By Khanak Mehta
Spring and summer are *almost* here, and you know what that means. It’s time to start swapping out your deeper winter berry hues for pinkish lipstick shades instead. While pink lipstick shades are often the first colour that we all pick up when starting to experiment with makeup, it can often be a little tricky to pick out the best pink lipstick shades for your skin tone.
So, we’ve put together an easy guide to get you started. Scroll down to find out which pinkish lipstick shades will suit you the best, and don’t forget to check out our top recommendations, too. Get ready to think pink and pucker up!
Types of pinkish lipstick shades
There is a plethora of different pink coloured lipstick shades available in the market today. From natural pink lipstick shades to dark pink lipstick shades, and light pink lipstick shades – the options are quite literally endless. So, you may be wondering how to make the right pick.
Let's get one thing out of the way first – with the power of the right lipliner in your arsenal, you can practically make any shade work. But, keeping that aside, picking out a shade that flatters your skin tone is usually the best way to approach it. Here’s how you can make the right choice when it comes to pinkish lipstick shades.
If you have a fair skin tone, you can choose between poppier pinks and more natural, pink lipstick shades, too. There’s a good chance that you’ll have a cooler undertone in your skin, so pick a pinkish lipstick shade with a beautiful blue undertone that complements that.
Here are some of our top picks for fair skin pink lipstick shades.
Pinkish lipstick shades for tan skin
Browns, caramels, deeper pinks – you've got quite a few shades to pick from, here! Much like medium skin tones, tan skin tones can carry off quite a few pinkish lipstick shades. From light pink lipstick shades paired with a deeper lip liner, to dark pink lipstick shades, almost any hue will suit you. Here are some of our crowd-favourite picks that are making their way into everyone’s carts right now.
Pinkish lipstick shades for dusky skin
Looking for the right pink lipstick for dusky skin? We’ve got you covered. The name of the game is ‘bold’ - a lot of neutral-toned shades can have a tendency to wash you out, so stick to bright pink lipstick shades instead. Fuchsia or jewel-toned hues are your best best, and we’ve already done all the hard work for you – so just scroll down and add our hot picks to your cart ASAP.
Read more: Barbie-approved hot pink lip shades
Pinkish lipstick shades for medium-toned skin
Got medium-toned skin? Well, lucky for you, you can carry off most pinkish lipstick shades with ease, no matter the undertone. As a rule of thumb, stick to berry or watermelon shades when you want to make a statement, or more nude-leaning natural pink lipstick shades if you’re picking out something for the office. Here are some of the ones that made it onto our hit list.
Which pinkish lipstick shade should you choose?
As with most new experiments and adventures in makeup, there will be some amount of trial and error required at first when you’re dipping your toes – or your pout – into Barbie’s favourite shade. Our curations of the best pink lipstick shades are a great way to get started but be open to trying out different hues till you find the right one for yourself.
You should also keep in mind the finish when picking the right pinkish lipstick shade for yourself. Choose a matte finish if you’re planning on rocking this hue to your 9 to 5, grab a satin finish if you want a comfortable wear that still stays on all day long, and a lustrous finish for lots of shine – but keep in mind that there will be a few more touch-ups required than usual.
Also, don’t be afraid to wear this bold hue wherever you want – from your yoga sessions to work to Sunday brunch, you can never really go wrong with a pinkish lipstick shade, which is why it has such a soft spot in all our beauty-full hearts!
Your guide to applying pinkish lipstick shades perfectly
A bold hue like pink requires a little extra attention and effort compared to your go-to nude lipsticks. While you definitely can just channel your inner French girl and messily swipe it on and go about your day, a few finishing touches can make you look a little more put together.
Start with exfoliating your lips. A clean, even canvas will always help for better makeup application. We suggest choosing a yummy, sugar-based scrub that’s gentle on the lips. Follow it up with a generous amount of lip balm, especially if you’re swiping on a matte formula.
Then, go in with a matching lipliner and outline your lips. This will help give you a guide to place the lipstick colour, and avoid it from feathering and bleeding, too. You can also overline your lips to make them look poutier.
And finally, swipe on your lipstick – consider applying it with a lip brush for ultra-precise application. Voila, all done!
Time to think pink
Are you ready to give these lipstick shades a try? Our guide will help you pick the right hues that will complement your skin tone instead of making it look washed out, and trust us – you might just end up finding your signature shade in the process, too.
Get ready to become the centre of attention everywhere you go – in the best way possible, of course!
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Pink lipsticks 101
Q. How do I turn a satin lipstick formula into a matte one?
Apply your lipstick like you usually do and dab off the excess. Place a tissue paper on your lips and brush a translucent setting powder on top.
Q. My makeup looks very dull. Should I try a pink lipstick?
Yes, pinkish lipstick shades are the best way to add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral makeup look, without adding too much drama like a berry or brown lip.
Q. Are pinkish lipstick shades suitable for dusky skin tones?
Yes! A bright hue will add a beautiful contrast to deeper skin tones and help your makeup pop.