Lipstick Colors for Cool Skin Tones

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lipstickcolorsforcoolskintones

Let's talk about lipstick colors for those with cool skin tones. It can be hard to choose the right lipstick color that will complement your complexion when shopping without being able to try them on.

This guide will make it easier.

What is the difference between skin tone and undertone?

Your skin tone is basically your surface skin color of which there are 3 categories, Fair/Light, Medium, and Dark. Your skin’s undertone is the color tone underneath your skin, people with cool skin tones have cool undertones- bluish, red, or pink tones to their skin.

Do I Have A Cool Skin Tone?

The easiest way to figure out your undertone is by looking at the color of your veins on the inside of your wrist, those with cool undertones will have veins that appear blue or purple. They also look better with silver jewelry rather than gold.

What are the best colors for cool skin tones?

The best colors for cool undertones are lipsticks (or clothes!) that also have cool undertones. Keep reading to find out what are the best colors for each skin tone as well as some great RAL lipstick suggestions.

Check out the color wheel below to see in general which colors are considered warm and cool. Keep in mind that with lipsticks (and certain shades of clothing) there can be undertones to a color. Such as a "Blue based red lipstick" which takes a technically warm base color of red and shifts it into a cool color with the blue undertones as you can see below.

How To Find The Best Lipstick Colors For Cool Skin Tones

In the sections below we're going to separate lipsticks into their basic color categories: pink, red, nude, berry. We won't be covering brown or corals/oranges - because those are lipstick colors for warm skin tones typically.

Within each lipstick color category, we will break down the best shades (and why) for each skin tone (meaning light, medium, and deep/dark). So scroll to the shade of lipstick you're wanting to try, find your skin tone and take a look.

At Red Apple we believe that if you feel fabulous in a lipstick then it doesn't matter if it fits any color theory rules, and you are always free to wear whatever makes you happy and confident. These suggestions are for anyone who want the guidance and to know with certainty what's going to look stellar on them!

Best Pink Lipsticks For Cool Skin Tones

In general, cool skin tones will look great with pink shades that have cool undertones such as blue-toned pinks and lavender.

Lighter skin tones look the best with lighter, softer shades of pinks. Avoid pinks that are too dark and bold that could end up looking too harsh. Look for shades with blue and purple undertones- rosy pinks, magentas, and lavenders for example. Some great RAL lipstick options for lighter cool skin tones are:

Audrey - this lipstick color works pretty much on any skin tone and undertone so this one is a go-to. It’s a soft, neutral pink lipstick shade that is elegant and timeless.

Image of lady with light skin tone, strawberry blonde hair and blue/green eyes wearing Audrey by Red Apple Lipstick . Audrey is Audrey is soft, elegant, and sophisticated. This no-shimmer, neutral pink lipstick.

Melissa is wearing Audrey by Red Apple Lipstick


Mabel- a beautiful mauve, rose pink. This is a slightly cool-toned pink that works perfectly for cool undertones and neutral undertones.


Image of close up lips on a light skin toned model wearing Mabel Lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Mabel is a gorgeous, long lasting mauve, rose pink

Melissa is wearing Mabel by Red Apple Lipstick


Maven Mauve- a blend between dusty rose and mauve, ideal for cool undertones and great for neutral tones.

Image of lady with light skin tone wearing Maven Mauve lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Maven Mauve is the perfect blend between dusty rose and mauve. Gorgeous and light with no shimmer

Melissa is wearing Maven Mauve by Red Apple Lipstick


Oh My Guava- nude-pink shade with less brown and more pink undertones. Great for almost any skin tone, but very flattering on cool undertones.


Image of lady with fair skin tone, light brown to dark strawberry blonde hair, greenish blue eyes wearing Oh My Guava by Red Apple Lipstick. This no-shimmer nude has less brown than most nudes, and more pink undertones to complement your natural pink lip color

Melissa is wearing Oh My Guava by Red Apple Lipstick

Secrets- cool-toned pink with a deep golden shimmer. This creamy and smooth lipstick shade is great to help make the lips appear fuller.

Image of lady with fair skin tone, light brown to dark strawberry blonde hair, greenish blue eyes wearing Secrets Lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Secrets is a cool toned pink lipstick that has deep golden shimmer and a brilliant sheen.

