Lipstick Colors for Cool Skin Tones: Shade Finder for Light, Medium and Deep Skin | Red Apple Lipstick
Let’s talk lipstick colors for cool skin tones. If you shop online and can’t swatch in person, it can feel like a guessing game. This guide makes it easier with clear undertone tips and quick shade picks you can shop right away at Red Apple Lipstick.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between skin tone and undertone?
Your skin tone is your surface color (fair/light, medium, or dark). Your undertone is the subtle tone underneath your skin. If you have a cool undertone, you’ll often see bluish, red, or pink tones in your skin.
Do I have a cool skin tone?
A quick check is your wrist veins. If they look blue or purple, you likely lean cool. Another clue: silver jewelry often looks more natural than gold.
Quick tip: If you feel “in between,” you may be neutral. Neutral undertones can often wear both cool and warm shades, then adjust intensity (one coat vs two) to match your comfort level.
What are the best colors for cool skin tones?
The easiest win is choosing lipsticks that also lean cool: blue-based pinks, berry pinks, plums, wines, and blue-reds. If you want a quick visual, tap the image below.
We’ll break this guide into pink, red, nude, and berry. If you want warm-leaning shades like browns, corals, and oranges, head over to our lipstick colors for warm skin tones guide instead.
Quick shade finder
Start here if you want the fastest way to choose.
Best pink lipsticks for cool skin tones
Cool undertones tend to look amazing in pinks with blue, lavender, or berry undertones.
Light skin tones
Soft, neutral pink that stays timeless and wearable.
Melissa is wearing Audrey.
Mauve rose-pink that plays nicely with cool and neutral undertones.
Melissa is wearing Mabel.
Dusty rose meets mauve for a soft, flattering finish.
Melissa is wearing Maven Mauve.
Nude-pink with more pink than brown, great when you want “your lips but better.”
Melissa is wearing Oh My Guava.
Cool-toned pink with a luminous sheen for a fuller-looking lip.
Melissa is wearing Secrets.
Medium skin tones
A reliable, elegant pink that works across undertones.
Andrea is wearing Audrey.
True raspberry that can go bold or be worn as a stain.
Featured here is Hibiskiss.
A bright pink-red that looks juicy and fresh on cool undertones.
Ashley is wearing Kissimmee.
Soft blossom pink with cool lavender undertones.
Andrea is wearing Oh Snapdragon.
Deep skin tones
A bold berry pink that makes lips pop.
Fran is wearing Hibiskiss.
Lavender-cool orchid pink with a softer, romantic vibe.
Featured here is Oh Snapdragon.
Best red lipsticks for cool skin tones
Cool undertones shine in blue-based reds. They can brighten the complexion and often make teeth look whiter.
Light skin tones
Bright, classic red with a cool-friendly undertone.
Jordan is wearing Red Apple Red.
Deep, sultry blue-red with a satin look (blot once for a softer finish).
Melissa is wearing Rebel!
Medium skin tones
A true statement red that stays cool and dramatic.
Andrea is wearing Rebel!
Classic bright red that stays wearable day to night.
Andrea is wearing Red Apple Red.
Pinky-red that can work beautifully across undertones.
Featured here is Starlette.
Deep skin tones
Blue-red depth that looks striking and timeless.
Fran is wearing Rebel!
A bright red that still feels refined on deeper skin.
Featured here is Red Apple Red.
Best nude lipsticks for cool skin tones
For nudes, aim for a shade slightly lighter or deeper than your complexion. Avoid super pale nudes that wash you out, and avoid exact “concealer-lip” matches.
Light cool skin tones
A soft nude-leaning rose that stays flattering on cool undertones.
Andrea is wearing Maven Mauve.
A pink-leaning nude that complements natural lip tone.
Melissa is wearing Oh My Guava.
Medium skin tones
A dependable cool-leaning nude for everyday wear.
Featured here is Maven Mauve.
A tan nude with a healthy-looking shine.
Featured here is Naughty.
Rosy brown nude that pairs effortlessly with cool undertones.
Andrea is wearing Ooh La La.
Deep skin tones
Deep Bordeaux with rich depth, gorgeous as a bold nude on deep skin.
Fierce can wear like a confident, deep nude on cooler complexions.
Dusty rose-mauve with cool berry undertones, a beautiful nude on deep skin.
Fran is wearing Mayberry.
A rosy brown nude that stays flattering, not chalky.
Fran is wearing Ooh La La.
Want the crispest edge on nude lips? Pair your lipstick with a matching lip pencil, then soften the line with a fingertip for a natural finish.
Best berry lipsticks for cool skin tones
Cool undertones look stunning in blue-based berries: plums, wines, and violet-leaning pinks.
Light skin tones
Violet-fuchsia sparkle that can be worn sheer or layered.
Andrea is wearing Boys N Berries.
A gentle cool berry tone that won’t overpower fair skin.
Melissa is wearing Mayberry.
Classic berry that’s gorgeous with a single sheer coat.
Melissa is wearing Vogue.
Medium skin tones
Playful cool lavender-pink with shimmer.
Featured here is Boys N Berries.
Deep beet berry that builds beautifully.
Featured here is Can’t Be Beet.
Plum-red with a brightening finish.
Featured here is Mauve Me.
Wear it sheer, or layer up for a richer berry.
Featured here is Vogue.
Deep skin tones
Rich, bold berry that looks incredible on deep skin.
Fran is wearing Can’t Be Beet.
Deep Bordeaux berry-red for dramatic, luxe color.
Featured here is Fierce.
Hopefully this guide makes shopping easier when you want lipstick colors that flatter cool skin tones. If you want the lowest-risk way to try a few shades, start with lipstick samples, then come back and grab your favorite full-size.
Quick recap
- Cool undertones tend to shine in blue-based pinks, berries, plums, and blue-reds.
- Adjust intensity with one coat (stain) vs two coats (bold).
- For cleaner edges, pair with a lip pencil.
FAQs
What lipstick shades look best on cool undertones?
Look for blue-based pinks, plums, cool berries, and blue-reds. If a shade seems “too warm,” try wearing it as a light stain (one coat), or balance it with a cooler blush and eye look.
How can I tell if a red lipstick is cool-toned?
Cool reds usually read blue-red or cherry-red, not orange-red. If the red pulls slightly pink or berry, it often works beautifully on cool undertones.
What nude lipstick should I avoid if I have a cool undertone?
Skip very pale nudes and yellow-beige nudes that can wash you out. Instead, choose rosy nudes, mauves, or cool-leaning browns like Ooh La La.
I want my lips to look fuller. What should I pick?
Choose shades with light-reflecting shine or a luminous finish, like Secrets. A slightly deeper lip pencil blended at the edges can also create subtle dimension.
Do I need lip liner with lipstick?
Not always, but it helps if you want crisp edges or longer wear. For the easiest pairing, use a matching lip pencil, then apply lipstick on top.
What if I’m still not sure which shade to buy?
Start with lipstick samples, then come back for the full size once you’ve found your best match. It’s the simplest way to shop confidently online.
