of Highlighting: Apply a touch of highlighter to your cupid’s bow (the dip in the center of your upper lip) to draw attention to your lips and further enhance the whiteness of your teeth.
- Maintain a Healthy Smile: Of course, the best way to have a bright smile is to take care of your teeth! Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and schedule regular dental cleanings.
Finding Your Perfect Smile-Brightening Shade:
- Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, test lipstick shades on your lips before purchasing. This will give you a better idea of how the color looks against your skin tone and undertones.
- Consider Your Overall Look: Think about the occasion and your desired look when choosing a lipstick shade. A bold fuchsia might be perfect for a night out, while a shimmery nude might be more appropriate for work.
- Embrace Your Uniqueness: There’s no single “perfect” shade. The most important thing is to find a lipstick color that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Also Read:
10 Matte Yet Comfortable Liquid Lipsticks for Summer!
How to choose the perfect nude shades that don’t wash you off?
Ditch your colours go for muted lips instead this Spring 2024!
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