Melissa is wearing Secrets by Red Apple Lipstick

Medium skin tones can pull off almost any color of pink, but avoid very light shades of pink. If you have a cooler complexion look for those pinks with blue and purple undertones. Raspberries and hot pinks tend to be very flattering on medium skin tones. These are some great lipstick color options for cool medium skin tones:

Audrey- a soft, neutral pink lipstick shade that is elegant and timeless. Works great on any skin tone and undertone.

lImage of lady with medium skin tone blue eyes and naturally curly brown hair wearing Audrey by Red Apple Lipstick. Audrey is Audrey is soft, elegant, and sophisticated. This no-shimmer, neutral pink lipstick.

Andrea is wearing Audrey by Red Apple Lipstick

Hibiscus - a deep, berry pink with a hint of red to it, this is a true raspberry color. Wear it bold or simply as a stain, perfect for those with cool as well as neutral undertones.


Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Hibiscus. Hibiscus is a luscious and vibrant true raspberry color. A deep, berry pink with a hint of red.

This is Hibiscus by Red Apple Lipstick

Kissimmee- a perfectly balanced pink and red color. It’s creamy and applies smoothly, a full-coverage color that gives you a bright and juicy pout. This one is perfect for cool undertones.

Ashley is wearing Kissimmee by Red Apple Lipstick

Mabel- a beautiful mauve, rose pink. This is a slightly cool-toned pink that works perfectly for cool undertones.

Image of a lipstick bullet in the shade called Mabel by Red Apple Lipstick. Mabel is a gorgeous, long lasting mauve, rose pink.

Featured here is Mabel by Red Apple Lipstick

Maven Mauve- a blend between dusty rose and mauve, ideal for cool undertones.

Image of a lipstick bullet in the shade called Maven Mauve by Red Apple Lipstick. Maven Mauve is the perfect blend between dusty rose and mauve. Gorgeous and light with no shimmer.

Featured here is Maven Mauve by Red Apple Lipstick

Oh Snapdragon- soft blossom pink with cool undertones of lavender, a colorful yet soft full-coverage color.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, blue eyes and brown hair pulled up to a loose bun. She is wearing Oh Snapdragon lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Oh Snapdragon is a soft blossom pink lipstick with cool-undertones of lavender that gives your lips a great kiss of color

Andrea is wearing Oh Snapdragon by Red Apple Lipstick

Secrets- cool-toned pink with a deep golden shimmer. This lipstick shade is great to help make the lips appear fuller.

Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Secrets by Red Apple Lipstick. Secrets is a cool toned pink lipstick that has deep golden shimmer and a brilliant sheen.

Featured here is Secrets by Red Apple Lipstick


Darker skin tones usually look best with deeper and bolder shades of pinks. Look for pinks with purple undertones such as fuchsias as well as blue-toned hot pinks. These two RAL lipsticks will make lips pop on darker skin tones:


Hibiscus- a deep, berry pink with a hint of red to it, this is a true raspberry color. Wear it bold or simply as a stain.


Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair looking towards her left. She is shown wearing Hibiscus lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Hibiscus is a luscious and vibrant true raspberry color. A deep, berry pink with a hint of red.

Fran is wearing Hibiscus by Red Apple Lipstick


Oh Snapdragon- this is a soft blossom pink with cool undertones of lavender.


Image of a lipstick bullet in the shade called Oh Snapdragon. Oh Snapdragon is a soft blossom pink lipstick with cool-undertones of lavender

Featured here is Oh Snapdragon by Red Apple Lipstick


Best Red Lipsticks For Cool Skintones


Cool-toned or blue based red lipsticks will look the best on those with cooler complexions.


Light skin tones look amazing with blue-toned red lipsticks since they brighten the complexion as well as make the teeth look whiter. Burgundy-reds are also a good option to make the lips pop. These two RAL lipsticks look absolutely beautiful on lighter skin tones:


Red Apple Red- a classic signature red, light and bright with a slight pink undertone. This glamorous red is super comfortable on the lips being a creamy and moisturizing formula, perfect for all-day wear. Wear it bold for an attention-grabbing red lip or you can apply it softer as a subtle stain.

Image of lady with fair skin tone, blue eyes and blonde hair. She is wearing Red Apple Red Lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Red Apple Red is a robust classic signature red lipstick. This glamorous bright red color has a soft pink undertone and a creamy moisturizing formula.

Jordan is wearing Red Apple Red by Red Apple lipstick


Rebel- a gorgeous deep and sultry blue red shade, the classic retro red lipstick. It has a beautiful satin finish that gives the lips a healthy-looking shine. If you are looking for a matte finish though, simply blot once after applying and this will remove the shine and give it a matte finish.


