Can we have a moment of appreciation for pink lipstick? It’s one of the biggest confidence-boosting colours—it can be soft and feminine or bold and graphic—and it never goes out of style. Whether it’s tried-and-true nude pink or wow-inducing fuchsia, there’s a perfect pink lipstick for every occasion, from weddings to job interviews to a night out. So, before you test-drive your next pink lipstick look, read on to find out how to choose one that will suit the occasion as well as your skin tone.
Nude pink
This is probably the most elusive of the pink lipstick family—a truly flattering nude pink is often best for everyday wear, but it can be a challenge to find. If you have a fair skin tone, avoid any shades that are too pale as they can wash you out and make your lips do a disappearing act. Instead, try L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude. If you have a darker skin tone, you’ll want a more apricot-tinted pink. (Think pink spiked with a hint of caramel.)
Baby pink
Baby-pink lipsticks typically have more white pigment in them. They have maximum impact when they’re opaque—think of a mod, ’60s-inspired vibe. A bubble-gum-pink lipstick is great for fair skin tones. A really matte baby pink can look quite stark against darker skin tones, so a sheer baby pink like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Glazed Pink will feel more wearable—almost like a pink-tinted balm.
Light pink
Blush tones are super-feminine—like ballet slippers but for your lips. This is one of the most low-maintenance pink lipstick colours as it’s typically soft and pretty (which means you can swipe it on in the back seat of a taxi sans mirror and you’ll still ace it). As for finish, stay away from anything too frosty in the light-pink family because it can look a little dated. (Hello, 1980s!) A good one to try is L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Ballerina Shoes.
Tea-rose pink
A tea-rose-pink lipstick feels like it’s fit for royalty. L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-Caron has a creamy matte finish that gives lips a plush and plump look. Rose that’s a little browner, like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Rose Crème, looks best on darker skin tones. This shade looks lively on cheeks as well, so don’t be shy to dab it on the apples of the cheeks for a full “English rose” glow.
Mauve pink
This is really the perfect pink lipstick for medium skin tones—it gives off a gorgeous “your lips but better” vibe. The purple undercurrent in the mauve pink grounds the colour and doesn’t feel too bold. Try L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Rose Sapphire. The creamy formula feels smooth, almost cushiony, on lips. If you’d like a bit more shine, try L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Varnished Rosewood.
Hot pink
Hot-pink lipstick is a power pout, especially for dark skin tones. So when the mood strikes, don’t shy away—go for a splash of magenta. Since a shocking pink can be a step out of some women’s comfort zones, a semi-matte finish, like the one in L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Colour in At The Drop of a Matte, makes it look more grown-up than a glossy formula. Considering dabbing on hot-pink lipstick with your fingertips so you can make it look like a stain. To apply pink lipstick on dark lips, simply blot the colour all over your lips, pressing it into the centre first, and then work your way to the outer corners. Remember to have a lip brush on hand to clean up the edges. Try L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Intense Fuchsia.