Top 5 Essential Lipstick Shades Every Woman Should Own | Red Apple Lipstick
Discover the essential lipstick shades every woman should own. From classic reds to versatile nudes, this simple guide covers five must-have hues that make getting ready easier, faster, and more fun.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the lip color options? You are not alone. Let Red Apple Lipstick be your shortcut to a perfectly balanced makeup bag.
The 5-shade “capsule” lipstick wardrobe:
- A “My Lips But Better” shade for effortless everyday polish
- A classic red for timeless confidence
- A pretty pink for fresh, flattering color
- A nude that finishes your look without stealing the spotlight
- A bold pop for days you want extra personality
5 Essential Lipstick Shades for Every Woman’s Makeup Kit
It is tempting to collect every shade under the sun, but a few smart staples can cover almost every mood, outfit, and occasion. Here are the five shades worth keeping within arm’s reach.
1) “My Lips But Better” Lipstick Shade
What is it? A shade that is as close as possible to your natural lip color, just a touch deeper or more defined, so your lips look naturally perfected.
When to wear: Your everyday go-to, especially with minimal makeup. It also pairs beautifully with a bolder eye look when you want your lips to stay soft and balanced.
Easy tip: Take a selfie in bright, even daylight with bare lips. Zoom in on just your lips and compare lipstick swatches to that natural tone.
Our RAL Pick
If you want a flattering MLBB that can go from sheer to more defined, try Maven Mauve for that dusty-rose-meets-mauve sweet spot.
2) The Classic Red Lipstick
What is it? A true, confident red that feels elegant and timeless. A classic red can instantly elevate even the simplest makeup.
When to wear: Date nights, celebrations, weddings, work, and weekends. Red is surprisingly versatile, and you can wear it softly or build it up for drama.
Our RAL Pick
Finding “your” red is easier when you match it to your undertone. For a quick shortcut, see The Best Red Lipstick For Your Skintone and then pick the red that makes you feel unstoppable.
For a warm, vibrant red that flatters many skin tones, Risqué! is a standout favorite.
3) Your Perfect Pretty Pink Shade
What is it? A pink that brightens your face and looks “alive” on your lips, whether it is soft and romantic or a touch more bold.
When to wear: Literally anytime, day or night. Pink can read sweet, polished, playful, or sophisticated depending on the shade you choose.
Our RAL Pick
If you want help choosing a pink that truly fits your undertone, start with Best Pink Lipstick for Your Skin Tone and then explore Best Pink Lipsticks for Day & Night for easy outfit-and-occasion pairings.
Audrey is a bestseller for a reason: it is a soft, elegant neutral pink that works beautifully across ages and skin tones.
If you love a warmer pink vibe, Day After Morocco is a gorgeous option for warm undertones.
4) The Perfect Shade of Nude Lipstick
What is it? A neutral shade that complements your skin tone and gives your lips a finished, natural look without competing with the rest of your makeup.
When to wear: When you want your eyes or complexion to be the focus, or when you want a polished look that never feels “too much.”
If you want a deeper dive, read All About Nude Lipsticks & How to Wear Them, then use Best Nude Lipstick for Your Skin Tone to narrow down your best match.
Our RAL Pick
If you prefer a warm, easy nude that flatters a lot of complexions, try Naughty for a comfortable nude you will reach for again and again.
Want to remove the guesswork? A nude lipstick sample bundle is the fastest way to see what truly works on your actual lips (not your arm), especially since undertones can shift shade results.
5) A Pop of Color (Bold Lip Color)
What is it? A brighter or deeper shade that adds personality fast. Think bold pinks, berries, and statement reds that make the lips the main event.
When to wear: Anytime you want extra impact. Bright shades often feel especially fun in spring and summer, while deeper tones are perfect for fall and winter.
If you want styling help, How to Wear a Bright Lipstick & Why shows how to balance your makeup so your bold lip feels wearable, not overwhelming.
Our RAL Pick
For a standout bright lip, Unpinkable is pure confidence and looks amazing across many skin tones.
If you prefer a more subtle pop of color, try shades like Oh Snapdragon and Secrets, or explore Mayberry and Paris for a softer, everyday-bold feel.
Your turn: Which five shades would you keep if you had to build a “forever” lipstick wardrobe? Share your must-haves in the comments.
FAQs
Do I really need all five lipstick shades?
No, but these five categories cover the most common makeup moments. If you want to start small, begin with an MLBB shade and a nude, then add a red, a pink, and a pop color when you are ready.
How do I find my best “My Lips But Better” shade?
Use your natural lip color as the reference point. A quick daylight selfie helps, and a buildable shade like Maven Mauve makes it easy to go from subtle to more defined.
What is the most wearable “first red” if I feel nervous?
Start with a red that you can apply softly, then build up. If you want a warm-leaning classic red that still feels approachable, Risqué! is a great place to begin.
What color lipstick goes with almost everything?
A well-matched nude tends to be the easiest “go with anything” option because it complements both bold and minimal makeup. If you want to try multiple nudes quickly, the nude lipstick sample bundle makes choosing simpler.
What lipstick shade can help teeth look whiter?
Many people like reds or pinks that lean slightly cooler because they can create a brighter-looking contrast. If you want a color that feels vibrant but still balanced, experiment with your application and keep the rest of your makeup soft.
What is a good “bold but still wearable” pop of color?
A bright shade that you can dab on lightly is a great trick for everyday bold. Try Unpinkable with a softer application for daytime, then add layers for a full statement lip.