Image of lady with fair skin tone, light brown to strawberry blonde hair color and blue/green eyes. She is wearing Rebel by Red Apple Lipstick. Rebel! is a deep luscious blue-based red that is slightly darker than our signature Red! It is free of shimmer but full of shine.

Melissa is wearing Rebel by Red Apple Lipstick


Medium skin tones can wear any shade of cool-toned reds, whether their deeper colors or brighter ones. Look for red lipsticks with blue or pink undertones. Some great RAL lipsticks for medium cool skin tones are these:


Rebel- a gorgeous deep and sultry blue red shade, the classic retro red lipstick. It has a beautiful satin finish that gives the lips a healthy-looking shine. For a matte finish simply blot once after applying, this will remove the shine giving it a matte finish.


Image of lady with medium skin tone, blue eyes and brown hair that has been pulled back into a top knot bun. She is wearing Rebel by Red Apple Lipstick. Rebel! is a deep luscious blue-based red that is slightly darker than our signature Red! It is free of shimmer but full of shine.

Andrea is wearing Rebel by Red Apple Lipstick


Red Apple Red- a classic signature red, light and bright with a slight pink undertone. This glamorous red is super comfortable on the lips, perfect for all-day wear. Wear it bold for an attention-grabbing red lip or you can apply it softer as a subtle stain.


Image of lady with medium skin tone, blue eyes and brown hair wearing Red Apple Red by Red Apple Lipstick. Red Apple Red is a robust classic signature red lipstick. This glamorous bright red color has a soft pink undertone and a creamy moisturizing formula.

Andrea is wearing Red Apple Red by Red Apple Lipstick

Starlette- this is a warm, pinky red shade that will work great on both cool and warm medium skin tones.


Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Starlette by Red Apple Lipstick. Starlette is a stunning pinky red.

Featured here is Starlette by Red Apple Lipstick


Darker skin tones can wear darker and deeper shades of red, more intense tones of blue-based reds while those with deeper skin tones can wear both deep and bright shades and look amazing. Berry hues are great shades to look for, purple and wine reds are also great for those with deeper skin tones. Here are some beautiful lipstick options for those with darker skin tones:


Rebel- a gorgeous deep and sultry blue red shade, the classic retro red lipstick. It has a beautiful satin finish that gives the lips a healthy-looking shine. For a matte look, simply blot once after applying to remove any shine.


Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair and dark eyes wearing Rebel by Red Apple Lipstick. Rebel! is a deep luscious blue-based red that is slightly darker than our signature Red! It is free of shimmer but full of shine.

Fran is wearing Rebel by Red Apple Lipstick


Red Apple Red- a glamorous, classic signature red, light and bright with a slight pink undertone. Wear it bold for an attention-grabbing red lip or you can apply it softer as a subtle stain.


Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Red Apple Red by Red Apple Lipstick. Red Apple Red is a robust classic signature red lipstick. This glamorous bright red color has a soft pink undertone and a creamy moisturizing formula.

Featured here is Red Apple Red by Red Apple Lipstick

Wine & Dandy- a wine shade with less brown and a more purple tone to it. It can be worn as either a lip stain or bold by applying multiple coats.


Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair and dark eyes wearing the lipstick in the shade called Wine & Dandy by Red Apple Lipstick. it will leave you with a beautiful and light berry stain.

Fran is wearing Wine & Dandy by Red Apple Lipstick


Best Nude Lipsticks For Cool Skin Tones


When it comes to nude lipsticks, you want to choose a shade that is either a little lighter or darker than your overall complexion color. Avoid shades that are way too light since these might end washing you out and make you look pale. Also, avoid nude shades that match your complexion, these will end up looking like you have concealer on instead.

Light cool skin tones will look best with soft, dusty nude pinks with cool undertones. Avoid nude shades that have yellow undertones, as these could wash your face out. Here are some great RAL lipstick color options:

Maven Mauve- this is a blend of dusty rose and mauve, perfect for those with cool and neutral undertones.


Image of lady with light skin tone, long brown naturally curly hair. She is wearing the lipstick in the shade called Maven Mauve by Red Apple Lipstick. Maven Mauve is the perfect blend between dusty rose and mauve. Gorgeous and light with no shimmer.

Andrea is wearing Maven Mauve by Red Apple Lipstick

Oh My Guava- nude pink shade with less brown and more pink undertones, works great with any undertone but very flattering for those with cool undertones.

Image of lady with fair skin tone, light brown to strawberry blonde hair color and blue/green eyes. She is looking to her left with her head tilted slightly downward and she is shown wearing the lipstick in the shade called Oh My Guava by Red Apple Lipstick. Oh My Guava is destined to be your favorite nude-pink color. This no-shimmer nude has less brown than most nudes, and more pink undertones to complement your natural pink lip color.

