6 Lipstick Shades Every Girl Needs to Own
When building out the perfect makeup arsenal, having the right shades of lipstick for every occasion is a must.
Lipstick can dress up a look and put the finishing touch on any outfit, hence why we think it's important to have just the array of lippies in your collection. And even though trendy shades like purple and jet black can be fun, it's more important to invest in the basics that have staying power.
Below, six shades of lipsticks you need to have along with a few of our fave specific picks.
Cool Red
Any lipstick connoisseur knows that not all reds are created equal! There are so many different tones of the color, but at the most basic level they can be separated into two categories: cool and warm. Cool reds have a blue base and are actually known for making your teeth look white–score!–and look best with cool eye looks, like silvers, grays and gunmetal. They also look just as fierce when paired with a clean eye or cat eye.
MAC Ruby Woo: $18.50
There's no doubt that MAC Ruby Woo is our choice for best cool red. A favorite of Rihanna, this lipstick is universally flattering and will make those pearly whites pop.
(via MAC)
Warm Red
On the other spectrum, it's also important to have a warm red on hand. Warm reds have an orange base and dance in the orange-coral category. We like warm reds because they tend to be a bit more wearable and casual than their cooler sisters, and they look really fresh with bronze, gold, copper or rust shadows. Warm reds can also give you a gorgeous golden flush and really enhance a tan.
Revlon Fire and Ice: $8.50
Believe it or not, this lipstick shade has been around since 1952! It's one of the most iconic warm red lipstick hues and has been worn by some of the world's top models and actresses because of its rich, look-at-me consistency.
(via ULTA)
Burgundy
For those days when you just need some drama! Burgundy is such a fun way to vamp up your look without taking it into Hot Topic territory. We like playing with opacity here–a blotted down burgundy lip creates a gorgeous stain that looks like you just chowed down on fresh blackberries. Or, load up on the color for intense pigment for a romantic, witchy air.
Crunchi Luxe Lipstick in Pomegranate: $30
You'll certainly turn heads in this deeply pigmented shade by non-toxic, vegan beauty brand Crunchi.
(via Crunchi)
Coral
When you want a little pop of color but don't want to do a whole red lip moment, coral is your BFF. Nestled somewhere between pink and warm red lies this deliciously flattering hue that looks good on every skin tone. Coral is easy, carefree and never feels like it's trying too hard—but it's also polished enough to work for day or night. It highlights the natural rosiness in your cheeks and can even double as a great blush shade in a pinch.
Too Faced Peach Kiss Lipstick: $21
A coat of this will perk up even the gloomiest of days! Too Faced makes our fave coral shade, and it even smells like peaches.
(via Too Faced)
Pink Nude
No nude is created equal and finding the perfect shade for your lip and skin tone can be a task–but when you find it, never let go! The perfect pink nude is only a shade darker than your actual lip shade with just a dash of pink to soften the face. So if you're very fair and pink, your perfect nude is going to be much different than your BFF with dark skin and deep brown lips. Point being, finding a nude lipstick is a personal journey, but an important one because this is literally going to be your everyday look. It's great when you're in a rush, going to school or shopping over the weekend. And you don't need to reapply 50 times.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk: $34
One of the dreamiest pink nude shades, this color has a cult following for good reason.
(via Charlotte Tilbury)
Fuchsia
Go pink or go home! A brilliant pink lip is an unexpected take on red and always brings in the compliments. It's flirty, it's fierce and it will always get you noticed. Fuchsia is so feminine and looks really cool worn with just about anything, just make sure you choose a shade that's not too blue.
Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Magenta Berry: $28
Put on your party pants because this pink pout is ready to get lit! Up the ante on every look with this pretty pink shade.
(via Laura Mercier)
Another opportunity to shake up your look? Your hair! HERE are seven subtle ways to make a hair change.