Melissa is wearing Oh My Guava by Red Apple Lipstick

Medium skin tones should choose a shade that is slightly lighter or darker than your complexion. Go with shades that have cool-toned nudes, shades that have some red to them, or even a subtle blush pink that is just a bit darker than the color of your natural lip color would look great. Some great options are:

Maven Mauve- this is a blend of dusty rose and mauve, perfect for those with cool undertones.


Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Maven Mauve by Red Apple Lipstick. Maven Mauve is the perfect blend between dusty rose and mauve. Gorgeous and light with no shimmer.

Featured here is Maven Mauve by Red Apple Lipstick

Naughty - the perfect tan nude, has no shimmer but it does give the lips a healthy shine. This one is great for those with warmer complexions but can also work with cool medium skin tones.


Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Naughty by Red Apple Lipstick. Naughty is a perfect, tan nude color with no shimmer, but still gives your lips a healthy shine that is oh-so glamorous.

Featured here is Naughty by Red Apple Lipstick


Ooh La La- dusty rose shade that is slightly pink, slightly brown. Good for all medium skin tones, but looks great on those with cool undertones.

Image of up close lady's face with medium skin tone. She is looking to her right slightly downward wearing lipstick in the shade called Ooh La La by Red Apple Lipstick. Dusty rose that is so easily worn that it should be with you at all times. It goes with everything! The only color of its kind – Ooh La La cannot be compared and should be worn all the time. No shimmer, slightly pink, slightly brown, simply gorgeous

Andrea is wearing Ooh La La by Red Apple Lipstick


Dark skin tones should look for deeper shades of nude, those with cool undertones to them. Berry nudes that are blue-based are a good choice or cooler shades of browns. These are some great RAL options that are great for cooler dark skin tones:


Fierce- a deep Bordeaux red with rich purple and chocolatey undertones.


Image of a lipstick bullet in the shade called Fierce by Red Apple Lipstick. Fierce is a deep Bordeaux red lipstick with rich purple + chocolatey undertones.

Fierce is more brown than purple but can work beautifully on cool deep skin because it's usually very close to your base lip color.


Gypsy Soul- brick red with a brown undertone. Absolutely gorgeous on darker and deeper skin tones.


Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair and dark eyes wearing lipstick in the shade called Gypsy Soul by Red Apple Lipstick. Gypsy Soul is a brick red with a brown undertone. It is deep and soulful and can be worn light or dark, which gives it incredible versatility.

Fran is wearing Gypsy Soul by Red Apple Lipstick

Mayberry- dusty rose mauve with medium depth with a cool-toned berry undertone. Has a slight micro shimmer to it, but not noticeable once applied. This lipstick color makes a beautiful nude shade on dark skin tones.


Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair and dark eyes. She is shown wearing Mayberry Lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Mayberry is a dusty rose mauve with medium depth. It isn’t too dark or too bright…with an undertone is that of a cool toned berry.

Fran is wearing Mayberry by Red Apple Lipstick


Ooh La La- dusty rose shade that is slightly pink, slightly brown. A great nude for dark skin tones.


Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Ooh La La by Red Apple Lipstick. Ooh La La by Red Apple Lipstick. Dusty rose that is so easily worn that it should be with you at all times. It goes with everything! The only color of its kind – Ooh La La cannot be compared and should be worn all the time. No shimmer, slightly pink, slightly brown, simply gorgeous.

Fran is wearing Ooh La La by Red Apple Lipstick

Best Berry Lipsticks For Cool Skin Tones

Those with cooler complexions will want to look for cooler shades of berry lipsticks. Choose shades that have blue undertones such as plums and wines.

Light skin tones want to choose lighter, or sheer, cool-toned berry shades. You don’t want something too dark that will overpower your complexion. Here are some great RAL options:

Boys N Berries- a violet/fuchsia blend with silver glitter sparkles. Can be applied sheer or layered to intensify the color.


image of light skin tone lady up close lips showing the lipstick in the shade called Boys N Berries by Red Apple Lipstick. Boys ‘N Berries is a super fun pink lipstick that has a lavender tint. It goes on smooth, feels like a balm, smells amazing and the pretty silver glitter sparkles and shines. Lots of glitter and glam, this violet/fuchsia blend will have you coming back for more.

Andrea is wearing Boys N Berries by Red Apple lipstick


Mayberry- dusty rose mauve with medium depth with a cool-toned berry undertone. Has a slight micro shimmer to it, but not noticeable once applied.


Image of lady with long light brown to strawberry blonde hair and light skin tone. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Mayberry by Red Apple Lipstick. Mayberry is a dusty rose mauve with medium depth. It isn’t too dark or too bright…with an undertone is that of a cool toned berry. It has a slight micro shimmer to it that’s not noticeable when applied.

Melissa is wearing Mayberry by Red Apple Lipstick


Vogue- a classic berry-toned lipstick. Wear it sheer with a single coat, perfect for lighter skin tones.


Image of lady with long light brown to strawberry blonde hair and light skin tone. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Vogue by Red Apple Lipstick. Vogue is the perfect name for this classic, berry toned lipstick. It has just a hint of sparkle to it, lots of shine and the smell is luscious.

Melissa is wearing Vogue by Red Apple Lipstick


Medium skin tones look great with deeper shades of berries. Some RAL lipstick options are

Boys N Berries- a violet/fuchsia blend with silver glitter sparkles. Can be applied sheer or layered to intensify the color.


Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Boys N Berries by Red Apple Lipstick. Boys ‘N Berries is a super fun pink lipstick that has a lavender tint. It goes on smooth, feels like a balm, smells amazing and the pretty silver glitter sparkles and shines. Lots of glitter and glam, this violet/fuchsia blend will have you coming back for more.

Featured here is Boys N Berries by Red Apple Lipstick


Can’t Be Beet- this a deeper berry color resembling the color of a purple beet. Can be applied softly as a berry stain or bolder with multiple coats.


Image of a lipstick bullet in the shade called Can't Be Beet by Red Apple Lipstick. This deep and luxurious lipstick resembles the beauty of delicious freshly picked berries or a freshly sliced purple beet.

Featured here is Can't Be Beet by Red Apple Lipstick


Mauve Me- beautiful plum with red undertones and a bit of shimmer.


Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Mauve Me by Red Apple Lipstick. Mauve Me is a beautiful plum-red with a little shimmer and wonderful smell. The unique finish of this lipstick instantly brightens your complexion and creates the illusion of a whiter smile.

Featured here is Mauve Me by Red Apple Lipstick


Vogue- a classic berry-toned lipstick. Applies on sheer but can be intensified with multiple coats.


Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Vogue by Red Apple Lipstick. Vogue is the perfect name for this classic, berry toned lipstick. It has just a hint of sparkle to it, lots of shine and the smell is luscious..

Featured here is Vogue by Red Apple Lipstick


Wine & Dandy- a wine shade with less brown and a more purple tone to it. It can be worn as either a lip stain or bold by applying multiple coats.


Image of close up lips on a lady with medium skin tone. She is featured wearing lipstick in the shade called Wine & Dandy. Though it appears dark in the tube it can be worn either way. If you like a deep vampy look, apply two coats, blotting in between. If you prefer a simple wine stain apply with our lip brush, then blot – it will leave you with a beautiful and light berry stain.

Raf is wearing Wine & Dandy by Red Apple Lipstick


Dark skin tones look amazing with those deeper and darker, richer shades of cooler berries. Here are some great choices:


Can’t Be Beet- this a deeper berry color resembling the color of a purple beet. Can be applied softly as a berry stain or bolder with multiple coats.


Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Can't Be Beet by Red Apple Lipstick. This deep and luxurious lipstick resembles the beauty of delicious freshly picked berries or a freshly sliced purple beet.

Fran is wearing Can't Be Beet by Red Apple Lipstick


Fierce- a deep Bordeaux red with rich purple and chocolatey undertones.


Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Fierce. Fierce is a deep Bordeaux red lipstick with rich purple + chocolatey undertones.

Featured here is Fierce by Red Apple Lipstick


Wine & Dandy- a wine shade with less brown and a more purple tone to it. It can be worn as either a lip stain or bold by applying multiple coats.Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Wine & Dandy by Red Apple Lipstick. Though it appears dark in the tube it can be worn either way. If you like a deep vampy look, apply two coats, blotting in between. If you prefer a simple wine stain apply with our lip brush, then blot – it will leave you with a beautiful and light berry stain.

Fran is wearing Wine & Dandy by Red Apple Lipstick


Hopefully, this guide comes in handy when shopping at Red Apple Lipstick for those perfect lipstick colors for cool skin tones.

Feel free to try other shades that are not these though, you can always try samples of any of RAL lipsticks to see if they work for you.

You can also take a look at our other lipstick guides for more helpful suggestions. 

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